This year’s awards received an outstanding response, and sincere thanks go to everyone who took the time to submit an entry. Appreciation is also extended to the panel of dedicated judges, who generously shared of their time and expertise in reviewing the submissions.
While every initiative working towards positive change deserves recognition, the selected finalists stood out for the clarity, credibility and impact of their actions. The 2026 shortlist includes both familiar leaders whose long-term commitment continues to set the standard, and inspiring newer organisations already making a meaningful difference.
Winners will be announced at Experience Africa in London on 22 June 2026.
The ATTA® Purpose & People Award recognises an organisation that demonstrates exceptional leadership in heritage-focused African tourism, and creates a corporate culture of community, empowerment and inclusivity within their internal teams.
African Scenic Safaris is a 100% Tanzanian-owned Destination Management Company (DMC), founded in 2009 and headquartered in Moshi, Tanzania, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. For over 15 years, they have designed and delivered tailor-made safari, trekking, and cultural experiences across Tanzania from the Serengeti plains to the summit of Kilimanjaro serving small, medium, and high-end travellers who seek authentic, responsible travel. African Scenic Safaris is one of the first in mainland Tanzania to receive Travelife Certification in 2023. They are committed to fair employment, gender equality, and minimising environmental impacts.
Asilia Africa, a certified B Corp and member of The Long Run, was founded in 2004 by a group of family-run safari pioneers, bringing together decades of experience and a shared respect for the places they call home. Today, they operate 18 camps and lodges across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, remaining true to their founding heritage that travel should support the people and cultures that have shaped these landscapes over generations. In the last financial year, as part of Nawiri Group, US$11 million for nature protection and community impact was generated, supporting long-term conservation and community programmes across East Africa.
TAMÀNA designs distinctive and responsible travel experiences across Madagascar, celebrating the island’s cultural richness and extraordinary biodiversity. Their mission is to ensure that tourism uplifts communities, protects fragile ecosystems, and fosters education, while promoting transparency, ethical practices, and measurable positive change. Since February 2026, TAMÀNA has been officially Travelife Certified, meeting rigorous international sustainability standards. TAMàNA’s heritage tourism creates meaningful encounters that preserve culture, empower communities, and inspire travellers. By collaborating closely with local communities, they ensure that tourism strengthens cultural identity, generates livelihoods, and protects biodiversity.
The ATTA® Earthkeepers Award recognises an organisation that offers ethical wildlife experiences (wild or captive), respects animal welfare, educates tourists, and where applicable, has demonstrated a significant contribution to natural habitat conservation and the reduction of human wildlife conflict.
Chem Chem Association (CCA) is a registered non-profit organisation established in 2009 and is based within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in northern Tanzania. Uniquely positioned to protect the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor — a vital migratory route connecting Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks — CCA is committed to restoring and securing this ancient pathway while uplifting the communities that border it. They have transformed a once-depleted landscape into a thriving ecosystem through an integrated conservation model that combines anti-poaching efforts, habitat restoration, and data-driven wildlife protection with economic empowerment, education, and advocacy.
Gamewatchers Safaris is a conservation tour operator and a pioneer of the community conservancy model. Founded by Jakes Grieve-Cook on the principle that conservation can be achieved through meaningful community engagement and responsible tourism. This led to the establishment of the Selenkay Conservancy in 1997, the first conservancy of its kind in Kenya. The model is built on strong community partnerships, where local landowners lease their land for habitat protection and wildlife conservation while retaining ownership and custodianship. This approach has enabled the establishment of conservancies such as Selenkay and Ol Kinyei and has since been widely replicated across the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Green Safaris is a safari company operating in Zambia and Malawi with camps in some of southern Africa’s most important wildlife landscapes, including Kafue National Park, South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi. Founded on the belief that safari tourism should actively protect and restore the natural environments on which it depends, Green Safaris is known for pioneering low-impact safari operations, including electric safari vehicles, e-boats and solar-powered camps, but equally important is its long-term investment in wildlife conservation through the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation. The Foundation supports projects that protect threatened species, strengthen anti-poaching efforts, reduce human-wildlife conflict and empower communities to become long-term custodians of their landscapes.
