Cape Town named the world’s most beautiful city in 2026 (according to locals)

Cape Town has once again secured a spot on the global travel radar after being featured in Time Out’s “The world’s most beautiful cities in 2026, according to locals” ranking. Based on responses from residents across 150 cities worldwide, the South African city stood out with an impressive 86% of locals saying they consider their city beautiful.

For travellers, this isn’t exactly surprising. Cape Town has long been one of those destinations that regularly appears on global “must-visit” lists – and for good reason. Few cities anywhere combine dramatic natural scenery, accessible outdoor experiences and a genuinely vibrant urban culture in quite the same way.

A city shaped by its landscape

What immediately sets Cape Town apart is its setting. Table Mountain dominates the skyline, while the Atlantic Ocean frames the city’s western edge. This creates a backdrop that constantly shifts with light, weather and season – something visitors quickly notice even during a short stay.

From the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton to the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, the natural environment isn’t just nearby – it’s part of the city itself.

Experiences that feel like multiple destinations in one

One of Cape Town's biggest strengths as a travel destination is how much variety it offers within a relatively small radius.

In a single trip, travellers can:

• Take the cableway or hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head
• Explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap
• Spend time at the V&A Waterfront
• Drive Chapman’s Peak for one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes
• Visit Boulders Beach and its resident penguin colony
• Head into the Cape Winelands for tastings in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek

It’s this density of experiences that makes Cape Town feel less like a single city and more like a collection of destinations layered into one.

More than just scenery

While the landscapes often dominate the headlines, Cape Town's appeal goes well beyond its views. The city has a strong café culture, an evolving food scene, and a growing reputation for design, art and local storytelling.

Neighbourhoods like Woodstock and the City Bowl continue to evolve, while coastal areas maintain a relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle that defines much of daily life here.

Why this ranking matters

Unlike many travel awards driven by panels or industry experts, this ranking is based on how locals perceive their own city. That adds an interesting layer – it reflects lived experience rather than curated marketing.

When residents overwhelmingly describe their own city as beautiful, it often signals something deeper: pride, connection and a sense of place that visitors can feel when they arrive.

A reminder for travellers

Cape Town consistently appears in global travel rankings, but lists like this reinforce something most visitors already discover quickly on the ground – the city doesn’t rely on hype. It delivers through contrast: mountains and ocean, urban energy and open space, modern lifestyle and natural wilderness.

For anyone planning a trip to South Africa or building a wider travel itinerary through the continent, Cape Town remains one of the most rewarding starting points.

It’s not just a beautiful city by ranking. It’s a city that continues to justify the reputation every time you experience it firsthand.

 

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World's Best Beaches 2026: Four South African beaches make the Corona Beach 100

Southern Africa's coastline has once again earned global recognition, with four South African beaches securing places on the prestigious 2026 Corona Beach 100 list. The annual ranking celebrates some of the world's most iconic coastal destinations and serves as a valuable source of inspiration for travellers searching for their next beach escape.

This year's list sees Wilderness Beach in Wilderness along South Africa's Garden Route making its debut, joining returning favourites Camps Bay Beach in Camps Bay (Cape Town), Boulders Beach in Simon's Town (Cape Town) and Kraalbaai Beach in Langebaan. Elsewhere in the region, Tofo Beach in Inhambane (Mozambique) and Nosy Iranja in Madagascar have also earned places among the world's most celebrated beaches.

What is the Corona Beach 100?

The Corona Beach 100 is an annual global beach guide curated by Corona in partnership with a panel of oceanographers, surfers and travel journalists. Rather than focusing solely on popularity, the list highlights beaches that excel in three key areas:

• Scenic aesthetics
• Beachside culture
• Connection to nature

The result is a carefully curated collection of destinations that offer more than just beautiful sand and sea, showcasing beaches where visitors can enjoy memorable experiences in remarkable natural settings.

