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Serengeti wins top park in Africa for fifth time in a row

It’s one of the most iconic images of Africa, the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest across the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing and water, the largest annual movement of animals globally.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the Serengeti in northern Tanzania each year to experience its vast open plains, stunning wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

On Monday, it was named Africa’s Leading National Park at the World Travel Awards for the fifth time in a row.

Spread over almost 15 thousand square kilometres, it’s home to the world’s largest populations of lion, wildebeest, zebra, cape eland, hyena, gazelles, and cheetah.

The Serengeti beat off stiff competition from five other parks to take the top award.

The other nominees were the Masai Mara in Kenya, and parks in South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Botswana.

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World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean 2023 winners revealed

The gala WTA reception was held at Dubai’s new landmark resort, Atlantis Royal, with tourism royalty travelling from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to find out which organisations had won the coveted titles.

The very best travel, tourism and hospitality brands in Africa and the Indian Ocean in 2023 have been unveiled by World Travel Awards .

Big winners at the red carpet  World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2023  included the paradise nation of the Maldives, emerging as winner of “Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination” as well as “Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board”. Kenya was named “Africa’s Leading Destination”. The thriving South African hub Durban took the coveted title of “Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”.

Cape Town collected the honour of “Africa’s Leading City Destination”, and Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area won “Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction”. “Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination” went to Mauritius, while “Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” was claimed by Seychelles. Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was voted “Africa’s Leading Hotel”.

Graham Cooke , Founder, WTA, says: “It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for our 30th anniversary celebrations in Dubai. The incredible evening will live long in everyone’s memory. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights”.

In the aviation sector, big winners included Ethiopian Airlines with the titles of “Africa’s Leading Airline” and “Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class”. Kenya Airways was voted “Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class”. Air Mauritius claimed “Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline” and Trans Maldivian Airways was named “Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator”.

In the newcomer categories, Morocco’s Fairmont Taghazout Bay was named “Africa’s Leading New Hotel” and Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa hailed. “Africa’s Leading New Resort”. Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Maldives was voted “Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort”. Travel provider winners included Get Into Maldives Travels (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator’).

Vicky Karantzavelou

Vicky  is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the  Editor-in Chief . She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Holland America Group resigns USTOA active membership
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Ink Innovation to launch a joint venture with LPort in Saudi Arabia
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ CTM advances proprietary Lightning OBT with AI-powered trip builder, rich airline content and hotel reviews
• Vicky Karantzavelou https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/vicky-karantzavelou/ Second successful edition of Events Club Associations Forum held in Valencia

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Cape Town was voted Africa’s Leading City Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards. Photo: canva

Cape Town wins big at the 2023 World Travel Awards

Big win: The city of Cape Town was voted Africa’s Leading City Destination at this year’s World Travel Awards.

World Travel Awards Africa shines spotlight on South Africa

The 30th World Travel Awards Africa gala ceremony was held yesterday, 15 October 2023, in a glittering event at The Atlantis Royal in Dubai, where all the winners were announced for the Africa and Indian Ocean category.

It was here that the beautiful Mother City was once again announced as Africa’s Leading City Destination at the annual awards show. This is the third consecutive year that Cape Town has taken home the coveted title and it’s big news indeed.

The city has been winning big recently, the City of Cape Town said in a statement , with several other accolades being placed on her shelf.

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‘A leading tourism destination’

Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said that global recognition only increases the numbers of tourists wanting to visit the City.

“We’re proud to receive continued recognition in these prestigious awards, confirming Cape Town as a leading tourism destination on the continent. The variety of experiences available to local and international visitors makes us a unique destination for travel and leisure.” Mayor Hill-Lewis said.

ALSO READ: Cape Town ranks as one of the most affordable places to visit

Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, added that these awards were a testament to Cape Town’s rich diversity of assets that reveal and celebrate it’s people and products.

“We are committed to building on the gains we have made in growing a tourism industry that is boosting employment and investment opportunity. This means maintaining our efforts to land more flights, docking more cruise liners, hosting more events and conferences, and supporting businesses to build products that are unique and world-class.” Alderman Vos said.

ALSO READ: South African lodge features on World’s 50 Best Hotels list

See the full list of winners here .

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY SUNDEEKA MUNGROO

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World Travel Awards 2023: Kenya Named Africa’s Leading Destination

• Kenya bagged the Africa Leading Destination award in the 2023 edition of the World Travel Awards 2023 edition
• The country's capital emerged as the continent's leading business travel destination in the city category
• In the hotel and resort categories, Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort won two awards

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Kenya has emerged among the top countries in this year's Africa Travel Awards.

