7th World Culinary Awards 2026: These are Southern Africa's top restaurants

The winners of the 7th World Culinary Awards have been announced, recognising restaurants and hotel dining experiences around the world. In Southern Africa, establishments in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini feature among the winners.

South Africa was named Africa's Best Culinary Destination 2026, while Cape Town received the title of Africa's Best Culinary City Destination.

La Colombe in Constantia, Cape Town, was named both South Africa's Best Restaurant 2026 and Africa's Best Restaurant 2026. Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay received both the South African and African titles for Best Hotel Restaurant, while Journey – Urchin Restaurant in Cape Town was recognised as South Africa's and Africa's Best Fine Dining Experience 2026.

For travellers planning a trip to the region, the awards offer some ideas for dining experiences to consider alongside safaris, city breaks and coastal holidays.

 

Africa's Best Restaurants of 2026 in Southern Africa

• Africa's Best Restaurant 2026: La Colombe — Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best New Restaurant 2026: Precious Hidden Valley Restaurant — Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Africa's Best Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Bellagio — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic — Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant 2026: Babel @ Babylonstoren — Simondium, Cape Winelands, South Africa
• Africa's Best Brunch Venue 2026: JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro — Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Fine Dining Experience 2026: Journey – Urchin Restaurant — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Landmark Restaurant 2026: Life Grand Cafe Waterfront — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Hoseki at Delaire Graff Estate — Stellenbosch area, South Africa
• Africa's Best New Hotel Restaurant 2026: Room 32 @ Park Hyatt Johannesburg — Johannesburg, South Africa
• Africa's Best French Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Le coin Français by Darren Badenhorst — Franschhoek, South Africa

Southern Africa's top culinary establishments by country

Angola

• Angola's Best Restaurant 2026: Restaurante Vitrúvio — Luanda
• Angola's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Kimera @ EPIC SANA Luanda — Luanda

Botswana

• Botswana's Best Restaurant 2026: Two Six Seven Kitchen + Bar — Gaborone
• Botswana's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Xigera Restaurant @ Xigera Safari Lodge — Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve

Eswatini

• Eswatini's Best Restaurant 2026: Ramblas Restaurant — Mbabane
• Eswatini's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Lihawu Restaurant @ The Royal Villas — Ezulwini Valley

Mozambique

• Mozambique's Best Restaurant 2026: Salt Restaurant & Bar — Maputo
• Mozambique's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Bistro @ Avenida Hotel Maputo — Maputo

Namibia

• Namibia's Best Restaurant 2026: Butcher Block Steakhouse — Windhoek
• Namibia's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Platform One Restaurant @ Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre — Swakopmund

South Africa

• South Africa's Best Restaurant 2026: La Colombe — Constantia, Cape Town
• South Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic — Hout Bay, Cape Town
• South Africa's Best Culinary Experience 2026: Journey – Urchin Restaurant — Cape Town

Zambia

• Zambia's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Curate Restaurant @ InterContinental Lusaka — Lusaka

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe's Best Restaurant 2026: The Boma — Victoria Falls
• Zimbabwe's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Kitchen Restaurant @ Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles — Harare

Planning a culinary stop in Southern Africa

The 2026 World Culinary Awards provide a starting point for travellers interested in exploring the region's restaurant scene. The winning establishments range from city restaurants in Cape Town, Luanda, Gaborone, Maputo and Windhoek to hotel dining and safari-lodge experiences.

South Africa has several recognised options around Cape Town, while Botswana's Xigera Restaurant offers a dining experience in the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. In Zimbabwe, visitors can consider The Boma when staying in Victoria Falls.

For more information, see the official World Culinary Awards 2026 winners list.

 

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New direct flights between Zambia and Namibia from November 2026

Zambian regional airline Proflight Zambia will introduce direct flights between Lusaka and Windhoek in November 2026, making it easier for travellers to combine Zambia and Namibia in one Southern African itinerary.

The new route will provide a direct air link between the two capitals, offering an additional option for travel between the neighbouring countries.

Proflight Zambia Lusaka–Windhoek Flight Schedule

The service is scheduled to operate on the following days:

• November–December 2026: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• 04 January 2027 – 28 February 2027: Thursdays and Sundays

For the January and February 2027 schedule, the flights are listed as follows:

• Lusaka 10:35 > 12:40 Windhoek
• Windhoek 13:20 > 15:30 Lusaka

All times are local. Travellers should confirm the operating days and flight times when booking, particularly for travel during the transition between the two schedules.

