From the bush to the city, South Africa does it best. A safari lodge, a boutique hotel and a luxury city stay have all made it to Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards!
South Africa (09 July 2026) – Three South African hotels have just earned top honours in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, with two being named the very best in Africa and one cracking the top five hotels in the entire world.
Leading the way is Lion Sands Game Reserve, which was voted the No. 1 Safari Lodge in Africa and the No. 4 Hotel in the World. Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel in Cape Town was named Africa’s Best City Hotel, while Johannesburg’s much-loved Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa claimed second place in the same category.
The annual awards are among the travel industry’s biggest honours, decided by travellers. This year, more than 200,000 readers from around the world cast over 661,000 votes for the hotels, destinations and experiences that left the biggest mark.
South Africa cracked the list with three properties – jumping from bush to coast and inland luxury.
Lion Sands, on the edge of the Kruger, has become famous for offering guests more than a traditional safari. Visitors enjoy wildlife photography experiences, hands-on involvement with conservation projects and community visits alongside world-class game viewing. The reserve is well-known for its knowledgable guides, with one of its own – Jason Gipson – having won Safari Guide of the Year last year!
Cape Cadogan, tucked away in the Mother City’s Gardens neighbourhood, has won visitors over with its beautiful heritage setting and warm hospitality, while Joburg’s Saxon Hotel sets the standard for luxury stays in the city.
Interestingly, Lion Sands and Cape Cadogan are both part of the MORE Collection, making it the first South African hospitality group to hold the number one spot in both the Safari Lodge and City Hotel categories in the same year.
South Africa has been appearing on more and more international travel lists over the past year! We’ve come out on top for our beaches, safari parks, cities and natural wonders which have all earned global golden stars.
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