Wilderness Beach makes its debut

Wilderness Beach proudly joins the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list, adding another outstanding destination in South Africa's Western Cape to this prestigious global ranking.

Located along the famous Garden Route, Wilderness is renowned for its long stretches of golden sand, dramatic ocean views and unspoilt natural surroundings. Backed by lush forests and overlooked by rugged mountains, the beach offers a sense of space and tranquillity that can be difficult to find at more developed coastal destinations.

For travellers exploring the Garden Route, Wilderness serves as an ideal stop between George and Knysna. The area is particularly popular for beach walks, paragliding, dolphin watching and outdoor adventures within the nearby wilderness areas and nature reserves.

South Africa's coastal gems shine on the world stage

Three Western Cape beaches return to the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list, showcasing the province's remarkable coastal diversity.

Camps Bay, Cape Town
Arguably South Africa's most famous urban beach, Camps Bay combines white sand, turquoise waters and one of the country's most spectacular mountain backdrops. With the Twelve Apostles mountains rising behind the beach and a lively promenade lined with restaurants and cafés, it remains a favourite among both local and international visitors.

Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Home to one of the world's most accessible African penguin colonies, Boulders Beach offers a unique wildlife experience on the Cape Peninsula. Boardwalks allow visitors to observe the penguins up close while helping to protect their sensitive habitat.

Kraalbaai Beach, Langebaan
Situated within the West Coast National Park near Langebaan, Kraalbaai is famous for its calm turquoise waters and striking white sand. During the warmer months, the lagoon resembles a tropical destination more commonly associated with island nations than South Africa's west coast.

Mozambique's Tofo Beach Earns Global Recognition

One of the most celebrated beach destinations in Mozambique, Tofo Beach in Inhambane makes its first appearance on the Corona Beach 100 list.

Located in Inhambane, Tofo Beach has become internationally known for its exceptional marine life encounters. Divers and snorkellers regularly have opportunities to swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays and other pelagic species.

The beach's relaxed atmosphere, vibrant local culture and growing tourism infrastructure continue to make it one of Southern Africa's most rewarding coastal destinations.

Madagascar's Nosy Iranja retains its place among the world's best beaches

Madagascar's stunning Nosy Iranja once again features on the Corona Beach 100 list, reaffirming its status as one of the Indian Ocean's most spectacular coastal destinations.

Often referred to as "Turtle Island", Nosy Iranja consists of two islands connected by a spectacular sandbar that emerges at low tide. Crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and abundant marine life have helped establish the destination as one of the Indian Ocean's hidden gems.

For travellers seeking a more remote tropical island experience, Nosy Iranja offers some of Madagascar's most picturesque coastal scenery and continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Why this matters for travellers

The strong showing by South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar on the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list highlights the incredible diversity of beach experiences available across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Whether you're looking for penguin encounters near Cape Town, the untouched beauty of the Garden Route, world-class diving in Mozambique or idyllic island escapes in Madagascar, the region continues to offer some of the most rewarding coastal destinations anywhere in the world.

For travellers planning their next beach holiday, these internationally recognised destinations provide an excellent starting point for exploring some of Africa's finest shorelines.

 

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These South African burgers are officially among the best in the world

South Africa’s food scene has earned another major international accolade — this time for burgers.

Time Out’s global food team has released its latest ranking of the 14 best burgers in the world, and two South African burger joints made the prestigious list. Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers claimed an extraordinary second place globally, while Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite landed eighth place.

For travellers planning a South African city break, foodie road trip or culinary adventure, the ranking is further proof that the country’s dining scene continues to compete with the best in the world.

The list included burger destinations from Tokyo, Madrid, Paris, New York, Sydney and Buenos Aires, placing South Africa firmly among the world’s top burger destinations.

Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers ranked second best in the world

Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers was the highest-ranked African entry and came second worldwide, losing out only to Tokyo’s Smash Things burger bar.