Connecting Zambia and Namibia

The new Lusaka–Windhoek route makes it easier to include both countries in a Southern African itinerary. Namibia offers attractions such as Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert and the coastal town of Swakopmund, while Zambia is home to destinations including Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Travellers wishing to visit Livingstone and Victoria Falls as part of the same trip may also be able to connect via Lusaka, using Proflight Zambia's existing services between Lusaka and Livingstone. These connections are separate from the new Lusaka–Windhoek route, and travellers should check schedules and connection times when booking.

The new service also provides an additional travel option for business travellers between Zambia and Namibia.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: Thekwini and Laguna beaches closed

Most of Durban’s beaches remain open for swimming, but travellers should avoid Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach, which are closed following very high E. coli readings.

The latest beach water quality results, dated 08 October 2026, show that Thekwini Beach recorded an E. coli result of 5,794, while Laguna Beach recorded 3,609. Both readings are well above the municipality’s poor-water-quality threshold of 500.

Thekwini and Laguna beaches closed

The results for 08 October 2026 show a marked difference between individual beaches. Thekwini and Laguna beaches are closed for swimming, while Reunion Beach has reopened following an earlier closure.

Reunion Beach recorded an E. coli result of 408, which falls within the municipality’s acceptable range of 130–500.

Other beaches with relatively low readings include Doonside Beach (20), North Beach (20), South Beach (31) and uShaka Beach (below 10).

Most Durban beaches remain open

The latest report lists most beaches across Durban’s northern, central and southern coastline as open for swimming. These include popular central beaches such as North Beach, South Beach, Addington, uShaka and Point, as well as Umhlanga Main, Bronze Beach and Amanzimtoti Main.

Water quality varies considerably between beaches, so travellers should check the status of their intended swimming spot rather than assume that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.

The municipality classifies E. coli results below 130 as excellent, between 130 and 500 as acceptable, and above 500 as poor. Most results in the latest report were recorded on 05 or 06 October 2026, with the latest samples for Thekwini, Laguna, Reunion and Doonside dated 08 October 2026.

What travellers should know

Travellers planning a beach visit to Durban should avoid swimming at Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach while the closures remain in place. Other beaches remain available for swimming, but it is worth checking the latest water quality information before heading to the coast.

The municipality notes that recreational activities other than swimming may continue at closed beaches, subject to local restrictions.

Beach water quality can change, so check the latest updates before entering the sea.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 08 October 2026.

 

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Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Addo Elephant National Park: What travellers need to know

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in kudu in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. A second set of diagnostic tests on samples from affected animals came back positive.

SANParks says tourism operations remain open, but stricter biosecurity measures are now in place. At present, no other wildlife species in the park is showing symptoms consistent with FMD.

How was the disease detected?

SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance noticed an increase in lameness among kudu and informed the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. The initial tests were negative, but follow-up investigation and testing confirmed FMD in kudu within Addo Elephant National Park.

What is not yet known?

The positive result confirms that the virus is present in the sampled animals. It does not, on its own, show where the infection came from, in which direction it spread, or whether it is linked to other outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. These questions are being investigated by the veterinary authorities.

What is FMD?

FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. It is not considered a risk to human health.

What has changed in the park?

SANParks has strengthened biosecurity controls:

• Vehicle disinfection: Vehicles are disinfected before leaving designated game-viewing areas.
• Movement controls: No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park without approval from the veterinary authority after a risk assessment. This is mainly relevant to wildlife management, not to day visitors.
• Wider coordination: SANParks is working with the Department of Agriculture, neighbouring landowners and livestock producers. Further controls will follow if the veterinary authorities advise or animal-disease legislation requires it.

What does this mean for travellers?

Visitors can still plan a trip to Addo Elephant National Park, but should be prepared for biosecurity checks. Vehicle disinfection when leaving game-viewing areas may add some time to your exit, so allow a little extra for it, especially if you are travelling on to another destination the same day.

SANParks asks visitors to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the park. Because the situation is still developing and further measures may be introduced, check with SANParks for the latest information shortly before you travel.

SANParks says it will continue to monitor the affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and possible risk pathways, and will issue further public updates when verified information becomes available.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park: Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail temporarily closed

The Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail in South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park is temporarily closed after a large rock blocked the route, preventing vehicles from passing. According to South African National Parks (SANParks), recent rainfall has left the road too wet for removal work to begin safely.

SANParks will send earth-moving equipment to clear the obstruction once the road has dried sufficiently. No reopening date has been announced.

Travellers planning a 4×4 excursion through this part of Addo Elephant National Park should check with SANParks for the latest trail status before setting off.

About the Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail

The 45km Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail connects the Kabouga and Darlington areas of Addo Elephant National Park. The route offers varied scenery and a glimpse into the area's history, passing through riverine thicket, Afromontane forest, fynbos-covered mountain peaks and the arid Nama-Karoo landscape around Darlington.