Volcanoes Safaris offer expertly curated great ape and wildlife safaris incorporating sustainable conservation and community projects. Pioneers of gorilla and chimpanzee ecotourism in the region for over 25 years they offer a complete tailormade safari service to award-winning lodges in Rwanda and Uganda. Under the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, they launched the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project in August 2023 to establish a science-based conservation program which supports the protection of Uganda’s carnivore populations and improves the livelihoods of local people living in and around the wildlife parks.
The ATTA® Eco-Innovation Award recognises an organisation committed to protecting the planet and mitigating climate change through integrating eco-friendly practices and technologies, like renewable energy sources, and transparently monitors their efforts.
Asilia Africa, a certified B Corp and member of The Long Run, was founded in 2004 by a group of family-run safari pioneers, bringing together decades of experience and a shared respect for the places they call home. Today, they operate 18 camps and lodges across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, remaining true to their founding heritage that travel should support the people and cultures that have shaped these landscapes over generations. From the outset, Asilia Africa has prioritised low-impact design, renewable energy, and responsible resource use, and continue to invest in sustainability systems. Beyond their own camps they collaborate with local partners and suppliers to strengthen sustainable practices across the supply chain and invest annually into impact projects that enhance climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Porini Safari Camps, operated by Gamewatchers Safaris, are award-winning, low-impact eco-camps located within community-owned conservancies in Kenya. As pioneers of the conservancy model, they demonstrate how conservation-led tourism protects wildlife habitats, sustains biodiversity, and delivers long-term economic benefits to local communities through land lease payments. Set in ecologically sensitive landscapes across Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Ol Pejeta, and Meru, the camps operate under strict zero-waste and low-density principles, minimizing environmental impact while offering exclusive safari experiences. Sustainability is embedded across operations through local sourcing, reduced food waste, on-site kitchen gardens, and robust waste management practices including composting, reuse, and recycling. By applying circular economy principles, Porini demonstrates how tourism can significantly reduce waste while supporting conservation and community livelihoods.
Soroi Collection is a boutique portfolio of safari camps, lodges and a hotel rooted in Kenya’s most iconic ecosystems. From inception, its founding principle has been clear: to offer immersive, authentic luxury while actively safeguarding the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that make those experiences possible. A pioneer of operational sustainability, Soroi has been single-use plastic-free since 2018. One of the first safari operators in Kenya to take this step and has since built a long-standing, embedded model of low impact operations across energy, water, waste, and responsible sourcing that ensures guest experiences and conservation outcomes are intrinsically linked. Complementing this vision is its sister organization, Community and Wildlife Conservation (CWC), established in 2020.
The ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award celebrates organisations that prioritise seasonal, local and indigenous produce, working with ethical suppliers, minimising food waste, and educating guests and other stakeholders.
Lake Natron Camp, part of Leonotis Adventures Ltd, is a 10-tent eco-camp in one of the most remote and inhospitable areas of Tanzania. Run by a team of local Maasai (including 21 women) this is a unique ecological camp, set in one of the most visually dramatic locations in the world. Profit from the camp goes to the local village, Ngare Sero. Uncompromisingly eco-friendly, Lake Natron Camp is proudly certified by Travel Life and Responsible Tourism Tanzania, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Lake Natron Camp strives to be part of positive change and incentivise communities to participate in restoring habitats.
Pullman Cape Town City Centre is a premium city hotel located in the heart of Cape Town, offering business and leisure travellers a contemporary stay in one of South Africa’s most dynamic urban destinations. Positioned within easy reach of the city’s commercial centre, cultural landmarks and tourism attractions, the hotel combines international hospitality standards with a strong sense of place. Alongside guest experience, Pullman Cape Town City Centre has embedded responsible operating practices into its day-to-day business. The hotel’s approach includes a focus on resource efficiency, responsible sourcing, food waste reduction and community engagement, supported by recognised sustainability frameworks and internal governance structures.