Located on Kloof Street in Gardens and now also operating at Time Out Market Cape Town in the V&A Waterfront, Zuney has built a cult following around its farm-to-table Wagyu smash burgers.

According to Time Out, the signature Classic Zuney Burger stands out for its juicy Wagyu beef patty, crisp smashed edges, buttery brioche bun, caramelised onions and house sauce that enhances rather than masks the flavour of the beef.

What makes Zuney particularly interesting for travellers is its strong local identity. The Wagyu beef is sourced directly from the Zuney Valley farm in the Eastern Cape, giving the burger a distinctly South African farm-to-table story.

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Cape Town has long been recognised as one of Africa’s leading food cities, but this latest recognition further strengthens its growing reputation as a global burger destination. Visitors exploring the city’s restaurant scene can now add one of the world’s top-ranked burgers to their Cape Town itinerary.

The timing is also notable. Zuney recently expanded into the Time Out Market Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront, one of the city’s busiest culinary hotspots for international visitors. That makes it especially accessible for travellers looking to sample the globally ranked burger during a short stay in the Mother City.

Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite lands in the global top 10

Johannesburg also secured a place on the international ranking thanks to Mafia Bite in Constantia Kloof.

Time Out selected the restaurant’s Frank Lucas Burger as one of the world’s standout creations, praising its nine-hour slow-smoked brisket, glossy honey BBQ sauce, caramelised onion rings and gherkins.

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Unlike many modern smash burger concepts, Mafia Bite leans heavily into slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue flavours, creating a richer and more indulgent burger experience.

Johannesburg's food scene is sometimes overshadowed by Cape Town internationally, but rankings like this continue to highlight how diverse and innovative Jozi’s culinary offering has become. For travellers, the city increasingly rewards food-focused exploration beyond traditional tourist attractions.

Mafia Bite’s inclusion also reflects the growing popularity of premium burger culture across South Africa, where local restaurants are combining high-quality beef, smoked meats and bold flavour profiles with global burger trends.

Burger Tourism Is Becoming a Global Travel Trend

For travellers, burger tourism has quietly become part of modern city travel culture. Just as visitors seek out iconic pizza in Naples or tacos in Mexico City, standout burger destinations are increasingly shaping urban food itineraries worldwide.

With Zuney Wagyu Burgers in Cape Town and Mafia Bite in Johannesburg both ranked among the world’s best, South Africa now officially belongs on that global burger map.

The full Time Out top 14 burger ranking

1. Smash Things — Tokyo
2. Zuney Wagyu Burgers — Cape Town
3. Nolita — Madrid
4. Hanbaagaasuuteeki — London
5. Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood — Montréal
6. Spécimen Burger — Paris
7. Eat at ROBs — Sydney
8. Mafia Bite — Johannesburg
9. Kiddo — Buenos Aires
10. Ground Burger — Lisbon
11. Red Hook Tavern, New York City
12. Clan BBQ, Rio de Janeiro
13. Sick! Burger, Hong Kong
14. Grind House 1%, São Paulo 

Why This Matters for Travellers

Food increasingly influences how travellers choose destinations, and international rankings like this help shape global culinary trends.

For South Africa, having two burger restaurants ranked among the world’s best is more than just foodie bragging rights. It reinforces the country’s growing status as a serious global dining destination.

For visitors planning trips to Cape Town or Johannesburg, both restaurants now offer an easy and memorable culinary stop that combines local flavour with international recognition.

And for burger lovers? South Africa suddenly has two more reasons to visit.

Cape Town named one of the World’s Best Cities for Culture and Arts in 2026

Cape Town’s cultural scene has earned global recognition once again, with Time Out naming the Mother City the fifth best city in the world for culture and arts in 2026.

For travellers, the ranking reinforces something that becomes obvious shortly after arriving in Cape Town: this is not just a destination of mountains, beaches and wine estates. It is one of the world’s most exciting creative cities, where art, music, theatre, food and history constantly overlap.

