Serengeti Balloon Safaris, a luxury tourism operator in Tanzania, has become the world's first hot-air balloon company to achieve Certified B Corporation status. The certification, awarded in August 2026, recognises the company's commitment to social, environmental, and governance practices. This milestone highlights the company's dedication to creating a positive impact on its stakeholders, including employees, guests, the community, and the environment. With this achievement, Serengeti Balloon Safaris sets a new standard for the tourism industry in Tanzania.
The certification was awarded after an independent assessment of the company's governance, treatment of workers, community impact, environmental performance, and approach to customers. Serengeti Balloon Safaris recorded a B Impact Score of 97.1, significantly higher than the current median score of 50.9 for ordinary businesses completing the assessment. This score reflects the company's strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. B Corp certification is administered by B Lab, a global nonprofit organisation that assesses companies against standards covering social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
For Serengeti Balloon Safaris, the certification provides formal recognition of a business model that has guided its operations since it began commercial flights over the Serengeti in 1989. The company has carried more than 300,000 passengers and contributed to the development of Tanzania's ballooning industry. It was also the first company to train and employ Tanzanian commercial balloon pilots on a full-time basis. The company's managing director, John Corse, expressed his pride in achieving this recognition, highlighting the company's passion for promoting a positive impact on its stakeholders.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris has expanded its operations to include Serengeti, Ruaha, and Tarangire national parks. The company's commercial manager, Pascal Kirigiti, emphasised its approach to developing the wider industry alongside its own operations. The company is often referred to as the "Balloonist's Ballooning Company" due to its passion for pioneering new routes, standards, and developments in the industry. Safety remains central to the business, with its balloons and flights subject to regulatory oversight by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority.
The company's position also depends on the experience it provides to international visitors. Kirigiti highlighted the importance of its pilots, who are truly engaging, professional, and entertaining, providing a wonderful commentary during the flight. The flights typically end with a champagne celebration and bush breakfast in the wilderness, with the location selected after the balloon takes off. This unique experience has contributed to the company's success and reputation in the tourism industry.
The B Corp certification follows another sustainability milestone achieved by Serengeti Balloon Safaris. In 2026, the company became the first commercial balloon operator in Tanzania to achieve Travelife Certified status after an assessment covering environmental management, community impact, labour practices, and customer communication. This certification demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing its environmental impact while strengthening the communities and ecosystems on which its business depends.
The certification comes as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for tourism businesses operating in environmentally sensitive destinations. For Serengeti Balloon Safaris, whose business depends on protected wildlife landscapes, the health of those ecosystems is directly linked to its long-term commercial prospects. Corse emphasised that the certification formalises principles that have been embedded in the company since its establishment, guiding every decision from procurement to staff training.
Key points
- Serengeti Balloon Safaris achieves Certified B Corporation status with a B Impact Score of 97.1.
- The company has carried more than 300,000 passengers and contributed to the development of Tanzania's ballooning industry.
- The certification demonstrates the company's commitment to reducing its environmental impact while strengthening the communities and ecosystems on which its business depends.