The country was crowned ‘Africa’s Leading Destination’ in the World Travel Awards 2023 edition.

Nairobi City was named Africa's Leading Business Travel Destination 2023, while the South African hub of Durban took the coveted title of ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination’.

Leading hotels and resorts

Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani won two prestigious awards: Africa’s Leading Resort and Kenya’s Leading Resort for 2023.

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Malindi’s Diamonds Dream of Africa was voted Africa’s leading all-inclusive resort for the fourth time, having won it in 2016 and from 2021 to date. It won Africa’s Leading Beach hotel in 2012.

Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort President Sara Rosso Cipolini expressed the company's excitement, attributing the victory to stakeholders and customers.

“We are honoured to win Kenya's Leading Resort and crowned as Africa's Leading Resort, a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence. It’s a result of the vision and investments of the owners, and these renowned awards stand as a tribute to the passion and hard work of our exceptional team,” said Cipolini.

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel’, while Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, Kenya won Africa's Leading Hotel Residences 2023.

List of Kenyan Billionaires Who Own Properties in Laikipia

Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence, Arboretum (Kenya's Leading Hotel Residences 2023), while Bonfire Adventures bagged Kenya's Leading Travel Agency 2023.

“It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for our 30th anniversary celebrations in Dubai. The incredible evening will live long in everyone’s memory. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and everyone for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights,” said Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards.

Kenya Airways bags award

Kenya Airways was voted ‘Africa's Leading Airline - Economy Class’ in the aviation sector.

AirKenya emerged as the country's Leading Domestic Safari Carrier in the 2023 edition.

Ethiopian Airlines won the titles of ‘Africa's Leading Airline’ and ‘Africa's Leading Airline - Business Class’.

Air Mauritius claimed ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’, and Trans Maldivian Airways was named ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator’.

King Charles, Wife Camilla Host Dinner to Mark Kenya's 60th Anniversary of Independence

In 2022, KQ maintained its status as the Pride of Africa during the World Travel Awards for two consecutive years.

The National Carrier was crowned the African Leading Arline in 2022, beating the likes of South African Airlines.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

Tanzania wins eight categories at World Travel Awards 2023

By  Bethsheba Wambura

Mwananchi Communications Ltd

What you need to know:

Tanzanian parks, hotels, and companies, among others, received high recognition at the WTA, which was hosting its 30th edition of the awards.

Dar es Salaam . Tanzania won a total of eight titles in the Africa category of the World Travel Awards (WTA) during an Africa & Indian Ocean Gala ceremony held on October 16 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Among the winners were Serengeti National Park, which was recognized as Africa's leading national park, winning it for the fifth time in a row.

PRIME Serengeti named Africa's leading national park fifth time in a row

Other categories Tanzania won are: Leading Tourist Attraction (Ngorongoro Conservation Area), Leading Tourist Board (Tanzania Tourist Board), Leading Tour Operator (Zara Tours), Leading Luxury Island (Thanda Island), Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp (Siringiti Serengeti Camp), Leading New Resort (Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa), and Responsible Tourism Award (Twiga Tours).

Full List of Winners: Tanzania

Tanzania's Leading Boutique Hotel 2023 Zanzibar- Serena Hotel

Tanzania's Leading Business Hotel 2023- Gran Meliá Arusha

Tanzania's Leading Car Rental Company 2023- First Car Rental Tanzania

Tanzania's Leading Destination Management Company 2023- Green Inspirations DMC

Tanzania's Leading Domestic Safari Carrier 2023- Auric Air

Tanzania's Leading Hotel 2023- Gran Meliá Arusha

Tanzania's Leading Hotel Suite 2023- Red Level Presidential Suite @ Gran Meliá Arusha

Tanzania's Leading Resort 2023- Meliá Zanzibar

Tanzania's Leading Safari Company 2023- Twiga Tours

Tanzania's Leading Safari Lodge 2023- Lamai Serengeti

Tanzania's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2023- Kuro Tarangire

Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator 2023- Zara Tours

Tanzania's Leading Travel Agency 2023- Satguru Travel Tanzania

Tanzania's Leading Travel Management Company 2023- FCM Travel - Tanzania (Skylink Travel & Tours)

