South Africa ranks 4th in Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, continues decade-long global appeal
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
South Africa continues to mesmerise travellers from across the globe, garnering fourth position in The Telegraph Travel Awards for 2025, maintaining its dominant streak in the top 10 over the past decade.
From picturesque and cosmopolitan Cape Town and its winelands, through to the Garden Route, and the Kruger National Park, South Africa ticks all the boxes for the 20 000 readers who weighed in on the voting for this year's awards.
Travellers from across the globe continue to be captivated by South Africa's Big Five, including the much beloved elephant.
Image: Nicola Mawson
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
South Africa and Botswana, which came in at number 10, were the only African countries to feature in the Top 10 countries on earth this year.
The top position went to New Zealand, followed by Japan, with India in the third slot.
In 2023, South Africa was in the top spot, fifth in 2019 and second in 2018, reflecting its enduring allure for travellers, drawn by a combination of warm climate, breathtaking scenery and diverse offerings.
"The Telegraph" reported: "If this wonderland at the bottom of a spectacular continent has failed to keep the crown in 2025, it has hardly escaped your minds entirely.
A pair of hippos in the water in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique ecosystem and bountiful wildlife.
Image: Unsplash
"It acts as a reminder that few countries have quite as much to offer to travellers: one of the planet's most beautiful cities in Cape Town (also highly ranked in these awards' cities poll), wondrous wines in the Cape vineyards, the road-trip delights of the Garden Route, the safari sensation that is Kruger National Park."
Botswana comes a close second when looking at previous years, having held position 10 in 2023, position six in 2019 and fifth position in 2018, with travellers taking on boat trips in the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Below are the Top 10 New Zealand Japan India South Africa Greece Australia Peru The Maldives Costa Rica Botswana
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
South African Students' Delegation to China 'Chasing Dreams – Building Dreams'
The scorching July sun mirrored the Chinese peoples warm hospitality. Organised by Sanda University's Confucius Classroom at Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre, South Africa. The 2025 "Chinese Bridge" South African University/College Students delegation featured 12 participants from seven South African universities or colleges. Led by Confucius Classroom's Chinese Director Professor Wenhong Dai, the delegation packed a full schedule in two have visited Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing and Beijing. The members of the South African students' delegation came to China with their dreams. From "Chasing Dreams in China" to "Building Dreams in China", they completed a wonderful trip to China and started to build a new Chinese dream for their life! South African Students' delegation to China arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Image: Supplied "Chasing dreams of China" — The South African Students' delegation members of the team realised their dreams of "friendly exchange, cultural exploration and knowledge learning". Image: Supplied The First Dream: the Dream of Friendly Communication The trip to China has strengthened South African students desire to build friendly ties with the Chinese people and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between South Africa and China. They hope to make Chinese friends, enhance mutual understanding and friendship through this visit, and build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and Africa. The delegation's first stop was Sanda University, Shanghai. Where they were warmly received by Vice President PAN Huibin and JIANG Fengying. Attendees included Dean CAO Huiying of the School of Education, and Vice Dean LIU Tingting. Deputy Director YI Miao (also serving as Director of the International Exchange Office), Dean CAO and Professor FAN Jianhua had already arranged all preparatory work for the South African students' delegation visit to China. Leaders of Sanda University and members of the delegation. Image: Supplied Ms SONG Wenjun, deputy director of the Center for International Cultural Exchange of the School of Education, was enthusiastic about staying in the school during the summer vacation and carefully designed the reception activities for the South African delegation. Four volunteer students quickly became good friends with the members of the delegation within five days. At the farewell gathering before departing Shanghai for Suzhou, the cultural performances by students from both countries blossomed into a beautiful fruit of friendship. The Zulu poetry recitations, graceful South African modern dance, and a medley of songs and dances by all participants radiated joy and vitality. These included traditional folk songs symbolising Africa's primal nature and mystical charm, the cheerful theme song of the 2010 World Cup that conveyed African unity, confidence, and hope, popular African dance rhythms symbolising anti-apartheid culture, and the national anthem representing the "Rainbow Nation" of inclusiveness and optimism. Alongside these performances, students from Sanda University performed Chinese folk songs, ethnic dances, modern dance, erhu solos, and calligraphy workshops. The interplay of two cultures created a warm resonance of cultural understanding, allowing students from China and South Africa to deeply feel the warmth of shared heritage. Through this cultural