South Africa celebrates three wins at UK travel awards

South Africa is once again shining bright on the world stage after bagging three major awards.

On 4 November, the 25th edition of the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards took place at the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, England. Approximately 251 461 folks cast more than 8.2 million votes to determine – and celebrate – the best travel destinations in the world.

Here’s how Mzansi fared …

MOST DESIRABLE COUNTRY: WHERE SOUTH AFRICA RANKS

For the year 2026, South Africa took home bronze in the prestigious category of “Most Desirable Country.”

Costa Rica – a country located in Central America, one that’s dominated by lush forestry, postcard beaches and an abundance of stunning wildlife – grabbed gold in this category.

Japan, a nation steeped in tradition and lauded for its technological innovation (and praised for being one of the most polite countries in the world), garnered silver.

Here’s the full list ranking the top ten (from first to last):

• Costa Rica
• Japan
• South Africa
• Canada
• Thailand
• Australia
• USA
• Peru
• South Korea
• Colombia

WILDLIFE FOR THE WIN

South Africa was also recognised in the “Most Desirable Destination for Nature & Wildlife” category. Suffice to say, Mzansi took home top honours in this bracket, beating the likes of Brazil, Australia and Kenya for the title.

“South Africa,” per Wanderlust, “remains a benchmark for wildlife travel, due in part to the sheer variety on offer, from the red dunes and black-maned lions of the Kalahari to tracking rhinos on foot in the bushveld and cruising the wetlands of iSimangaliso.”

Adding to our ever-growing list of accolades, Cape Town represented SA in the “Most Desirable City (World)” category, securing bronze. Tokyo, Japan, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, received gold and silver, respectively.

SOUTH AFRICA: A TRAVELLER’S DREAM

It’s no secret that South Africa is a tourism tour de force, welcoming millions of tourists a year. After all, it’s a melting pot of scenic hotspots, diverse wildlife, renowned landmarks and colourful cultures – and these awards are proof of that.

What do you think of these achievements? Sound off in the comments section below!