Sirikoi Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge set within the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, offering an intimate safari experience. The lodge is built with a strong commitment to sustainability, operating under a low-impact model that prioritises environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and responsible resource use. As a member of The Long Run, Sirikoi aligns its operations with the 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. Sirikoi actively supports conservation efforts within Lewa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and contributes to the protection of endangered species. Through the Sirikoi Trust, the lodge invests in local community development, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, strengthening resilience within the surrounding communities.
The ATTA® Community Upliftment Award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a collaborative and caring culture within local communities, actively involving them in meaningful conservation and community actions, providing growth opportunities and improved wellbeing.
Cottar’s Safaris has a heritage spanning more than a century and five generations. Founded in 1919, it has evolved from a pioneering safari outfitter into a conservation-led tourism business committed to safeguarding biodiversity, supporting community wellbeing, celebrating Maasai culture, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Located with the private community owned Olderkesi Conservancy in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti, Cottar’s Safaris comprises Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa. Together, they offer low-density, high-value tourism within a vital wildlife corridor linking the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Loita Forest. At the heart of Cottar’s Safaris is a simple principle: tourism must create measurable value for both people and nature. Cottar’s Safaris is one of only twelve accredited Global Ecosphere Retreats® under The Long Run and holds Kenya’s Gold Ecotourism Certification.
Nomad Tanzania is an award-winning safari company operating eleven camps and lodges across Tanzania’s finest wilderness areas — from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in the north, to Ruaha and Nyerere in the south, and Katavi and Mahale in the west. Founded in the early 1990s by a small group of passionate safari pioneers, the company has grown with intention, maintaining a deliberately small footprint while deepening its commitment to the places and people at the heart of its operation. From the beginning, Nomad has operated on a simple but profound belief: that brilliant safaris, a strong business, and genuine investment in people are not competing priorities — they are mutually dependent. Nomad channels financial and logistical resource into community uplift, health outreach, and conservation programmes across remote Tanzania.
Founded over 40 years ago, Wilderness is a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, offering immersive journeys to a range of environments in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Wilderness is part of a global collective working to conserve the world’s iconic unfenced, untamed and unpredictable wilderness areas. With more than 55 exceptional camps and lodges, Wilderness helps protect some 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of land across its eight African destinations. Its goal – to double that by 2030. Wilderness aims to educate by improving access to education, nurturing the next generation of conservation thought-leaders; empower by growing a conservation economy with programmes that create self-sustaining communities, and protect the peaceful co-existence of wildlife and people, and restoration of habitats.
The ATTA® Marine Impact Award shines a spotlight on those organisations, products or services that are making a tangible difference to the protection of the marine and coastal environment of Africa’s Coastline whilst supporting long-term community benefits.
The ATTA® Collaborative Impact Award recognises collaboration and creativity of organisations that have aligned missions and share resources to have a holistic and meaningful impact for travel in Africa.
Go2Africa is a safari travel company designing tailor-made journeys across Africa in partnership with lodges, conservation areas, and community tourism initiatives. Their business model connects global travellers with Africa’s key wildlife landscapes while directing tourism revenue toward conservation and local economies. Through their Positive Impact programme, conservation and community outcomes are integrated into how they design and sell safaris, recognising that long-term success depends on healthy biodiversity and resilient communities.
As the link between travellers, suppliers, and NGOs, Go2Africa actively influences where tourism demand and revenue flows. As part of the Nawiri Group, a certified B Corp™, impact is embedded at an organisational level, supported by long-term investment in conservation partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
Lets Go Travel Uniglobe is a leading travel management company based at The Hub, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 1979, they specialise in seamless, sustainable, and personalised travel experiences across Africa and beyond. Part of Uniglobe Travel franchise (independently owned), Lets Go Travel Uniglobe is accredited by the International Air Transport Association, proud members of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, and a founding member of Ecotourism Kenya. At Lets Go Travel Uniglobe, collaboration is how they turn intention into impact working with partners around two deeply linked challenges: climate vulnerability and social inequality.