Full List of Winners: Africa

Africa's Leading Airline 2023        Ethiopian Airlines

Africa's Leading Airline - Business Class 2023- Ethiopian Airlines

Africa's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2023- Kenya Airways

Africa's Leading Airline Brand 2023- Ethiopian Airlines

Africa's Leading Airport 2023- Cape Town International Airport, South Africa

Africa's Leading Airport Hotel 2023- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Kenya

Africa's Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2023- Diamonds Dream of Africa, Kenya

Africa's Leading Beach Destination 2023 Diani Beach, Kenya

Africa's Leading Beach Resort 2023- Swahili Beach, Kenya

Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel 2023- Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa

Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2023- Mantis Collection

Africa's Leading Boutique Resort 2023- Billionaire Resort & Retreat, Kenya

Africa's Leading Business Car Rental Company 2023- Hertz

Africa's Leading Business Hotel 2023- Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria

Africa's Leading Business Travel Destination 2023- Nairobi, Kenya

Africa's Leading Car Rental Company 2023- Hertz

Africa's Leading Casino Resort 2023- Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco

Africa's Leading City Destination 2023- Cape Town, South Africa

Africa's Leading City Hotel 2023  Fairmont The Norfolk, Kenya

Africa's Leading Conference Hotel 2023- Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda

Africa's Leading Conservation Company 2023- Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Africa's Leading Cruise Line 2023- Oceania Cruises

Africa's Leading Cruise Port 2023- Port of Cape Town, South Africa

Africa's Leading Design Hotel 2023- Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, South Africa

Africa's Leading Destination 2023- Kenya

Africa's Leading Destination Management Company 2023- Ker & Downey® Africa

Africa's Leading Family Resort 2023- Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya

Africa's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2023- Durban, South Africa

Africa's Leading Green Hotel 2023- Cheetah Plains, South Africa

Africa's Leading Hotel 2023- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Africa's Leading Hotel Brand 2023- Radisson Blu

Africa's Leading Hotel Residences 2023- The Residences at Leopard Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya

Africa's Leading Hotel Suite 2023- Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite @ Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, South Africa

Africa's Leading Inflight Magazine 2023- Msafiri (Kenya Airways)

Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline 2023- Jambojet

Africa's Leading Luxury Hotel 2023- The Silo Hotel, South Africa

Africa's Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2023  Villa Two @ Ellerman House, South Africa

Africa's Leading Luxury Island 2023         Thanda Island, Tanzania

Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge 2023          Silvan Safari, South Africa

Africa's Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023- Sirai House, Kenya

Africa's Leading Luxury Resort 2023- One&Only Cape Town, South Africa

Africa's Leading Luxury Safari Company 2023- African Bush Camps

Africa's Leading Luxury Safari Lodge 2023- One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

Africa's Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2023              Siringit Serengeti Camp, Tanzania

Africa's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2023          Rhino Africa

Africa's Leading Luxury Train 2023- The Blue Train

Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2023- Durban ICC, South Africa

Africa's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2023- Durban, South Africa

Africa's Leading National Park 2023- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Africa's Leading New Hotel 2023- Fairmont Taghazout Bay, Morocco

Africa's Leading New Resort 2023- Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa

Africa's Leading Online Travel Agency 2023- TravelYalla

Africa's Leading Private Game Reserve 2023- &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Africa's Leading Private Island Resort 2023- Manda Bay, Kenya

Africa's Leading Private Jet Charter 2023- ExecuJet

Africa's Leading Resort 2023- Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Kenya

Africa's Leading River Cruise Company 2023- Zambezi Queen Collection

Africa's Leading Safari Company 2023- Go2Africa

Africa's Leading Safari Lodge 2023- Makumu Private Game Lodge, South Africa

Africa's Leading Serviced Apartments 2023- Somerset Westview Nairobi, Kenya

Africa's Leading Sports Resort 2023- Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa, South Africa

Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2023- Finch Hattons, Kenya

Africa's Leading Tour Operator 2023- Zara Tours

Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction 2023 - Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Africa's Leading Tourist Board 2023- Tanzania Tourist Board

Africa's Leading Travel Agency 2023- Bonfire Adventures

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Ethiopian Airlines Regains Title as ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards

Ethiopian Airlines soared back to the top of the African aviation scene as they reclaimed the prestigious title of ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards, which took place in Dubai for Africa and the Indian Ocean regions.