fusion, the friendship between young people from both nations has grown stronger. Members of the Delegation perform with great enthusiasm. Image: Supplied Group Photo after the farewell party at Sanda University. Image: Supplied At Suzhou City University, male members of the South African delegation played football with Chen Wei, a renowned player from the Jiangsu City Football League, exchanging skills. At Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, South African delegation members engaged in lively discussions about their impressions of China with international peers from South Africa, Russia, Kazakhstan and other countries studying in China. Exchanges between students from delegation and XJTLU. Image: Supplied Exchanges between international students and delegation at NUFE. Image: Supplied At Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, leaders of the International Office arranged professional lectures for delegation members from several Southeast Asian countries, which stimulated the enthusiasm of relevant students in the South African students delegation to study at BUPT. Delegation members and international students from BUPT. Image: Supplied At the School of Marxism, Peking University, Dean SONG Chaolong designed a cutting-edge academic symposium "Civilisation Mutual Learning in the Era of Globalisation" for the South African students delegation. This in-depth exchange not only deepened the cultural understanding of Chinese and African students of each others countries, but also laid a good foundation for further exchanges and cooperation in the future. What was truly inspiring was the thorough preparation of speeches by South African delegation members. They took turns to share heartfelt reflections on their experiences in China. Mo Yundi, a student from the University of South Africa(UNISA), remarked: "I feel honoured to participate in the 'Chinese Bridge' delegation program. It provides us with opportunities to travel across continents, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. During my stay in China, I gained not only language skills but also insights into Chinese life stories, traditions, and values. Cultural exchange initiatives like 'Chinese Bridge' are vital. They remind us that despite our differences, we share common aspirations and can build bridges of understanding and friendship together." Academic seminar of delegation and Peking University students. Image: Supplied Delegation members and students of School of Marxism, Peking University. Image: Supplied The Second Dream of Chasing Dreams: the Dream of Cultural Exploration South African students delegation members were filled with curiosity about China's long history, culture and rapid development before their departure. They dreamed of deeply understanding China's classical and modern civilisations. Through this visit to China, they pursued the dream of exploring Chinese culture and personally touched and felt the pulse and profoundness of Chinese culture. In Shanghai, they immersed themselves in the cosmopolitan culture of Nanjing Road and marvelled at the Chinese mainland breathtaking views along the Huangpu River via cruise ship. The century-old International Settlement architecture in Puxi harmonised with the modern grandeur of Pudong's skyline. At Disney World, they discovered the magical blend of traditional fairy tale aesthetics and Chinese cultural elements. Strolling through Nanjing Road, they experienced the vibrant commercial atmosphere characteristic of this cosmopolitan metropolis. Feel the wind of Huangpu River and enjoy the skyline along the two sides. Image: Supplied At the South African Consulate General in Shanghai, South African delegation members were warmly received by Consul General Ms. Phuti Joyce Tsipa (Qi Pu), who encouraged these students to study Chinese well and contribute to the development and friendly exchanges between China and South Africa in the future. The Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai and delegation members. Image: Supplied In Suzhou, the delegation members experienced Chinese Kunqu Opera and explored the renowned Humble Administrators Humble Administrator's Garden. They were captivated by the classical costumes and melodies of traditional opera, marveled at the poetic charm and ingenious craftsmanship of Chinese garden architecture, and witnessed the cultural diversity along Pingjiang Road with its long history. They also appreciated the cultural heritage and innovative spirit embodied by Eslite Bookstore. Delegation members' tour at the Humble Administrators Garden. Image: Supplied The most eye-opening experience for the delegation was the Kunqu Opera cultural immersion program at Suzhou City University. Professor Yang Hui from the School of Urban Culture and Communication hosted a masterclass featuring a renowned Kunqu troupe, teacher Zhao Jiacheng provided English translation and introduction. Dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, participants learned exquisite makeup techniques and mastered the delicate gestures of the "lanhuazhi" (finger show) art form. Their lifelike performances of every gesture and glance sparked bursts of laughter throughout the event. Delegation members immerse themselves in Chinese Kunqu culture. Image: Supplied Delegation members with Kunqu opera actors. Image: Supplied In Nanjing, delegation members linger in the enchanting scenery along the Qinhuai River at Confucius Temple, immersed in its vibrant homestay culture and bustling commercial atmosphere. At Deji Plaza–China's second-largest commercial landmark in terms of sales, they experience its stylish shopping environment, premium brand portfolio, diverse business formats, and rich cultural integration. At the China Imperial