The area also has historical significance. Fierce fighting between British and Afrikaner forces took place here during the Anglo-Boer War, while rock art paintings can be found at various locations along the route.

The trail is graded 2–3 and can generally be completed in about six hours, depending on conditions and stops along the way.

What visitors need to know

The Bedrogfontein route is a self-drive trail that can only be travelled in one direction, starting at Kabouga and ending at Darlington. A suitable 4×4 vehicle with low-range gearing is required because of the terrain and the need to minimise environmental damage.

Allow additional driving time to reach the trailheads. Kabouga is approximately 40km, or about an hour's drive, from Addo Elephant National Park's main park entrance, near Kirkwood. Darlington is around 150km, or approximately two hours' drive, from the main entrance.

With the trail currently closed, visitors should not attempt to bypass the obstruction. Check the latest information with SANParks before including the route in an Addo Elephant National Park itinerary.

 

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South Africa’s Blue Flag beaches and Green Coast sites for 2026/2027

South Africa has recognised 62 Blue Flag awards and 19 Green Coast sites for the 2026/2027 season, highlighting the country's efforts to maintain well-managed beaches and protect its coastal environment.

The announcement was made by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) at Grotto Beach in Hermanus on 08 October 2026, marking 25 years of the Blue Flag programme in South Africa.

Blue Flag beaches in South Africa

The Blue Flag programme recognises beaches that meet criteria covering water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education. For travellers, the award provides a useful indication of a beach's management standards, although swimming conditions and water quality can change during the season.

The 2026/2027 awards comprise 50 full-status beaches, 20 pilot beach sites, seven tourism boat operators and five marinas. The 20 pilot beaches participate separately from the full-status beach awards.

Three beaches have maintained their Blue Flag status throughout the programme's 25 years in South Africa: Grotto Beach in Hermanus, Humewood Beach in Gqeberha and Marina Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.

Green Coast sites focus on conservation

The Green Coast programme complements Blue Flag by recognising coastal destinations that prioritise biodiversity, environmental education, community involvement and responsible tourism.

Four sites were recognised for five years in the programme: Nature's Valley and Kei Mouth, both of which also received Recognition of Excellence, as well as Chintsa Beach and Morgan Bay.

What travellers should know

Blue Flag and Green Coast recognition can help visitors identify destinations that place an emphasis on responsible coastal management. However, travellers should still check local swimming advisories, water quality information, lifeguard availability and access restrictions before visiting.

WESSA aims to increase the number of Blue Flag beaches in South Africa to 100 by 2030. The programme's continued expansion will depend on investment and the ability of participating destinations to meet the required standards.

Below is the list of recognised Blue Flag beaches and Green Coast sites for the 2026/2027 season.

Blue Flag beaches 2026 (50 full status, 20 pilot)

Beach	Status
City of Cape Town
Bikini Beach	Full
Camps Bay Beach	Full
Clifton 4th	Full
Fish Hoek Beach	Full
Llandudno Beach	Full
Melkbosstrand	Full
Muizenberg Beach	Full
Silverstroomstrand	Full
Chapman’s Peak Beach	Pilot
Big Bay	Pilot
Strand	Pilot
Strandfontein	Pilot
Overstrand Municipality
Grotto Beach	Full
Kleinmond Beach	Full
Castle Beach	Full
Hawston Beach	Full
Onrus Beach	Full
Hessequa Municipality
Lappiesbaai	Full
Gouritzmond	Full
Stilbaai-Wes	Full
Witsand	Full
Jongensfontein	Full
Preekstoel	Full
George Municipality
Herold’s Bay	Full
Victoria Bay	Full
Wilderness	Full
Leentjiesklip	Pilot
Bitou Municipality
The Dunes	Full
The Waves	Full
Singing Kettle	Full
Nature’s Valley	Full
Lookout Beach	Full
Robberg V	Pilot
Kouga Municipality
Dolphin Main Beach	Full
Cape St Francis Bay Beach	Full
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Hobie Beach	Full
Humewood Beach	Full
Kings Beach	Full
Bluewater Bay	Pilot
Wells Estate	Pilot
Ndlambe Municipality
Kariega Beach	Full
Kelly’s Beach	Full
Middle Beach, Kenton-on-Sea	Full
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality
Hibberdene Beach	Full
Marina Beach	Full
Southport Beach	Full
Trafalgar Beach	Full
Umzumbe Beach	Full
St Michaels Beach	Full
Port Edward Beach	Pilot
Mtwentweni Beach	Pilot
Lucien Beach	Pilot
Ramsgate	Pilot
Umdoni Municipality
Pennington	Full
Bazley	Full
Rocky Bay	Full
Preston	Full
Umthwalume	Full
Scottburgh	Pilot
KwaDukuza Municipality
Salt Rock Main Beach	Full
Thompson Bay Beach	Full
Willard Beach	Full
ClubMed – Tinley Manor	Full
Tinley Manor Main Beach	Pilot
Mandeni Municipality (pilot only)
Tugela Mouth Beach	Pilot
Dokodweni Beach	Pilot
Buffalo City Metro (pilot only)
Kidds Beach	Pilot
Gonubie Beach	Pilot
Keysers Beach	Pilot
Port Nolloth (pilot only)
McDougalls Bay	Pilot