According to Time Out, Cape Town’s culture scene is “deeply layered and always evolving” — a description that feels especially accurate right now. Across the city, visitors encounter creativity almost everywhere, from contemporary African art museums and sculpture gardens to independent cinemas, jazz clubs, theatres and monthly street-based art events.

At the heart of Cape Town’s art scene is Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading contemporary art museums. Nearby, the Norval Foundation combines galleries, sculpture gardens and mountain scenery into one of the country’s most impressive cultural spaces.

The city’s creative energy extends far beyond museums. In the city centre, travellers can watch the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra perform at City Hall, while theatres such as Artscape and the Baxter continue to anchor Cape Town’s live performance scene with comedy, drama and musical productions throughout the year.

For film lovers, The Labia Theatre remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions. The independent cinema has become a Cape Town classic, known for arthouse films, cult screenings and its old-world atmosphere.

Festivals, live music and First Thursdays

Time Out’s survey found that locals rated Cape Town especially highly for festivals and live music — two experiences that travellers can easily build into a visit.

The city hosts a packed annual events calendar, with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair drawing galleries, collectors and artists from around the world every February. Meanwhile, First Thursdays transforms the city centre into a large-scale monthly cultural event, with galleries, bars, restaurants and creative spaces opening their doors late into the evening.

Cape Town’s music scene is equally diverse. Travellers can experience everything from jazz and Afro-fusion to electronic music, indie performances and open-air concerts across the city.

A big year for art in Cape Town

According to Time Out, 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year for Cape Town’s creative sector.

New attractions and installations are adding fresh momentum to the city’s already dynamic arts landscape. Recent highlights include the immersive digital art experience LUMENOCITY as well as Veuve Clicquot’s “Emotions of the Sun” Magnum Photos collaboration.

The ranking also reflects strong local confidence in the city’s cultural offering. In Time Out’s survey, Cape Town achieved an impressive 84% approval rating for its arts and culture scene, while also scoring well for affordability compared to many global cultural capitals.

For travellers, that combination is part of Cape Town’s appeal. Few cities offer this level of scenery, creativity, nightlife, heritage and cultural diversity at a similarly accessible price point.

More than a scenic destination

Cape Town’s latest global recognition highlights how the city continues evolving beyond its traditional image as a scenic tourism destination.

Today, travellers increasingly visit Cape Town not only for Table Mountain, beaches or safari extensions, but also for its galleries, live music, theatre, design, architecture and creative neighbourhoods.

For visitors looking for a city break that combines culture, food, nightlife, nature and history in one destination, Cape Town is becoming increasingly difficult to beat.

 

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Cape Town named the World’s Top Mountain Escape for 2026

Cape Town has added yet another global travel title to its growing list of accolades — and this time, it’s all about mountains.

According to new research by eSIM provider Holafly, Cape Town has been ranked the world’s top mountain escape for 2026, beating famous alpine destinations like Chamonix, Zakopane and Bergen.

For travellers, it’s easy to see why.

With the iconic Table Mountain rising above the city, dramatic coastal cliffs, world-class hiking, and the unique ability to go from summit views to beach sunsets in a single day, Cape Town offers one of the most unforgettable mountain-city escapes on the planet.

Holafly gave Cape Town the highest overall score of 76.9, citing its 281 hiking trails, excellent accessibility, strong air quality, and more than 3,600 accommodation options. The city also benefits from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) being just 10.9 miles from the city centre, making it one of the easiest mountain destinations in the world to reach.

Why Cape Town tops the list

Unlike many traditional mountain destinations that focus mainly on skiing or alpine retreats, Cape Town offers a far more diverse experience.

You can start your morning hiking up Lion’s Head, take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain by midday, enjoy lunch at the V&A Waterfront, and finish the day watching the sun set over Camps Bay.

Few destinations combine mountains, ocean, wine estates, wildlife, and urban culture quite like the Mother City.

