Serengeti Balloon Safaris wins TRA award for tax compliance

Arusha. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has honoured Serengeti Balloon Safaris with a Certificate of Merit in recognition of its tax compliance for the 2023/24 financial year.

The accolade was bestowed during the annual Taxpayers Appreciation Day ceremony held in Arusha.

Representing the company, general manager Bernard Vyamgoye accepted the award and emphasised Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ dedication to corporate responsibility and ethical practices within Tanzania’s tourism industry.

“We are proud to receive this certificate of merit from the Tanzania Revenue Authority. It affirms our commitment to integrity and transparency across all aspects of our operations, including our tax responsibilities,” Mr Vyamgoye said.

He continued: “At Serengeti Balloon Safaris, we believe that responsible tourism goes beyond offering experiences to our guests. It includes our duty to impact Tanzania’s economy and development. By fulfilling our tax obligations, we support public services and infrastructure that benefit both our communities and the tourism industry.”

Mr Vyamgoye expressed gratitude to the finance team and all staff members at Serengeti Balloon Safaris, whose efforts and ethical approach have been instrumental in achieving this recognition.

“This accolade inspires us to uphold our compliance standards and continue setting a benchmark for responsible business practices within Tanzania’s tourism industry,” he added.

As a provider of hot air balloon safari experiences in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Balloon Safaris offers guests aerial views of landscapes and wildlife.

The company’s marketing manager, Mr Pascal Kirigiti, noted that for over three decades, the company has offered visitors aerial views of the Serengeti while maintaining a commitment to conservation, community development, and responsible tourism practices.

The TRA’s recognition reinforces Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ reputation as a corporate entity contributing to Tanzania’s economic growth while delivering safari experiences.

In 2024, the company achieved a milestone by being named the world’s best balloon services provider, becoming the first company in Africa to achieve the feat. 

This announcement was made in November 2024 at the World Travel Awards’ grand finale, held in Funchal, Portugal.

“For the first time in history, Serengeti Balloon Safaris from Tanzania is recognised as the world’s top balloon services provider. Congratulations on your service,” stated the awards ceremony organisers.

“This recognition celebrated the quality and service of Serengeti Balloon Safaris and highlighted Tanzania’s rising prominence in the global tourism landscape,” said the company’s managing director, Mr John Corse.

Renowned for offering views over the Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Balloon Safaris provides guests with experiences blending aerial vistas with wildlife encounters.

TRA director of Human Resource Management and Administration Moshi Kabengwe handed over the Serengeti Balloon Safaris General Manager, Mr Bernard Vyamgoye, a certificate of Merit.