Over 20 Years of Award-Winning Safaris
Recognized Worldwide for the Best Safari Tours in Africa
At Mark Thornton Safaris, we’ve always let the wilderness lead. Our signature Serengeti walking safaris have not only inspired generations of travelers — they’ve earned accolades from the world’s most respected publications.
We’re proud to be consistently recognized for our low-impact, high-adventure safaris, which go far beyond the ordinary. Here’s a look at some of the awards and features that have celebrated our work over the years.
2025 – Travel + Leisure, Traveler
Great piece on our unique Serengeti trek. Condé Nast’s senior editor captured both the seclusion and adventure of our walking safaris perfectly.
2023 – Travel + Leisure, Intelligent Traveller
Our Serengeti trek was selected once again for global recognition — this time in Travel + Leisure’s November issue, highlighting it as one of the best safari tours in Africa for adventure travelers.
2019 – Forbes: “The African Safaris of Your Dreams”
Forbes spotlighted our sustainable walking safaris in a full-length feature on truly unique and responsible African adventures.
2017 – National Geographic World Legacy Awards (Finalist)
Named one of just three global finalists in the “Conserving the Natural World” category — a testament to our long-standing efforts to preserve Africa’s wild spaces.
2015 – National Geographic Traveler: Best Tours of the Year
Our epic 100-kilometer Serengeti foot traverse was selected as Trip of the Year by National Geographic Traveler, reinforcing our status as pioneers in walking safaris.
2011 – National Geographic Traveler: Tours of a Lifetime
Once again, our Serengeti Trek was chosen by National Geographic Traveler as one of the year’s most exceptional and immersive travel experiences.
2010 – Outside Magazine: Trips of a Lifetime
Our Serengeti Trek was featured as one of Outside Magazine’s “Trips of a Lifetime,” thanks to its one-of-a-kind wilderness access and authentic bush guiding.
2009 – National Geographic Adventure:
25 Best New Trips
Our new epic bush trek into remote Serengeti was selected as one of the 25 Best New Trips in the world — redefining what it means to go off the beaten path.
2024 – Travel + Leisure, Adventure
“These epic treks take you to the planet’s most spectacular corners”. We couldn’t ask for a better endorsement of our award-winning Serengeti trek.
2020 – Men’s Journal
A wild encounter on foot with a leopard in the backcountry of Serengeti was featured in Men’s Journal, showcasing the immersive power of our walking safaris.
2018 – The New York Times, Travel Section
Once again, The New York Times featured our walking safaris, praising our environmental ethos and innovative approach to experiencing Tanzania on foot.
2016 – First Descents: Walking Africa Expedition
We proudly guided a life-changing safari for First Descents, an organization empowering young adults with cancer through outdoor adventure.
2013 – World Responsible Tourism Awards
In 2013 Mark Thornton Safaris was recognized as a global leader in responsible tourism. Based on our record of conservation, working with communities, fair trade and our "light footprint" safari operation, we were shortlisted for the 2013 Global Responsible Tourism Awards. Out of thousands of entries, less than 20 made the shortlist. It was an incredible honour!
2011 – The New York Times, Travel Section
A full-page article by journalist Jessica Bruder highlighted our conservation work in the Simanjiro Plains and the importance of our walking safaris to local communities and wildlife.
2009 – National Geographic Adventure
#1 Adventure Travel Company in the World
#1 Outfitter in Africa
We received top scores for Sustainability, Spirit of Adventure, Service, Education, and Guest Experience.
2008 – National Geographic Adventure
In the first-ever outfitter ratings, we earned:
#1 Outfitter in Africa
#1 Adventure Travel Company in the World
Scoring 97.7 out of 100, we topped a list of 300 global operators.