Holafly’s ranking looked at several factors including:

• hiking opportunities
• affordability
• accommodation availability
• accessibility
• elevation
• outdoor activities
• air quality
• overall liveability

Cape Town excelled across nearly every category, especially for adventure travellers looking for active holidays with world-class scenery.

Table Mountain remains the star attraction

At the heart of Cape Town's mountain appeal is, of course, Table Mountain.

One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this flat-topped icon defines the city skyline and offers some of the best panoramic views in Africa. Whether you hike Platteklip Gorge, tackle Skeleton Gorge, or take the famous rotating cable car, the mountain is the centrepiece of nearly every Cape Town itinerary.

The surrounding Table Mountain National Park also protects extraordinary biodiversity within the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the richest plant regions in the world.

For international visitors, it delivers exactly what many travellers are now seeking in 2026: cooler climates, outdoor adventure, and meaningful nature-based travel.

Mountain travel is booming in 2026

Holafly says mountain tourism is one of the year’s biggest travel trends.

According to Skyscanner, 71% of travellers are considering a mountain escape this year, while hotel bookings for rooms with mountain views have risen by 103% year-on-year.

As travellers look to avoid overcrowded city breaks and overheated summer destinations, cooler, nature-rich escapes are becoming increasingly popular.

Cape Town fits that trend perfectly.

It offers fresh air, open landscapes, spectacular drives like Chapman’s Peak, and easy access to hiking routes that feel far removed from city life — even though you’re still close to restaurants, beaches, and excellent infrastructure.

Best Mountain Experiences in Cape Town

If you’re planning your own mountain escape, here are some of the top experiences to include:

Ride the Table Mountain Cableway
The quickest way to the summit and ideal for first-time visitors wanting the classic Cape Town view.

Hike Lion’s Head
A sunrise or sunset favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Explore Kirstenbosch and Skeleton Gorge
A lush forest route leading from the famous botanical gardens up toward the mountain.

Drive Chapman’s Peak
One of the most scenic coastal mountain drives in the world.

Visit Cape Point
Where cliffs, ocean views, and dramatic landscapes complete the full mountain-meets-coast experience.

Cape Town Continues to Lead Global Travel Rankings

Cape Town regularly appears on lists of the world’s best cities, best-value luxury destinations, and top long-haul escapes.

Being named the world’s best mountain escape for 2026 strengthens its position even further.

For many international travellers planning a South African holiday, Cape Town is often the main reason for the trip — not just a stop before heading off on safari.

While iconic wildlife experiences in places like Kruger National Park remain a major draw, Cape Town's mix of mountains, beaches, wine estates, food, and world-class scenery attracts huge numbers of visitors who come specifically for the Mother City itself.

Being named the world’s best mountain escape for 2026 only strengthens Cape Town's position as one of Africa’s most desirable standalone travel destinations.

Bottom line

Cape Town's greatest strength is its balance.

It offers the energy of a major city, the relaxation of a coastal retreat, and the adventure of a mountain destination — all in one place.

That combination is rare.

And in 2026, it officially makes Cape Town the world’s number one mountain escape. 

 

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South Africa has the World’s Top 2 beaches in 2026

South Africa’s coastline has officially claimed global bragging rights.

According to a 2026 report by long-haul travel specialist Travelbag, featured by Forbes, two beaches in Cape Town rank as the world’s two most popular beaches: Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town takes first place, while Cape of Good Hope Beach claims second.

The ranking was based on a mix of Google reviews, search trends and social media popularity across more than 30 leading beach destinations worldwide.

For South African travellers — and international visitors planning a Cape Town itinerary — this confirms what locals have known for years: the Cape Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular coastal experiences anywhere on Earth.

Boulders Beach: The World’s No. 1 Beach

Located in Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast, Boulders Beach was named the world’s most popular beach thanks to more than 27,700 Google reviews and around 110,000 monthly searches.

It is best known for its resident colony of endangered African penguins, offering one of the rarest wildlife beach experiences globally.