Blue Flag marinas 2026

Marina
Royal Alfred Marina
Thesen Harbour Town Marina
Thesen Island Homeowners Marina
V&A Waterfront
Club Mykonos Marina

Blue Flag tourism boats 2026

Operator	Blue Flag vessels
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours	Slashfin, Dreamcatcher, Whale Whisperer
White Shark Diving Company	White Shark, Shark Bait
Offshore Adventures: Robberg Express	Oceanic

WESSA Green Coast sites 2026

Authority / area	Green Coast site
City of Cape Town	Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Nature’s Valley Trust / Bitou Municipality	Nature’s Valley
CapeNature	Walker Bay
Knysna	Swartvlei Beach
Mbhashe Local Municipality	Qatywa Beach
Mbhashe Local Municipality	Lubanzi Beach
Mbhashe Local Municipality	Cwebe Beach
Great Kei Local Municipality	Chintsa Beach
Great Kei Local Municipality	Morgan Bay
Great Kei Local Municipality	Kei Mouth
Buffalo City Metro Municipality	Nahoon Estuary to Reef
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality	Leisure Bay Conservancy
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality	Trafalgar Marine Reserve and Surrounds
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality	Southbroom Conservancy
Kouga Municipality	J Bay Supertubes
Kouga Municipality	J Bay Paradise Beach
George Local Municipality	Gwaing Beach
Mossel Bay	Kanon Beach
Port Nolloth	Happy Valley

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Kruger National Park: Restaurant changes at four popular rest camps

Visitors to South Africa's Kruger National Park will see changes to several familiar restaurants as new operators take over at four popular rest camps. Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop and Berg-en-Dal will get new dining concepts, while the Cattle Baron restaurant at Skukuza is set for a refurbishment.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the appointments follow the expiry of previous concession agreements and a competitive tender process. The changes are intended to refresh Kruger National Park's dining facilities and improve the visitor experience.

Four Kruger National Park restaurants set for changes

The changes affect four established dining venues across the Kruger National Park:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp: The former Mugg & Bean will reopen as Sabie River Café, introducing a new restaurant concept at one of the park's popular camps in the south.
• Pretoriuskop Rest Camp: The existing Wimpy will be replaced by Le Lapeng Burgers and Grill.
• Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: Tindlovu Restaurant will be transformed into Eziko Eatery.
• Skukuza Rest Camp: Cattle Baron will retain its name but undergo refurbishment to give the restaurant a refreshed look and feel.

The changes mean that visitors should not assume that familiar restaurant brands or menus will remain available during their next Kruger National Park visit.

Temporary dining arrangements during refurbishment

SANParks says temporary dining facilities offering limited menus will be available during refurbishment work to maintain some food service at the affected camps.

Travellers should nevertheless expect possible disruptions while the upgrades are under way. If restaurant dining is an important part of your itinerary, it is worth checking the latest arrangements before travelling and considering alternative meal options, particularly when staying at one of the affected camps.

SANParks has not specified the individual reopening dates or provided detailed information about the new menus in its announcement. Visitors should therefore check for further updates before relying on a particular restaurant being fully operational.

What this means for visitors to the Kruger National Park

The restaurant changes form part of the ongoing development of tourism facilities in the Kruger National Park. For visitors, the immediate consideration is the potential impact on meal options at Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza while refurbishment work takes place.

The new operators are expected to introduce fresh dining concepts and invest in the facilities. However, until more details are released, it remains unclear what the new restaurants will offer in terms of menus, prices and opening hours.

If you are planning a self-drive safari, especially one involving overnight stays at several rest camps, check the latest restaurant information when confirming your arrangements. Having groceries or other meal options available can be useful if your preferred restaurant is temporarily closed or operating with a reduced menu.

The new restaurants are expected to open in the coming months as the respective facilities are upgraded. Further details about reopening dates and dining options will be useful for travellers planning their next Kruger National Park safari.

 

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