Southern Africa Secures Global Spotlight with Top Spots on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2026”

Southern Africa’s diverse landscapes and innovative tourism offerings have captured the world’s attention, as the region shines bright in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list. This prestigious annual ranking, revered by the global tourism community, has recognised Southern Africa not once, but three times across two major categories: “The 25 Best Destinations in 2026” and “The 25 Best Experiences in 2026”. For Africa’s tourism professionals, this is a timely signal of the region’s growing influence and a call to rethink how best to channel this momentum into future business success.

Botswana: A Model for Exclusive, Sustainable Safari Tourism

Among the standout accolades, Botswana has been named one of the world’s “25 Best Destinations for 2026”. Long celebrated as a pioneer in responsible travel, Botswana’s approach to low-impact, high-quality safari experiences continues to set the bar across the continent. The country’s iconic Okavango Delta and vast Kalahari Desert remain at the heart of its appeal, offering access to untouched wilderness and some of Africa’s richest wildlife habitats.

Botswana’s tourism strategy hinges on sustainability and close partnerships with local communities. These efforts have yielded extraordinary conservation victories and have positioned the nation as a blueprint for future-focused travel development. For African industry players, Botswana’s success underscores the value of combining exclusivity with environmental stewardship, and the commercial advantages of cultivating deeply authentic, immersive experiences that attract high-value, conservation-minded visitors.

Namibia: Tracking Desert Elephants Among 2026’s Top Global Experiences

Namibia has earned its own place in the limelight, with the unique opportunity to track desert elephants listed as one of Lonely Planet’s “25 Best Experiences for 2026”. These remarkable elephants, found in the rugged northwest, have evolved to survive some of the continent’s most extreme conditions. Guided expeditions offer a rare chance to observe their extraordinary adaptability and to engage with the fragile desert ecosystems that sustain them.

This is more than a wildlife spectacle—it’s a journey that blends conservation, culture, and adventure. For those crafting new itineraries, Namibia’s desert elephant tracking demonstrates how niche wildlife experiences can elevate a destination’s appeal and create lasting value for both communities and travelers. The experience is especially resonant for the growing segment of African and international explorers seeking out-of-the-ordinary, ethically grounded adventures.

South Africa: Kruger Shalati Offers a Singular Safari Stay

South Africa continues to innovate, with a stay at the Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge recognised as another of 2026’s must-have travel experiences. Set atop the historic Selati Bridge within the renowned Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati rewrites the safari rulebook. Restored railway carriages, poised above the Sabie River, offer guests a rare combination of luxury, history, and panoramic wildlife viewing—all from a vantage point that few have ever experienced.

This imaginative approach to accommodation not only amplifies Kruger’s global allure but also highlights the region’s capacity for creative product development. For African tourism professionals, Kruger Shalati is a testament to the power of merging heritage, design, and location to deliver unforgettable guest experiences—an approach that can be adapted and evolved across the continent’s own unique attractions.

The triple recognition from Lonely Planet is more than a marketing coup—it signals a wider transformation in how Southern Africa is perceived by the world’s most influential travel tastemakers. It’s a clear invitation for the continent’s industry leaders to double down on sustainable tourism models, invest in conservation-driven experiences, and harness their regions’ unique narratives to build enduring global brands.

Travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa are now presented with a unique moment to:

• Deepen partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to ensure communities directly benefit from tourism growth.
• Innovate in product development by blending conservation, heritage, and elevated guest experiences.
• Prioritise sustainability and ethical practices, responding to the rising demand from international and intra-African travelers for responsible travel options.
• Leverage global recognition to access new markets, forge alliances, and position Africa as the world’s premier destination for authentic, transformative journeys.

With Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa setting new benchmarks in global tourism, the stage is set for the entire region to benefit from increased visibility and investment. The challenge now is to channel the energy of these accolades into tangible business results—through innovative product offerings, dynamic marketing strategies, and a renewed focus on sustainability and social impact.

As the world’s eyes turn to Southern Africa in 2026, the time is ripe for African professionals to lead the conversation, reimagine their offerings, and secure a future where the continent’s natural beauty and cultural richness are matched only by its capacity for responsible, world-class hospitality.