The readers of Condé Nast have voted and these are some of the South African hotels, resorts and destinations that made the list for 2023.
South Africa (05 October 2023) – It is time for South Africa’s most beloved destinations to take a bow after being voted as some of the best for this year’s Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
The prestigious travel publication is celebrating its 36th edition of the Readers’ Choice Awards. Travel enthusiasts and readers share their opinions of which destinations are the best of the best in the world, and a breakdown of the best from each country. Over 526,000 people took part in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Let’s dive in, shall we? First up… Resorts.
Best South African Resorts in the World.
Londolozi Game Reserve
South Africa’s beautiful Londolozi was loved by many of the Condé Nast readers and chosen as one of the World’s Best Resorts for 2023. Londolozi has won this award every single year since 2017 and it made the Gold List in 2021 too. It placed 6th on the 50 Best Resorts in the World for 2023.
Located in Greater Kruger, the reserve is home to the Big 5 and all of the incredible creatures that call the Kruger home.
View this post on Instagram
Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Ulusaba is one of the unique destinations that forms part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection of retreats. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this cliff-side destination is known for its breathtaking views.
This stunning lodge has also had consecutive wins, being selected as a Reader’s Choice since 2016. It placed 48th on the list of 50 Best Resorts in the World.
View this post on Instagram
15 of South Africa’s Best Resorts
While only Londolozi and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve earn “World Best” titles, many other South African resorts/hotels earned a place on the South African list for 2023. These are the 15 best of the best in South Africa!
- Londolozi
- Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
- Molori Safari Lodge
- Lion Sands Game Reserve
- andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
- Lepogo Lodges, Noka Camp
- Morukuru Family, Madikwe Game Reserve
- Kapama Karula
- Morukuru Family, De Hoop Reserve
- Samara Private Game Reserve
- Tswalu Kalahari
- andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge and Tented Camp
- Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat
- Marataba Luxury Lodges
Cities
As one can probably already imagine, it is hard for Cape Town not to end up on a prestigious travel list. Condé Nast readers voted that Cape Town is the 4th Best Big City in the World for 2023.
“Few cities can match the high drama of Cape Town’s skyline, where rugged Table Mountain meets the great white shark–filled waters of the Atlantic, and where colonial-era grand dames (like the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel) share space with cutting-edge new designs (including Thomas Heatherwick’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). You can spend your days luxuriating on the Mother City’s beaches or sipping chenin blanc at one of the many area wineries, but be sure to leave some time to contend with the place’s complicated history, by touring a township or visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.” – Condé Nast
by 