Lets Go Travel Uniglobe’s collaborative community impact work is part of a long-term, values-driven commitment, the success of which is driven by the active involvement of a diverse network of partners. Within this application key partners are recognised: The Pat Dixson Aid Programme sustained for 32 years by Global Connections, Druppels voor Kenia, Servants of Jesus, the American Women’s Association of Kenya, and Friends of the Programme, whose financial and in-kind commitment makes consistent, dignified food support possible across Limuru; Keep Her in School with partner institutions – ZanaAfrica Foundation, Nanyuki Cottage Hospital, Flexi Biogas International, Druppels voor Kenia Impulse21 and others; STTA collaborates on youth leadership through Young Change Makers, while universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions power MAARIFA. Conservation partners include Nature Kenya, East African Wildlife Society, Tsavo Trust, Colobus Conservation, Friends of Nairobi National Park, AFEW-Kenya, Friends of Oloolua Forest, Silver Oak Mazingira, and Ngare Ndare Forest Trust. Others mentioned: Amadeus Kenya, American Women’s Association, East Africa Women’s League, Diamond Trust Bank Kenya, Kenya Airways, and acknowledgment to many other dedicated individuals — collectively known as Friends of the Program.
The Safari Collection began with one family camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara and has grown into a small collection of properties across the country: Sala’s Camp, Sasaab, Solio Lodge, Siruai Mobile Camp and Giraffe Manor. Across these locations, they offer immersive safari experiences that connect guests to Kenya’s landscapes, wildlife and communities. An active member of The Long Run, The Safari Collection remains a family-run business, shaped by longstanding relationships. Through The Safari Collection Footprint Trust, they bring together conservation organisations, government bodies, community groups non-profit partners, and guests, to support projects that protect wildlife and ecosystems and create opportunity for local people and enable long-term impact.
The Safari Collection’s collaborative model is designed to be transparent and adaptable. Partnerships include that of: Justdiggit (JDI), the Grevy’s Zebra Trust (GZT) and Ewaso Lions (EL) in the Westgate Community Conservancy (WCC) where Sasaab is located leading large-scale rangeland restoration; in the Masai Mara, strengthening conservation management within the National Reserve working alongside Narok County Government, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), ranger units, conservation technology partners and other non-profit impact partners; partnerships with organisations such as Connected Conservation Foundation, 51 Degrees and SOLO Africa, rangers receive training in conservation technology and wilderness first aid, strengthening their professional skills and ability to support their wider communities; working with AFEW Kenya and KWS, in support of Nubian giraffe conservation in Nairobi; with KWS, Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and Save Giraffes Now supporting monitoring and translocation.
The ATTA® Traveller Education and Awareness Award recognises an organisation that educates travellers on how to be better visitors in order to make a more positive impact on tourism in Africa.
Blood Lions is a non-profit organisation dedicated to ending the exploitation of captive lions and other predators for commercial gain. Launched in response to the Blood Lions film, an exposé of the captive lion industry, Blood Lions works at the intersection of conservation, animal welfare, and responsible tourism. Their mission is to raise awareness, shift tourism (local and international) behaviour, and influence policy to dismantle exploitative wildlife practices such as cub petting, lion walking, voluntourism, canned hunting, and the commercial trade in live lions and their body parts. This is achieved through advocacy, research, strategic communications and lobbying, and public engagement initiatives. A core pillar of their work is educating travellers, both domestic and international, on how their tourism choices directly impact animal welfare and conservation outcomes.
EcoTraining is an African pioneer in safari guide and wildlife education. Established in 1993, it operates unobtrusive fenced bush camps in prime wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana and Kenya and is the first private training school accredited by the Council for Higher Education. Over three decades, it has trained more than 17 000 students and professional guides. It also equips members of local communities to build careers and leadership roles in South Africa’s ecotourism industry and become advocates for wildlife, ecosystems and sustainable tourism. The organisation offers accredited career courses, gap year and sabbatical programmes, nature and high school programmes, and custom guide training. EcoTraining also embraces digital learning, making nature-focused education accessible to people who cannot travel to the bush.
