Voted by thousands of Telegraph readers, the annual awards honour top destinations and cement South Africa’s decade-long spot in the global top 10.
South Africa’s enduring popularity was highlighted by its diverse and attractive tourism offerings, from the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park and the scenic Garden Route.
Cape Town was particularly recognised not only for its striking landscape and culture but also ranked highly in the Telegraph’s city-specific polls.
WHAT MAKES CAPE TOWN THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD
In a separate accolade, Cape Town was also named the best city in the world for nightlife in the Times’ 2025 Global Nightlife Report. The Mother City was praised for its eclectic nocturnal energy, blending gritty warehouse raves, glamorous rooftop lounges, and a signature soundtrack of Afro-house and amapiano that keeps both locals and travellers dancing until sunrise.
BOTSWANA IS IN THE TOP 10 OF THE BEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
Meanwhile, Botswana earned the 10th spot on the Telegraph‘s list, reinforcing its standing as one of the continent’s most timeless and awe-inspiring travel destinations.
While Botswana hasn’t moved up in the rankings, its steady position reflects a consistent global admiration for its unspoiled wilderness and conservation-driven tourism.
THE TELEGRAPH AWARDS
The Telegraph Travel Awards are an annual survey-based ranking run by The Telegraph (a major UK newspaper), where tens of thousands of its readers, both print subscribers and online users, cast votes across travel categories such as best country, city, airline, hotel group, and tour operator.
WHAT MAKES CAPE TOWN THE BEST CITY ON EARTH YET AGAIN?
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