Cape Town is the Best City, and this top-five spot marks SA's 10-year consecutive inclusion in the Best Countries list.
South Africa has once again earned its place among the world’s top travel destinations, ranking 4th in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, as voted by more than 20,000 readers of the UK-based publication.
This follows Cape Town being recognised as the world's best city on Earth in the cities category of the awards!
This year's fourth position maintains South Africa’s decade-long streak in the top ten, affirming its place as a world-class destination.
Praised for its breathtaking diversity — from Big Five safaris and dramatic road-trip coastlines to award-winning wine regions and vibrant cities — South Africa continued to be celebrated for offering a full continent’s worth of adventure in a single country.
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While New Zealand drew votes for its cinematic scenery and adrenaline-fuelled experiences, The Telegraph credited South Africa for its unforgettable wildlife, rich cultures, warm hospitality, and astonishing natural beauty — all at an exceptional value for travellers, thanks to the rand's favourable exchange rate.
This isn’t South Africa’s first brush with travel glory. In fact, it topped the list just two years ago in 2023, and its continued presence in the global spotlight signals strong momentum for the country’s tourism sector, especially as more international travellers seek meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
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Whether it’s whale-watching in Hermanus, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, hiking the Drakensberg, or simply soaking up the vibe in Cape Town, South Africa remains one of the most captivating places on earth.
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