Sabi Sabi wins global luxury game lodge award at 2026 awards

South Africa’s luxury safari industry has another reason to celebrate, with Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve earning international recognition at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The Greater Kruger destination was named the Global Luxury Game Lodge winner, forming part of five major accolades collected by the Sabi Sabi Collection at this year’s awards.

The recognition also extended to The Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town, highlighting the collection’s presence in both the country’s safari and urban hospitality markets.

For South Africa, the achievement is another opportunity to showcase the country’s natural beauty, distinctive hospitality and ability to compete in the international luxury travel industry.

From close encounters with the Big Five to quiet evenings overlooking the bushveld, Sabi Sabi has built its reputation around offering visitors an experience that goes beyond traditional accommodation.

Situated in the Greater Kruger region, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve offers four luxury lodges, each with its own character and approach to safari hospitality.

Across the reserve, personalised hospitality, guided game drives and wildlife encounters remain central to the experience.

The combination of different accommodation styles allows visitors to experience the African bush while enjoying the comforts associated with luxury travel.

South African safari destinations collect international honours

Sabi Sabi was not the only local destination to receive recognition at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Several other South African properties also secured major international titles, reflecting the strength and diversity of the country’s luxury safari offering.

African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge collected three awards, including the prestigious Global Luxury Boutique Lodge title.

The Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge was named Global Luxury Safari Lodge, while Tulela Safari Lodge received the Global Luxury Private Lodge award.

Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp also enjoyed a successful awards season, collecting three accolades, including Global Luxury Private Game Reserve.

Pondoro Game Lodge was recognised as the Global Luxury Safari Retreat winner.

Together, the achievements highlight the growing international appeal of South Africa’s private game reserves and boutique safari destinations.

Cape Town’s luxury hospitality also gets recognition

The Sabi Sabi Collection’s success extended beyond the safari landscape, with The Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town also receiving recognition.

The achievement places the Mother City within the wider conversation about South Africa’s luxury hospitality offering.

Cape Town continues to attract international visitors through its combination of natural attractions, food, culture, beaches and accommodation experiences.

Recognition for establishments operating in different parts of the country also demonstrates how South Africa’s hospitality industry caters to travellers seeking very different experiences, from city escapes to wildlife adventures.

For international visitors, this creates opportunities to combine a stay in Cape Town with a safari holiday in the Greater Kruger region.

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