Three South African destinations just made one of the most prestigious travel lists!
South Africa (13 March 2026) – Every year, one of the world’s greatest titles – TIME Magazine – releases a list of The World’s Greatest Places. The list is split in two: places to stay, and places to visit.
And this year, South Africa appeared on the list three times, and in both categories!
“Each year, TIME solicits nominations of places – including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more – from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye toward those offering new, exciting, and relevant experiences.”
Two local gems made the list of Places to Stay: Masiya’s Camp at Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park and Park Hyatt in Johannesburg!
Masiya’s Camp in the Kruger earns the accolade for its stunning interior design that flips the cliche of a ‘khaki safari’ totally on its head. The camp’s six-suite hot-pink tents and jewel-toned furnishings get the nod. Plus, of course, world-class game drives and sundowners in the bush.
“The candy-colored canvas at the new six-suite Masiya’s Camp at Royal Malewane, just outside Kruger National Park, is the brainchild of owner Liz Biden, whose fearless sensibility has made her Royal Portfolio properties cult favorites among design lovers.”
Then there’s SA’s first Park Hyatt in Rosebank. The luxury hotel opened its doors last year and is already scooping international acclaim. TIME praises it for bringing boutique luxury to the city with a rare level of service, stunning locally-inspired interior design and a restaurant that serves a ‘treasure chest’ for high tea, and a dinner perhaps worth extending that layover for.
“Johannesburg has long been a destination for business travellers – and a common layover for leisure visitors en route to safari. With the opening of Park Hyatt Johannesburg, however, travelers may finally have more reason to linger.”
Hot on the heels of its recognition at the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards, the Mother City’s Amura has also earned its flowers in Best Places to Visit. The restaurant, headed by world-renowned Andalusian chef Ángel León, opened at Mount Nellie in December last year.
“The Andalusian chef – who went on to create a three-Michelin-star temple to the sea in Puerto de Santa María – has now crossed to the South Atlantic for his first project outside Spain.” TIME shares. “Here, a new continent becomes his canvas.”
Three incredible spots across three of our country’s most popular destinations – the bush, the city, and the coast – each celebrated for showing the world why South Africa is so worth the trip!