In a stunning comeback, Africa’s largest airline managed to regain the title it had held for three consecutive years, starting in 2018, before Kenya Airways took the crown in 2021. Kenya Airways had held the title for two consecutive years, making this year’s victory for Ethiopian Airlines a triumphant return to the top.

Ethiopian Airlines also scooped up additional accolades at the event, securing ‘Best Business Class’ and ‘Leading Airline Brand’ for 2023. With its vast network that spans over 150 domestic and international destinations across five continents, the airline’s influence in the industry is undeniable.

Kenya Airways, on the other hand, clinched the 2023 title of ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine (Msafiri).’ Their wholly-owned subsidiary, Jambojet, was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline.’

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards (WTA) have continuously celebrated excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Notably, since the inception of WTA, South African Airways held the ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ title for 22 consecutive years, starting in 1994 until Kenya Airways dethroned it in 2016.

In the years since the change, only Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways have held the prestigious title, each now boasting four victories.

At the time of this writing, Ethiopian Airlines had not yet issued a statement regarding their latest triumph.

In addition to the airline awards, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa was named ‘Africa’s Leading Airport’ for 2023, further underscoring the continent’s increasing significance in the global aviation landscape.

The recognition received at the World Travel Awards coincides with positive news for the African aviation industry. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) reported in the second quarter of the year that air travel in Africa had continued to make a “robust recovery” post-pandemic, with air travel levels reaching 94.8% of 2019 figures. Nevertheless, the pandemic has since taken its toll on African airlines, with losses of $3.5 billion in revenue in 2022.

This year’s World Travel Awards 2023 ceremony showcased a diverse range of winners, highlighting the excellence and diversity of the African travel and tourism industry. Notable wins included:

– Africa’s Most Romantic Resort: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Mozambique

– Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination: Nairobi, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading Business Hotel: Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria

– Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel: The Silo Hotel, South Africa

– Africa’s Leading Luxury Resort: One&Only Cape Town, South Africa

– Africa’s Leading Green Hotel: Cheetah Plains, South Africa

– Africa’s Leading Private Island Resort: Manda Bay, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading Luxury Island: Thanda Island, Tanzania

– Africa’s Leading National Park: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

– Africa’s Leading Conference Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Rwanda

– Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

– Africa’s Leading Beach Destination: Diani Beach, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading Beach Resort: Swahili Beach, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading Family Resort: Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Kenya

– Africa’s Leading City Destination: Cape Town, South Africa

– Africa’s Leading Cruise Port: Port of Cape Town, South Africa

– Africa’s Leading Casino Resort: Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco

– Africa’s Leading Destination: Kenya

Note of Credit:We extend our appreciation to Mshale News for their valuable contribution to this article. Their insightful coverage and reporting significantly influenced the content and quality of this piece.

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The gala WTA reception was held at Dubai’s new landmark resort, Atlantis Royal.

At the gala ceremony, Cape Town was named 'Africa's Leading City Destination', with Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area named 'Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction'. Mauritius was named 'Indian Ocean's Leading Wedding Destination', whilst Seychelles was named 'Indian Ocean's Leading Honeymoon Destination'. The title of 'Africa's Leading Hotel' was awarded to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Graham Cooke, founder, WTA, says: "It has been a privilege to welcome our winners from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for our 30th anniversary celebrations in Dubai. The incredible evening will live long in everyone’s memory. Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights."

In the aviation sector, winners included Ethiopian Airlines with the titles of 'Africa's Leading Airline' and 'Africa's Leading Airline - Business Class'. Kenya Airways was voted 'Africa's Leading Airline - Economy Class'. Air Mauritius claimed 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline' and Trans Maldivian Airways was named 'Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator'.

In the newcomer categories, Morocco’s Fairmont Taghazout Bay was named ‘Africa’s Leading New Hotel’ and Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa hailed. ‘Africa's Leading New Resort’. Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Maldives was voted Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort’. Travel provider winners included Get Into Maldives Travels (‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator’).

More information and a full list of winners on the WTA website .

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World Travel Awards Africa Honours Western Cape’s Tourism Achievements

A total of 8 western cape-based tourism and hospitality brands were crowned winners at the world travel awards africa , released on 16 october 2023..

Recognised as the gold-standard of awards, World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said, “I am delighted that so many of the incredible offerings we have in the Western Cape have been recognised on such a prestigious world stage. The closer we get to our summer peak period, the more reasons we have to expect a record setting season. This is very exciting because the tourism and hospitality sector contributes significantly to our economy and especially to job creation in the Western Cape.”