Unlike typical beach destinations, Boulders Beach combines warm sheltered swimming coves, granite boulders, soft white sand and close-up penguin encounters via elevated boardwalks and protected viewing areas.

For travellers, it works perfectly as part of a Cape Peninsula day trip, especially when combined with Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg or Cape Point.

Best time to visit

The best months to visit are from December to March, when the weather is hot, dry and ideal for swimming, coastal drives and beach exploration.

Early mornings are best if you want fewer crowds and better penguin viewing.

Cape of Good Hope Beach: Ranked No. 2 in the World

Coming in second globally, Cape of Good Hope Beach offers something completely different: dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic surf and one of the most iconic landscapes in African travel.

Located inside Table Mountain National Park, the beach sits near the famous Cape Point route and remains one of South Africa’s great road trip highlights.

Travelbag recorded 12,941 Google reviews and around 135,000 monthly searches, making it one of the world’s most searched-for coastal landmarks.

Unlike Boulders Beach, this is not a swimming beach — it is a place for scenery, photography, hiking and that classic “southern tip of Africa” feeling many visitors chase.

Why this matters for travellers

Many international visitors still think of South Africa primarily for safaris, wine routes and Kruger National Park. But these rankings reinforce something increasingly important for tourism planning:

Cape Town is one of the world’s best beach destinations too.

You can combine penguins at Boulders Beach, dramatic ocean scenery at Cape Point, surfing in Muizenberg, sunset swims at Camps Bay, luxury beach escapes in Clifton and whale season along False Bay — all within a short drive.

Few destinations globally offer that kind of variety.

Traveller tips for visiting

 

Boulders Beach

• Arrive early to avoid crowds
• Bring swimwear — the sheltered coves are excellent for swimming
• Respect penguin boundaries and do not approach wildlife
• Book national park entry ahead during peak season

Cape of Good Hope

• Expect strong winds year-round
• Bring layers even in summer
• Allow enough time for the full Cape Point reserve
• Wildlife sightings often include baboons, ostriches and antelope

Bottom line

South Africa topping a global beach ranking is no surprise to anyone who has driven the Cape Peninsula.

But having both the No. 1 and No. 2 beaches in the world in one destination is something special.

For travellers planning a 2026 South Africa trip, this is your sign to spend more time on the coast — not just in the bush.

Because sometimes the best safari extension is a beach with penguins.

And now, officially, the best beach in the world is right here in South Africa. 

 

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FlySafair named most on-time airline in MEA 2025!

Aviation analytics firm Cirium has announced the results of its annual On-Time Performance Review, and South Africa’s low-cost carrier FlySafair has emerged as the most punctual airline in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region for 2025.

Based on Cirium’s extensive and independently verified data - sourced from more than 600 real-time global information feeds - FlySafair achieved an impressive 91.06% on-time arrival rate across 62,805 scheduled flights during 2025. This performance secured the airline the top position in the regional rankings, reinforcing its reputation for operational reliability and efficiency.

Another strong South African performer, Airlink, ranked fifth in the MEA region. The privately owned regional airline recorded an 84.47% on-time departure rate across 84,361 flights in 2025, underlining its consistency across an extensive domestic and regional network.

South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s state-owned flag carrier, was placed eighth in the regional rankings. SAA achieved an on-time performance score of 81.26%, based on 24,461 flights operated during the year—marking continued operational stabilisation following its post-business-rescue recovery.

Cirium defines an on-time arrival as a flight reaching the gate within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of its scheduled arrival time. Airport punctuality is measured using the same 14:59-minute threshold for scheduled departures.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards: South Africa takes top spot for Nature & Wildlife!

South Africa has reaffirmed its place among the world’s most inspiring travel destinations by winning the Gold Award for “Most Desirable Destination – Nature & Wildlife” at the 2025 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

Organised annually by the UK’s Wanderlust Magazine, the prestigious awards celebrate the very best in global travel - from destinations and experiences to tour operators and conservation initiatives - as chosen by the magazine’s passionate readership. This year, more than 200,000 travellers cast over 4.8 million votes, making it one of the most representative and respected reader-voted travel awards worldwide.

