From its remarkable and relatively humble beginning in 2018 when 400 runners joined to run, Serengeti Safari Marathon (SSM) has constantly shown an astonishing growth rate of more than 100% when this year 2021 it brought more than 1,200 runners and spectators, representing about twenty (20) different nationalities from all over the world. Regardless of the effects of COVID-19 economic and social effects of this year 2021, a successful event was recorded boasting a good number of more than Six Hundred (600) participants in local and international tourism levels through its main motto of, “SPORTS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM”.
The runners and spectators in general spent much more to the local communities around the areas of Lamadi, Nyatwali and Bunda. A number of tourists started their safaris from different areas of Tanzania and world in general to come and participate in this unique event. All these people used a number of services from flights, buses, private vehicles, lodges, camps, guest houses, restaurants and many more.

A notable turnaround this year took place when SSM officially launched as a weekly event beginning 2021 onwards allowing an inclusion of community and social activities as part and parcel of this unique event. A number of activities covering different areas were conducted through trainings and seminars on tourism value chain opportunities, agriculture for tourists products (TAHA), fishing products for tourists, cultural tourism programs (CTP). A visit to potential tourism investment areas and introduction of new tourism products in Bunda were also part of the event this year.