The Western Cape winners include:

• Africa’s Leading Airport 2023 – Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading City Destination 2023 – Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2023 – Port of Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Design Hotel 2023 – Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2023 – The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2023 – Villa Two @ Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Luxury Resort 2023 – One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa’s Leading Sports Resort 2023 – Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa, South Africa

Minister Wenger continued, “I’d like to congratulate all our amazing winners for their contribution to ensuring that Cape Town and the Western Cape remain a destination of choice for visitors. I’d also like to recognise all our other impressive brands that were nominated which is a great indication of the sector’s commitment to and achievement of excellence.”

“More tourists mean more jobs in our province and the flurry of tourism and hospitality accolades awarded to so many in the Western Cape tourism and hospitality sector gives us hope that by working together to support and grow the industry, we can grow our economy and create many more jobs for residents.” concluded Minister Wenger.

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Celebrating Our Partners Who Shone in the 2023 World Travel Awards

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There’s an old saying, “You’re only as good as the company you keep”. Fortunately for us at Rhino Africa, we’re surrounded by top-notch partners who help us bring our guests’ safari dreams to life. We’re talking about the crème de la crème, the bee’s knees and the cat’s pyjamas of African travel! So here’s to our partners who stood out and shone at the 2023 World Travel Awards.

Offering guests a lavish and personalised safari experience, Image Credit: Singita

2023 World Travel Awards Winners

Talk about making winning a habit… Silvan Safari won both South Africa’s and Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge for the sixth consecutive year and is in the running to also take home the award for World’s Leading Luxury Lodge yet again.

Recently refurbished, this sensational slice of Sabi Sand heaven has been setting hearts on fire and bringing dreams to life from day one.

Silvan Safari is Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge and it's not hard to see why!

Noteworthy Nominations

A property very close to our heart, Camissa House was nominated in the categories for both South Africa’s Leading Boutique and Leading Design Hotel, a fantastic honour for this opulent outpost on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Exquisite lighting in the atrium at Camissa House

Another favourite of ours, Ellerman House , received three nominations this year and found themselves in the running for both South Africa’s Leading Boutique and Leading Luxury Hotel. Along with these two nominations, they won the title of Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa, a fitting honour for one of Cape Town’s ultimate luxury gems, Villa Two.

The best address in Cape Town, Image Credit: Ellerman House

Safari Superstars

If leopards and luxury are your thing, then look no further than Londolozi . Perhaps the most iconic sanctuary in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve , Londolozi was nominated as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge for the fifth consecutive year.

Londolozi is renowned for its luxury safari experiences, Image Credit: Londolozi

The place so nice they named it twice, Chitwa Chitwa earned a moment in the spotlight with their nomination as South Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge.

Chitwa Chitwa gives the ultimate authentic safari experience, Image Credit: Chitwa Chitwa

A breakaway fit for a king on the banks of the Zambezi River, Royal Chundu was recognised as Zambia’s Leading Safari Lodge, a title they have won eight times and been nominated for 11 times since 2011. Beating them to the title takes some doing, so a massive congratulations to Puku Ridge .

An idyllic setting on the Zambezi, Image Credit: Royal Chundu

Instagram influencers’ paradise Giraffe Manor made it ten years in a row of being nominated as Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel, and with long necks and luxurious accommodations galore, it’s every African enthusiast’s dream.

Giraffe Manor is what dreams are made of, Image Credit: Giraffe Manor

City and Vineyard Settings

The nominees for Africa’s Leading Design Hotel featured one of our local favourites, Babylonstoren . If you’re after a retreat in the Winelands or a sensational day out when visiting Cape Town, look no further than this exquisite retreat on the outskirts of Franschhoek.

The gardens of Babylonstoren, Image Credit: Babylonstoren

Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel saw no fewer than four Cape Town hotels nominated; we’d like to congratulate Cape Grace , Mount Nelson and the Twelve Apostles , who earned this incredible honour, and, of course, The Silo Hotel , who claimed bragging rights for the next year. With so many high-class hotels to stay at, there’s little wonder that Cape Town took home the top spot as Africa’s Leading City destination for the third year in a row!

Seamlessly combines natural beauty with modern conveniences, Image Credit: The Silo Hotel

We’re proud to be associated with some of (officially) Africa’s Leading Conservation Companies, whose nominees included &Beyond, MalaMala, Shamwari, Singita and Wilderness. But a massive congratulations goes to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, who claimed the gold in this category.

Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge was a tightly contested affair, with a stack of our favourites nominated, including Singita Ebony and Sasakwa, as well as &Beyond Sandibe and Grumeti. But it was Rwanda’s One&Only Nyungwe House that emerged victorious from the pack, no mean feat amongst such prestigious competition.

Staying in the rainforest, Image Credit: One&Only Nyungwe House

About The World Travel Awards

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

Everything we do is to ensure a better tomorrow for our continent and its residents

Experience The Best of Africa

A massive congratulations to our partners and all our fellow industry winners who took home prizes at the 2023 World Travel Awards. If the above is anything to go by, it’s safe to say we’re surrounded by some of the very best Africa has to offer.

Couple that with our own title as Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator , and you have an African travel match made in heaven. As always, we, along with our partners, are committed to providing the best experiences in Africa to our clients. Get in touch with one of our industry-leading travel experts to start planning your adventure to Africa’s most recent award winners today.

Featured Image Credit: &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

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About the author 

Brad Mitchell

With a deep-set love of the outdoors and making moments count in all aspects of life, nothing makes Brad happier than taking in sunrises and sunsets. He can often be found either running, surfing or playing sports somewhere in Cape Town. Having grown up a stone's throw from Kruger, Brad jumped at the chance to live in the Cape and has never looked back since! With a background in all things Marketing, he is driven by creativity and turning crazy ideas into real-life actions!

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Africa's Best Airport Website 2023

And the winner is ...

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

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Africa's Best Airport Website 2023 Nominees

Our Other Awards

Shofco's Odede among world's 100 Most Influential People in 2024

Odede was recognised as a person with the ability to make a change in Africa and lead themselves and their communities out of poverty.

In November 2023, Odede was named alongside former Liberian President Johnson Sirleaf as the winner of the Time 100 Impact Award.

Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) Founder and CEO Kennedy Odede has been named among the world's 100 most influential people of 2024 by Time Magazine.

Odede was named alongside President William Ruto, Equity CEO James Mwangi and double-world record holder Faith Kipyegon.

The Time named pioneers, leaders, titans, artists, innovators, and icons among the most influential and important people in the world in 2024.

"Kennedy is living proof that individuals can lead themselves and their communities out of poverty," Time said in a statement.

"Kennedy finds ingenious solutions: schools for the most vulnerable girls, training programs for men to combat domestic violence, safe houses for survivors, community libraries, employment programs, innovative clean-water kiosks, a community cooperative bank."

Odede expressed gratitude for his milestone saying his dream has come true.

"I'm honoured to be featured on Time's 100 Most Influential People list. Twenty years ago, I dreamt of bringing change to my community. This recognition reaffirms that together, we are unstoppable," he said.

According to Time Magazine, there is no challenge that Odede shies away from confronting adding that he is an unstoppable force for justice.

"This dream of hope that started more than 20 years ago in his home in Kibera has now reached more than three million Kenyans and is rapidly becoming a blueprint that will one day, hopefully, reach the world—a movement for change led by the people themselves," Time stated.

Odede founded Shofco in 2004 with a soccer ball and Sh20 in Kibera slums in Nairobi and it has now expanded across Kenya, serving over three million people directly.

The organisation addresses community challenges through various courses such as access to health, WASH, community advocacy platforms, education and sustainable livelihoods programmes.

The oldest of eight children, Odede experienced extreme poverty and violence and became a street boy aged 10 and later joined a gang.

Having struggled to access water in Kibera slums where clean and safe piped water was nonexistent, Odede prioritised its provision when he founded Shofco.

"We used to walk several kilometres to get water and most of the time, we would suffer waterborne diseases because the water we got was contaminated due to the underground pipes getting mixed up with raw sewage," he said in a past interview.

To reduce contamination, Shofco, under Odede’s leadership, introduced an aerial water piping system which served over 250,000 residents of Kibera and Mathare slums in Nairobi.

The pipes are connected to 53 water kiosks, allowing residents to access the precious commodity quickly and consistently.

He is also a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, an Obama Foundation Africa Leader, a USAID Advisory Board member and winner of Mohammed Ali Humanitarian Award among other recognitions.

Odede is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, 'Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss and Hope in African Slum'.

He has received several awards in Kenya including a Head of State Commendation (HSC) for his role in combating COVID-19 in slums in 2020.