A celebration of South Africa’s natural beauty
From the wildlife-rich savannas of Kruger National Park to the dramatic coastlines of the Garden Route and the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa continues to capture the hearts of adventurers, photographers, and families from around the world.

Winning the Gold Award for Nature & Wildlife highlights the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, world-class conservation efforts, and accessibility. Whether it’s spotting the Big Five on safari, whale watching in Hermanus, or exploring the flower-covered landscapes of the Cape, South Africa delivers unforgettable nature experiences year-round.

“South Africa remains one of the most rewarding destinations on earth for nature lovers - combining spectacular wildlife with incredible landscapes and a vibrant cultural mix,” said the Wanderlust team during the awards presentation.

Among the World’s Most Desirable Travel Destinations
South Africa didn’t just shine in the nature category - it also ranked 6th in the "Most Desirable Country (World)" category, placing it among global travel heavyweights such as Japan, Italy, and New Zealand.

This recognition underscores South Africa's standing as a complete travel destination - one that offers an inspiring blend of adventure, culture, gastronomy, and natural wonder.

Inspiration for future travel
For travellers planning a 2025 or 2026 adventure, the Wanderlust awards offer a powerful reason to put South Africa at the top of their list. The country’s combination of iconic wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality make it one of the most desirable and rewarding destinations on the planet.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, South Africa's golden recognition at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2025 is a timely reminder to:

• Venture beyond the usual highlights - explore the Cederberg Mountains, the Drakensberg, or the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
• Support responsible tourism - stay with lodges and operators that protect the environment and empower local communities.
• Celebrate South Africa's uniqueness - its people, culture, and breathtaking natural diversity.

Why it matters
This achievement cements South Africa's reputation as a world-class travel destination that balances adventure, sustainability, and authenticity. From safari experiences and scenic drives to cultural encounters and coastal escapes, South Africa's 2025 gold win is a testament to its ongoing commitment to excellence in tourism.

 

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Cape Town named One of the World’s Happiest Cities by Time Out!

Cape Town in South Africa has been ranked the third happiest city in the world in Time Out’s 2025 “Happiest Cities” survey, based on the opinions of over 18,000 locals worldwide. According to the well-known lifestyle publication, 97% of Cape Town residents said that their city makes them happy, earning the Mother City a top-three spot behind Abu Dhabi and Medellín.
The ranking highlights cities where people find joy in everyday life, community, and connection. Cape Town stood out for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, food scene, and outdoor lifestyle. Locals cited easy access to nature, vibrant neighborhoods, and a growing sense of optimism as key reasons why they love living there.

Time Out noted that happiness in Cape Town has been rising in recent years, reflecting the city’s unique mix of creativity, resilience, and sunshine. From mountain trails to ocean views, street markets to music festivals, Cape Town continues to offer experiences that lift the spirit - for both locals and visitors.

With its combination of natural wonder, cultural energy, and genuine warmth, Cape Town's recognition as one of the world’s happiest cities is yet another reason to visit South Africa's most beloved destination.

 

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Linden in Johannesburg named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025

Time Out has released its annual list of the Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World, and Linden in Johannesburg has made it into the Top 20! The leafy suburb ranked #17 on the 2025 list, highlighting its growing reputation as a hub of food, culture, and creativity.

According to Time Out, the ranking is based on the best places to eat and drink, the cultural buzz, a strong sense of community, nightlife, and overall liveability. Linden stood out for its relaxed atmosphere, independent cafés, boutique shops, art spaces, and a thriving local-first spirit that makes it one of Joburg's most authentic destinations.

