Nearly 30,000 experienced travellers have voted for their favourite destinations, airlines, and travel companies (among others) in this year's Telegraph Travel Awards. And we're over the moon to share that our wonderful Rainbow Nation was voted the greatest country in the world! South Africa is brimming with diverse cultures, languages, culinary experiences, landscapes and seascapes, wildlife and birdlife... Find out more about what makes it better than all the rest.
Explore the Cape Winelands and many other scenic landscapes in South Africa
South Africa, the Greatest Country in the World
South Africa might be at the bottom of the world map, but it's at the top of the Telegraph's list of best countries. Considering the kaleidoscope of landscapes and experiences, our home is truly the world in one country.
Expect a world-class Big 5 safari experience in Kruger National Park while immersing yourself in pure luxury at some of the most famous private safari lodges.
Indulge in award-winning wine and unique culinary experience in the Cape Winelands, where every corner is Instagram-worthy! Picture-perfect moments await you here, framed by vineyards and dramatic mountain ranges.
Clifton's beaches are the place to be during the holiday season in Cape Town
Then there are the world-famous beaches of our home, Cape Town. Clifton and Camps Bay are worthy of their praises. Hues of blue water glitter in the sun and wash up on champagne-hued sandy beaches, almost as if bowing down to the majestic Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles mountain range.
South Africa even has its own version of the Garden of Eden, known as the Garden Route. Emerald mountains wing lush green forests and winding roads, with the tanzanite Indian Ocean on either side. It's the ultimate self-drive destination!
Our Garden Route is a paradise for nature lovers and families
Oh, but wait, the good news doesn't end here. Not only was South Africa lauded as the best country on Earth, but three other African destinations also made the top 10, namely Maldives, Kenya, and Botswana.
The Idyllic Maldives
Reaching third place in the Telegraph Travel Awards, the Maldives is a place of dreams, love, and adventure. As translucent waters encircle the string of islands, you can expect to find some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world as you explore gardens of coral.
Back on land, marvel at the intricate decorations and Quranic script on the country's oldest mosque in Malé, Hukuru Miskiy, and stroll in the old bazaar area. Wondering when to visit this island paradise? Find out more in our blog post about the best time to travel to the Maldives.
Welcome to paradise, Image Credit: Maldives Manafaru Beach House
Wildlife-focused Kenya
In seventh place, Kenya offers a front-row seat to the spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration, when more than two million animals – including zebra, antelope, and gazelle – travel across the plains to follow the rainfall in search of greener pastures.
The scenery of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru, and the shoreline embrace mountains, forests, deserts, and waterscapes. It's also the ideal destination for a hot air balloon safari!
East Africa should be on everyone's bucket list
Remarkable Botswana
Botswana's spectrum of contrasting landscapes and wildlife makes it a premier safari destination. At number 10 on the list, our neighbouring country has grown in popularity.
The veins of the Okavango Delta create a watery web bustling with wild- and bird life, including antelope, lion, leopard, and the African wild dog. Furthermore, there's the home of the gentle giants, Chobe National Park, well-known for its thriving population of elephants.
In contrast, the Kalahari Desert is probably one of the most untouched wilderness areas in the world and features enormous salt flats, the Makgadikgadi Pans. Expect vibrant sunsets and night skies drenched in stars.
Explore Botswana's wilderness with us
It’s Time to Visit the Greatest Country in the World
Seeing four destinations from the same continent under the top 10 of the greatest countries on our beautiful planet is impressive! Besides feeling very chuffed about the performance of our home continent, we're also excited to share our travel expertise with you. The entire Rhino Africa Crash lives, breathes, and loves Africa.
So, if you were looking for a sign, waiting for a confirmation from the universe, or for the African stars to align… Well, the time is now! Contact our Travel Experts to plan your luxury African adventure with us today.
