According to iBestTravel readers, Southern Africa is home to the continent’s best resort hotels, ranging from the winelands of South Africa to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and the expansive Namib Desert of Namibia. Service and location were among the most crucial factors for readers when casting their votes.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel collects reader feedback on travel experiences worldwide, sharing their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 readers participated in the survey, marking an increase of around 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic voting levels. Overall, more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties.
Hotels were classified as either resort hotels, city hotels, or safari lodges based on location and amenities. They were rated on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
Respondents rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores reflect the averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Victoria Falls emerged as a popular destination for iBestTravel readers, with two properties from the Zimbabwean resort area ranking in the top five. Matetsi Victoria Falls (No. 2) was described as “a great boutique hotel,” situated along the Zambezi River, ideal for those seeking relaxation. Meanwhile, The Victoria Falls Hotel (No. 5) is conveniently located in town, perfect for visiting the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya, known as “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Birkenhead House (No. 3), located in Hermanus, South Africa, received rave reviews from guests. One reader remarked, “It’s the best hotel on Earth.” The staff were praised for being “very kind and caring,” and the hotel’s proximity to the beach offered “amazing views over two natural bays” where guests can watch whales between June and November. Another guest emphasized, “This is a home away from home, a place where you can truly relax.”
Additionally, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge (No. 4) amazed visitors with its stunning location in the Namib Desert, offering breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Guests appreciated the spectacular night sky, with one noting the impressive “star-gazing skylight above the bed” and evening astronomer talks. The staff’s commitment to the environment was also highlighted, with one traveler calling them “always present but never intrusive.” The emotional response to the experience was palpable, with one reader admitting they didn’t want to leave at checkout.
The Winner
Babylonstoren: Simondium, South Africa
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Located less than an hour’s drive east of Cape Town, Babylonstoren is nestled in the Franschhoek wine valley, in a former Cape Dutch farm that has gained affection from international guests and locals alike. The venue delights visitors with its extensive gardens, wine and olive oil production tours, essential oils workshops, and three exceptional restaurants. The bright and cozy cottages are set back from the main area among the farm’s vines and orchards. Furthermore, the garden cottages are just a short stroll from the tours and facilities. On weekends, the place buzzes with Capetonians enjoying the gardens, wine tastings, and hearty meals, including savory salads and classic braai (barbecue) food served at the Greenhouse.
The Full List
1. Babylonstoren: Simondium, South Africa
Reader Score: 98.50
2. Matetsi Victoria Falls: Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Reader Score: 98.20
3. Birkenhead House: Hermanus, South Africa
Reader Score: 97.11
4. andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: Namibia
Reader Score: 92.60
5. The Victoria Falls Hotel: Zimbabwe
Reader Score: 85.75