Marine Dynamics is a marine ecotourism organisation operating within an integrated ecosystem that combines tourism, education, research, and conservation. Together with the Marine Dynamics Academy, Dyer Island Conservation Trust, and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, the organisation delivers a holistic model designed to transform tourism into a driver of conservation impact. Across marine tours, trained guides and biologists deliver real-time interpretation using live wildlife encounters. Through these immersive experiences, structured programmes, and direct conservation exposure, Marine Dynamics connects a global audience with South Africa’s Marine Big 5 while embedding responsible tourism principles — contributing to Africa’s leadership in conservation-driven tourism. Collaboration underpins the programme, extending impact across local, national, and global levels.
The ATTA® Media Voice for Action Award recognises the importance of creativity, accurate storytelling, ethical focus, and audience impact to amplify the message of responsible tourism in Africa.
Bella wrote ‘Why 2026 is the year to visit Uganda for the ultimate gorilla encounter’ for the travel section of The Independent, a major international news outlet with a large digital readership. The article explores the conservation success story behind mountain gorilla tourism in Uganda and examines how carefully managed wildlife tourism has helped bring one of the world’s most endangered species back from the brink. Bella then shared a blog post about gorilla trekking on her website Passport & Pixels, and a second piece for Luxury Travel Australia, further increasing the story’s reach.
Catherine Marshall wrote ‘How gorilla tourism became a conservation success story’ for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, with a monthly readership of 1.75 million. The story coincided with the 30th anniversary of gorilla tourism in Uganda and sought to underscore the gains that have been made in that time and the appeal of Uganda as an attractive destination.
Marco Barneveld, Global Editor-in-Chief of WideOyster Magazine created a magazine special with multiple stories and videos on Arba Minch, gateway to the Omo Valley, the Dorze people, the Gamo and the Gamo Highlands, as part of a bigger project to create new community-based tourism experiences, enhance existing ones, map the entire tourism value chain in Arba Minch, train local DMCs, create a conscious guide for international tour operators, and run a multichannel campaign to enhance the visibility of these Ethiopian regions. GIZ (German Development Aid) funded the project that reached over 700 000 people.
The ATTA® Emerging Changemaker Award recognises an organisation (NGO, organisation, or business) that is at the beginning of the journey and committed to having a positive impact on people and/or planet through an inspiring project or collective actions.
Amazing Africa is a destination management company that actively contributes to community upliftment through its nonprofit arm, NALA Afrika, which stands for Nurturing Access to Long-Lasting Amenities. Kerstin Bahnmueller and Mirjam Meyer founded the NPC in 2025. NALA Afrika supports community-led initiatives focused on improving access to education and creating opportunities for long-term development. Rather than approaching upliftment as a once-off effort, the focus is on consistent involvement and solutions that respond to real needs. This includes supporting existing initiatives and helping to create environments where communities can grow and operate independently over time. Through its position as a DMC, Amazing Africa connects travellers, partners, and funding to these initiatives in a way that is meaningful and responsible.
The Mkambati Conservation and Community NPC is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the natural environment of the Mkambati Nature Reserve while uplifting the surrounding rural communities. Established as part of a broader conservation and tourism model, the organisation channels funding from conservation fees, tourism revenue, and donations into meaningful environmental and social impact initiatives. Its core mandate is twofold: to support conservation efforts within the reserve and to drive sustainable community development among the local mPondo people, who are the landowners through the
Mkambati Land Trust. Funds managed by the NPC are directed exclusively toward projects such as habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and environmental management, alongside community focused programmes including healthcare, education, and job creation.
Travel4Purpose offer 40+ curated, immersive, community-led experiences across Kenya with personalised itineraries designed end-to-end, often blending bush to beach journeys and special occasion celebration trips for travellers who want to experience Kenya beyond the obvious. Experiences are co-created with local communities and led by local guides, artisans and experts. From canoe rides through mangrove forests to e-biking through tea farms and dance workshops with youth groups in urban settlements, every experience is rooted in real people, places and stories. Travel4Purpose works with carefully vetted accommodation partners who prioritise sustainability, including renewable energy, low-impact operations and sourcing local materials. At its core, Travel4Purpose is about shifting tourism from extraction to exchange, keeping value in local hands, protecting culture and ecosystems and showing Kenya authentically to travellers, beyond the tourist traps and overcrowded routes.
