The Best of the Best of Travel to Africa
This week, Condé Nast Traveller revealed the results of its 32nd annual travel readers' choice awards.
Which are the hotels, lodges and train journeys in Africa that deliver the very best of the best travel experiences as voted for by the readers?
Top Hotels in Africa 2019
So which favourites of Knighton Reeve made it into the top hotels in Africa list and why do the Knighton Reeve team recommend them?
#3 One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
"Make sure you have time to try both Nobu and Reuben's restaurants here, they are both outstanding" - Suzanne, Product Manager.
#4 Gibb's Farm, Tanzania
"I thought Gibbs Farm was stylish because it wasn't overstyled". Katherine, Senior Travel Specialist.
#5 The Silo Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
"The design and concept of this stunning hotel blew me away. The rooftop bar has the best view in Cape Town. It is a must visit!" Liz, Managing Director
#6 La Residence, Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
"Relaxed and informal with an understated yet exceedingly high quality, La Residence enjoys a breathtaking setting." David, Director
#7 Ellerman House, Bantry Bay, South Africa
"Attention to detail encompasses everything at Ellerman House. A boutique hotel that just effortlessly - 'gets it right'." Liz, Managing Director.
#8 The Oyster Box, Umhlanga, South Africa
"Elegance, stylish interiors and warm hospitality, no wonder it's a long-standing favourite of ours". Liz, Managing Director.
#9 Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa
"The service is always effortless and with a smile...and they serve the best breakfast in the city!" Ian, Travel Specialist
#10 Giraffe Manor, Nairobi Kenya
"I kissed a Giraffe and I liked it! Katherine 'Katie Perry' néeTerry (now Evans!)
Many more hotels also featured in the top rated list including: The Belmond Mount Nelson, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, The Royal Livingstone, The Plettenberg, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, Birkenhead House and the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel.
In our view, very little separates all these properties with scores all in excess of 94 out of 100 and above!
Top Lodges in Africa 2019
So which favourites of Knighton Reeve made it into the top lodges in Africa list and why do the Knighton Reeve team recommend them?
#1 Sirikoi Lodge, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
"You've never truly experienced 'armchair game viewing' until you've tasted Sirikoi's Turmeric Tea whilst watching the watering hole". Katherine, Senior Travel Specialist.
#4 andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, Botswana
"andBeyond deliver experiences like no other, from dinner to sundowners in the bush. Expect to be wowed!" Liz, Managing Director.
#9 Tongabezi & Sindabezi, Livingstone, Zambia
"Tongabezi was immaculate, we saw a 2 bedroom Garden Cottage with an open bedroom for adults and a closed bedroom for children. It also had its own plunge pool - a perfect choice for families." Katherine, Senior Travel Specialist.
#10 Royal Chundu, Zambezi, Zambia
"Our top tip here is to splash out and arrive by helicopter, gliding along the river at low level is something you'll never forget." Katherine, Senior Travel Specialist.
#11 Mahali Mzuri, Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
"A bold, striking design in a beautiful conservancy. Delicious food, fabulous service and tents with the 'wow' factor." Ian, Travel Specialist.
#13 Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
"It’s an amazing place to spot elephants, fish, or simply watch waterbuck drink from the river from the comfort of your own plunge pool." Katherine, Senior Travel Specialist.
#14 Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp & Little Mombo
"Keen photographers can use the camp’s Olympus camera equipment (so long as it’s available). And once you’re kitted out, we seriously recommend heading to the hide where you can watch the wildlife without the animals seeing you." Suzanne, Product Manager.
#15 Thanda Island, Tanzania
"Slick Swedish design meets desert island chic. Nothing beats arriving by helicopter direct from Dar." Suzanne, Product Manager.
#18 Angama Mara, Great Rift Valley, Kenya
"I had high expectations, but these were exceeded in every way. Stunning views and amazing hospitality." Ian, Travel Specialist
#19 Governors' Camp Collection, Masai Mara, Kenya
"With an unrivalled location in the Park, the camps provide unbeatable value in the heart of the action." Ian, Travel Specialist
And many more resorts, all with little between them in terms of how they scored - impressively in excess of 96 out of 100! Those featured include:
andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Singtia Pamushana, andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, andBeyond Benguerra Island, andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Singita Sabora Tented Camp.
Top Trains in the World 2019
And finally, for extraordinary luxury journeys:
#8 Rovos Rail - scoring 90.79 out of 100.
"Travel slow and savour the journey. All of it: the delicious food, warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes changing before your eyes." David, Director
For more inspiration:
Best New Hotels in the World 2019
Our Top 10 Romantic Places to Stay
For Expert Advice & Inspirational Safaris
Contact us
Call us on 01904 866 033 or email: africa@knightonreeve.co.uk to plan your 'best of the best' experience to Africa and the Indian Ocean.