Popular spots in Linden include coffee hangouts like The Whippet and Yield Coffee Bar, restaurants such as Brian Lara Rum Eatery and Gaucho, and vibrant venues like Waiting for George. Visitors can also explore artisan shops, vintage boutiques, and art bars such as Joons Art Bar, or time a trip with the Linden Market, held quarterly at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.

Linden's recognition as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods puts Johannesburg firmly on the international travel map, offering tourists a different side of the city away from its busier districts. With its mix of charm, creativity, and community, Linden is now officially one of Joburg's must-visit areas. 

 

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South Africa crowned the World's Top Wine Tourism Destination for 2025!

South Africa has been named the #1 Wine Tourism Destination in the World for 2025, according to a global study released by Titan Travel. Beating out world-renowned contenders like Portugal and Italy, the country achieved a top score of 8.38 out of 10 - thanks to its unbeatable combination of affordable wine experiences, scenic diversity, and a surging global interest in local wine tours.
Titan Travel’s ranking, based on data from April 2024 to March 2025, assessed over 40 wine-producing countries. The scoring factored in average wine prices, wine tasting costs, the number of organized wine tours available, and global online search volumes. South Africa emerged as a standout with:

• Average wine prices as low as £3.42 (approx. R82 / $4.40 / €4.05) per bottle
• Tasting experiences starting from £11.73 (approx. R280 / $15.10 / €13.90)
• Over 279 wine tour options
• Strong global interest in regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

While France still tops global search interest, it ranked only 9th overall due to significantly higher average tasting costs (over £180). In contrast, South Africa offers value without compromising on quality - from prestigious estates to family-run cellars surrounded by breathtaking mountains and vineyards.

The full Top 5 Wine Tourism Destinations for 2025, according to Titan Travel, are:

1. South Africa – 8.38/10
2. Portugal – 7.75/10
3. Italy – 7.00/10
4. Cyprus - 6.38/10
5. Chile - 6.25/10
6. Spain - 6.13/10
7. New Zealand - 5.63/10
8. Croatia - 5.50/10
9. France - 5.38/10
10. Armenia - 5.13/10

This latest recognition confirms South Africa's growing reputation not only as a world-class wine producer but also as a leading global wine tourism hotspot. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, there's never been a better time to explore the Cape Winelands.

Plan Your Wine Tour in South Africa
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Robertson, and Constantia are just the beginning. Discover tasting rooms, cellar tours, vineyard picnics, and wine tram adventures — all just a short drive from Cape Town.

Travel Tip: Visit between March and May for harvest festivals, cool-weather tastings, and spectacular autumn colors in the vineyards.

Have you explored the Cape Winelands? Share your favorite vineyard or tasting experience in the comments below!

 

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Cape Town named World’s Best City 2025!

Cape Town has once again claimed global recognition as it was officially named the Best City in the World by readers of The Telegraph in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class hospitality, the South African city has long been a favourite among international travellers - and this year (again), it topped the prestigious list, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s most beloved destinations. It is the seventh time that Cape Town has received this honour from The Telegraph, and remarkably, the second time this year it has been crowned the world’s best city - following a similar ranking by Time Out earlier in 2025.

In addition to Cape Town's victory, South Africa was voted the 4th Best Country in the World (2023 position: 1st), cementing its appeal as a top-tier travel destination. The country's diverse offerings - from the iconic Kruger National Park and Garden Route to the Cape Winelands and vibrant urban hubs like Johannesburg and Durban - continue to attract adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Further north, Botswana also made an impressive showing in the awards, ranking as the 10th Best Country in the World (2023 position: 10th) . Renowned for its pristine wilderness, exclusive safari lodges, and sustainable tourism practices, Botswana remains a top destination for travellers seeking an intimate and eco-conscious African experience. Highlights include the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Makgadikgadi Pans.

The Telegraph Travel Awards are based on votes from more than 20,000 of readers of The Telegraph, one of the UK’s leading newspapers. The awards celebrate excellence in global travel, highlighting the destinations that consistently exceed expectations and deliver unforgettable experiences.