Examination Museum in Nanjing, delegation members explored the history of Chinas imperial examinations and savored the aesthetic charm of traditional Chinese attire and calligraphy. They even drank "ink" (actually grape juice) to understand the meaning behind the Chinese proverb "Having ink in ones belly." The event was live-streamed by reporters from the International Channel of 'Nanjing Daily', with video coverage shared on both domestic and international social media platforms. Delegation members wear ancient Chinese costumes and experience calligraphy art. Image: Supplied Delegation members taste "ink". Image: Supplied Delegation members with their calligraphy teacher and his works. Image: Supplied During their visit to China, South African delegation members were delighted to learn how to use South African bank cards linked to WeChat Pay and Alipay through the guidance of volunteer students at Sanda University. In downtown Shanghai, they took the subway to various destinations, enthusiastically boarding Chinas high-speed trains along the way—from Shanghai to Suzhou, then from Suzhou to Nanjing, and finally to Beijing. Delegation members play the South African high-five game in the subway. Image: Supplied In Beijing, at the "Center for Language Education and Cooperation", delegation members were warmly received by project officers Mr. TANG Jinyue and Mr. WU Lei. They toured the "China Exploratorium," obtained a stamped visitation "Passport," and visited iconic landmarks including Confucius, the Great Wall, Peking Opera, the Temple of Heaven, high-speed rail stations, the Birds Nest stadium, pandas, and hot pot restaurants. In Beijing, they also explored Peking University's famous "University Centennial Hall", Yan nan Garden, and Weiming Lake, gaining profound appreciation for the institutions rich historical legacy and humanistic ethos. The awe-inspiring grandeur of the Forbidden City and the majestic scale of the Great Wall, a national symbol, transported them through millennia of history, allowing them to experience the unique charm of China's classical architecture and cultural heritage that has endured the test of time. Delegation members visit "Center for Language Education and Cooperation". Image: Supplied Delegation members in front of the Peking University "University Centennial Hall". Image: Supplied Delegation members on the Great Wall at Badaling. Image: Supplied During their nightly leisure time after dinner, delegation members visiting China abandoned taxis and subways in favour of shared bikes. They lingered in the vibrant atmosphere of Houhai and Nanluoguxiang, two historic districts, where late-night crowds would unlock bikes with QR codes and ride through the capital's streets and alleys. Their excitement kept them out until 1 or 2 AM before returning to their hotel for rest. Feng Jie, a member of the delegation who happily rode on a shared bike. Image: Supplied Everything in China makes them feel new and happy. They are amazed at the rich cultural charm, rapid economic development, countless kinds of delicious food, safe and stable social environment and rich tourism resources in China. The Third Dream of Chasing Dreams: the Dream of Knowledge Learning It is widely recognised that contemporary China has demonstrated robust development momentum and remarkable achievements across multiple fields including culture, arts, science, technology, and economy. We extend our gratitude to LI Yanping, the instructor of the "Morning Chinese" HSK Practical Course Training Program, for her meticulously designed crash course aligned with the official HSK Level 1 test standards for the South African delegation members. Additionally, we thank HanKao International for arranging an exclusive HSK Level 1 test at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University for all 11 delegation members. The results exceeded expectations, with multiple candidates passing the test, including Feng Jie who achieved a high score of 180 points. Delegation members' HSK1 class at Sanda University. Image: Supplied During their study tour to China, South African delegation members gained insights into China's advanced knowledge in various fields. Through cultural visits and experiences, they explored the historical sites, traditional culture, modern civilization, and educational models of four Chinese cities... In terms of science and technology knowledge, they visited the "State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications" at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, where they learned about China's top scientific and technological information in 5G communication, optical communication, satellite Internet and other fields. Delegation members visit the State Key Laboratory of BUPT. Image: Supplied Building Dreams: Learn Chinese Well—Study in China Through this trip, the 2025 South African Students Delegation members to China fell deeply in love with China, accumulated knowledge and experience for their own academic and future career development, and opened a new Chinese dream—to study in China! Taking this opportunity, the Chinese director of Confucius Classroom at Chinese Cultural and International Education Exchange Centre encouraged these delegation members to study diligently under Confucius Classroom teachers upon their return to South Africa. They aimed to pass the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) Levels 1-5 and apply for Chinese government scholarships to pursue masters degrees in China in the near future. The delegation members remained highly motivated, maintaining lively discussions in their WhatsApp group after returning home, eagerly anticipating online Chinese language courses starting in August. The successful hosting of the "Chinese Bridge" South African Students Delegation to China has not only created unforgettable memories for South African students but also injected new vitality into China-South African higher education exchanges. This marks the first delegation of South African university students to visit China since the Confucius Classroom at Chinese Cultural and International Education Exchange Centre successfully organised four delegations of South African principals to China since 2018, demonstrating greater appeal, innovation, and practical effectiveness.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Golden Arrow Bus Services to raise fares from next Monday
