The 2015 Safari Awards Results were announced last night at a gala cocktail event overlooking a firework-peppered London from the 31st floor Paramount Bar, West End.

Safari tourism and conservation veterans joined the Safari Awards Nominees to see winners in 20 safari categories named during the evening, culminating in the long-awaited crowning of the 'Best Safari Experience in Africa, 2015'.

In its 8th year, the 2015 Safari Awards reveal the very best safari lodges, camps and houses alongside the most outstanding safari guides and operators in Africa - the 'who's who' of the safari community.

Sponsored by the independent Good Safari Guide and led by a team of 13 highly respected independent safari specialists from Australia, Germany, USA and the UK, the Safari Awards saw over 15000 public and travel trade nominations for over 365 safari properties, guides and operators have been whittled down to 20 award winners representing the future of wildlife tourism and conservation in Africa.

About Norman Carr Walking Safaris - Best Safari Experience in Africa 2015

The infamous Norman Carr is inevitably the inspiration behind the walking safaris; Norman Carr established Luangwa's first safari camp in 1950 and back in the days when an African safari was a hunting experience, Norman developed the pioneering idea of taking people to look at animals and photograph them rather than to shoot them.

Norman Carr safaris offers walking safaris throughout the South Luangwa, Zambia, including their 'Return to the Wild'- the wildest experience the South Luangwa has to offer: guests sleep out under the stars in the spectacular and extremely remote Luwi dry river bed with just a bed roll and a mossie net, not even a tent. It's all about the thrill of the first safari pioneers, including Norman Carr himself, as they discovered the wonders of the South Luangwa.

“All of us at Norman Carr Safaris are so proud of the whole team; Norman Carr pioneered community based conservation and photo tourism in Zambia over 60 years ago and we believe the whole Norman Carr Safaris team proudly continues this tradition today. For us, the important thing is sharing our very special part of the world with others. If we can take someone on an adventure they'll never want to forget, it could help to preserve our wildlife for the future. We love what we do and where we live, and want to share that with people all over the world, it's as simple as that.”  -  Mindy Roberts

Further Results

Runner Up Best Safari Experience in Africa was taken by the authentic Old Mondoro Lodge in Zambia, with third place returning to safari roots again with Karisia Walking Safaris in Northern Kenya.

The 'Best New Safari Camp' is always an much-anticipated category, unearthing the safari properties of the future. This year's title was taken by the fabulous Chinzombo in Zambia - another excellent Norman Carr offering, with a close second of newcomer Bale Mountain Lodge in Ethiopia.

A full list of 2015 Africa results can be seen here: http://www.safariawards.com/2015_results_africa/

A full list of 2015 Judges can be seen here: http://www.safariawards.com/judges/

'The Safari Awards recognize the many contributions of the nominees including their time, energy and innovation. It is because of these safari operators and the vast supporting staff standing behind them that our safari industry continues to thrive in a turbulent market and that tourism-led conservation remains at the forefront of much of Africa's agenda. We wish the nominees, finalists and winners all the success they deserve for their incredibly hard work in reaching this point; every Safari Awards finalist is a leader in its field'.- Rosanne Cobb, Safari Awards Co-Founder

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Notes for Editors

2015 Awards Data:

• 15,000+ votes received from travellers, safari specialists and journalists

• 365 lodges/operations made the cut and reached the country finalist stage

• 13 expert judges from independent tour operators in USA, UK, Germany, Holland and South Africa voted on the finalists in a thrilling and engaging debate during the Judges' conference at Royal Geographical Society in London

• 20 Africa winners in 20 categories chosen

Points to note 2015:

• Walking safaris have emerged as the most valued safari experience, showing that it's certainly not pampered luxury that the discerning safari client is looking for, but being in touch with the bush and close up to the wildlife.

• Zambia has remained the leading player in the Safari Awards, picking up the top 'Best Safari Experience in Africa' - Norman Carr Walking Safaris. Other Zambia results: Norman Carr Walking Safaris (Best Safari Experience in Africa & Best Walking Safari in Africa), Flatdogs (Best Value Safari in Africa), Old Mondoro (2nd Best Guiding Team & top 3 for Ecological Sensitivity), Chinzombo (Best New Camp & 2nd Best Safari Cuisine), Chongwe River House (2nd Best Safari House in Africa) and Robin Pope (2nd Best Safari Guide in Africa).

• Ethiopia has made its virgin voyage into the hallowed top 3, with Bale Mountain Lodge placed as the 2nd Best New Safari Property in Africa.

• The results of Richard's Camp, Laikipia Wilderness, Laragai House, Karisia Walking Safaris, Ride Kenya, Sasaab, Serian and Alex Walker illustrate that there remains strong support for and faith in Kenya despite their recent troubles.

Contact:

rosanne.cobb@miradatravelgroup.com

Twitter: @safariawards, @goodsafariguide

www.facebook.com/safariawards

www.facebook.com/goodsafariguide

For more information:

Mirada Travel Group

Editorial: rosanne.cobb@miradatravelgroup.com

Awards info: fi.culligan@miradatravelgroup.com

Images: sarah.collins@miradatravelgroup.com

Phone:     +44 1865 989280

Fax:          +44 1865 989281