Commuters at the Golden Arrow bus terminus Cape Town. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Commuters will have to fork out more as Golden Arrow Bus Services has announced a fare increase from next Monday. While most weekly tickets have stayed under R250, most monthly fares have hit the R1 000 mark. Golden Arrow spokesperson, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said it remains mindful of the financial challenges faced by passengers. 'In recent years, we have made a concerted effort to delay annual fare increases beyond the customary December period. For example, instead of implementing a fare increase in December 2023, we absorbed the rising costs until April 2024, and we again deferred the December 2024 increase.' Dyke-Beyer added that the interim contract the bus service had with the Western Cape Government provides for fare adjustments to rising operational costs. Dyke-Beyer explained: 'However, due to continued and widespread increases in operating costs across the supply chain, we are no longer able to delay further. As a result, fares will increase by an average of 4 percent, effective August 11, 2025. She said this increase is essential to maintain Golden Arrow's sustainability and continuity of its services. Passengers have been urged to make use of the Gold Card, which enables them to access discounted fare options. For a full list of revised fares, members of the public are urged to contact the Transport Information Centre at 0800 65 64 63. The new Prasa fares that came into effect on Friday Image: Prasa
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Severe weather warnings: Cold fronts and snowfall to impact South Africa this week
The South African Weather Service has issued Yellow Level 1 warnings for coastal swells, interior winds, and snowfall across multiple provinces this week. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers South Africans are facing a dramatic week of winter weather as a powerful sequence of cold fronts sweeps across the country, unleashing damaging winds, disruptive coastal swells, and snowfall in high-lying areas. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued multiple Yellow Level 1 warnings ahead of what could be one of the most turbulent stretches of weather this winter. The first front was due to make landfall over the south-western coast on Monday morning, August 4, bringing gale-force winds and sea swells of up to 5.5 meters. A secondary front is forecast to follow close behind by the evening, intensifying conditions along the Western Cape coastline. 'These conditions will result in disruptions to beachfront activities such as people being swept off rocks,' SAWS cautioned. 'Coastal users and anglers on low-lying rocks are at risk of being caught off guard by high-energy waves and swept off to sea.' By Monday evening, large parts of the coast between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas will be under threat from disruptive wave activity. By Tuesday morning, this swell is expected to spread further east to Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay, putting both recreational beachgoers and small vessel operators on high alert. Inland, residents of the Northern Cape and Central Karoo are bracing for strong interior winds, with speeds reaching 50km/h and gusts of up to 70km/h. Dust storms and crosswinds are likely to create hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles. 'Strong gusty winds are expected over the central parts of the Northern Cape,' the SAWS warned. 'Impacts include localised damage to informal settlements, reduced visibility due to dust, and the risk of localised runaway fires.' As the cold front pushes further inland on Tuesday, August 5, temperatures are expected to plummet across much of the central and southern interior. Scattered to widespread rain is forecast for the Western Cape, southern Eastern Cape, and parts of the Northern Cape and Free State. Worcester and Beaufort West are expecting up to a 60% chance of rainfall, while areas such as Springbok, Graaff-Reinet, and East London sit at around 30%. Thunderstorms are expected to develop over high-lying regions, coupled with biting cold and strengthening southerly winds along the coast, which will make conditions feel even more frigid. By Wednesday, August 6, the wintry weather intensifies as a second cold front barrels eastward, bringing a new round of widespread rainfall and snow to higher-altitude areas. The Eastern Cape interior, particularly around Mthatha, Aliwal North, and Barkly East, is in line for snow accumulation. SAWS predicts a 60% chance of snowfall in mountainous parts of the Eastern Cape, while the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal could see a 30% chance of rain and light snow over elevated terrain. By midweek, freezing temperatures will dominate the landscape, heightening the risk of travel disruptions, power outages, and treacherous road conditions, particularly in rural or mountainous areas. Residents are urged to stay updated with official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather activity. IOL News
