Celebrating Our Partners: Congratulations to the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award Winners
We’re delighted to celebrate an outstanding year for our partners, with several properties and destinations across the Travel Promoters portfolio recognised in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
We’re delighted to celebrate an outstanding year for our partners, with several properties and destinations across the Travel Promoters portfolio recognised in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
These internationally respected awards are voted for by readers, recognising the hotels, resorts and travel experiences that leave a lasting impression. This year, our partners have been recognised across Africa, from the wildlife-rich plains of Southern and East Africa to South Africa’s beautiful coastline and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
We couldn’t be prouder to see so many of the exceptional properties we represent receiving this recognition. Congratulations to all our partners and the teams behind these remarkable guest experiences.
Celebrating our 2026 award winners:
Sirikoi – Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge has once again earned a place among the Top 20 Resorts in Central and East Africa, ranking an impressive 10th in the 2026 awards.
Set within Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience, combining elegant accommodation, exceptional wildlife encounters and a strong connection to conservation. Its beautiful setting and thoughtful, personal hospitality make it a very special place to stay.
Congratulations to the Sirikoi team on another fantastic achievement.
The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa – South Africa
In Plettenberg Bay, The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa has been recognised in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the No. 15 position in South Africa.
This characterful boutique hotel brings together historic charm and contemporary luxury in one of the Garden Route’s most sought-after coastal destinations. With beautifully designed suites, a relaxing spa and the beach just moments away, it offers guests an inviting base from which to enjoy Plettenberg Bay.
Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved recognition.
Madikwe Safari Lodge – South Africa
Located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe Safari Lodge has also received recognition in the Readers’ Choice Awards.
With its spectacular bushveld setting, exceptional wildlife and three distinct camps offering different styles of safari, the lodge provides an experience that balances adventure with comfort and warm hospitality. Expert guiding and a strong sense of place make it a memorable choice for couples, families and safari enthusiasts alike.
Congratulations to the entire Madikwe Safari Lodge team on this achievement.
Bushtops Safari Camps - Tanzania & Kenya
Our partners at Bushtops have plenty to celebrate, with all three of their luxury safari camps recognised in Condé Nast Traveler’s Central and East Africa rankings. All three made the Top 15, with two securing places in the Top 10.
Roving Bushtops – Ranked 6th, this mobile luxury safari camp moves with the seasons across Tanzania’s Serengeti, bringing exceptional comfort and service to ever-changing wilderness locations.
Serengeti Bushtops – Ranked 7th, this permanent luxury tented camp combines outstanding wildlife viewing with spacious suites, private hot tubs, fine dining and personalised service.
Mara Bushtops – Ranked 14th, this exclusive camp in Kenya’s Isaaten Conservancy offers luxurious tented suites, private hot tubs and access to the remarkable wildlife of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.
The results are a wonderful reflection of the experiences offered across all three camps, as well as the dedicated teams who make each guest’s stay so memorable.
Three camps, three awards and an outstanding result. Congratulations to everyone at Bushtops!
Kaelo Destinations – Botswana & Mozambique
Kaelo Destinations also enjoyed an exceptional year, with three recognitions across its collection of African destinations: Mashatu Game Reserve, Euphorbia Mashatu and Pambele Beach House.
In Botswana’s Northern Tuli region, Mashatu offers expansive wilderness, remarkable wildlife and immersive safari experiences. Its flagship lodge, Euphorbia Mashatu, brings a distinctive architectural approach to luxury, with just eight private villas accommodating up to 16 guests.
Over in Mozambique, Pambele Beach House offers an exclusive-use coastal retreat overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago, where barefoot luxury meets exceptional marine and land-based wildlife.
These awards highlight the diversity of experiences within the Kaelo Destinations portfolio, from remote wilderness exploration to a private beach escape.
Congratulations to the Kaelo team on three fantastic recognitions.
Bawe Island – Zanzibar
Rounding off our celebrations is Bawe Island, part of The Cocoon Collection, which ranked 12th among the Top 20 Resorts in Central and East Africa.
Just off the coast of Zanzibar, Bawe Island offers a private-island escape surrounded by the Indian Ocean. With luxurious accommodation, pristine beaches and an emphasis on privacy and personalised service, it brings a distinctive sense of exclusivity to an island stay.
Its recognition is a wonderful addition to this year’s results and a testament to the appeal of exceptional Indian Ocean hospitality.
Congratulations to The Cocoon Collection team.
View the Central and East Africa resort rankings
A fantastic achievement for our partners
From private island retreats and boutique coastal hotels to some of Africa’s finest safari experiences, these awards showcase the diversity and quality of the destinations within the Travel Promoters portfolio.
Most importantly, the Readers’ Choice Awards reflect the experiences valued by travellers themselves. Behind every recognition are the teams, guides, hosts and hospitality professionals who go the extra mile to make each stay special.
From all of us at Travel Promoters, congratulations to all our partners and their teams. We’re proud to work alongside you and look forward to celebrating many more successes together.
Bushtops Celebrates Three Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
We’re absolutely delighted to congratulate our partners at Bushtops on an outstanding achievement, with all three of their camps recognised in Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Resorts in the World rankings
One brand. Three camps. Three incredible awards!
We’re absolutely delighted to congratulate our partners at Bushtops on an outstanding achievement, with all three of their camps recognised in Condé Nast Traveler’s Central East Africa Top Resorts Awards. All three made the Top 15, with two securing places in the Top 10.
Each camp offers a distinct take on luxury safari, combining exceptional service, unforgettable wildlife encounters and experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
Ranked at #7 Serengeti Bushtops, Tanzania
Set in the Northen Serengeti, this luxurious permanent tented camp pairs exceptional wildlife viewing with spacious suites, private hot tubs, fine dining and thoughtful personal touches. It’s a place where the thrill of the African wilderness meets outstanding comfort.
Ranked at # 14 Mara Bushtops, Kenya
Located in the private Isaaten Conservancy, Mara Bushtops offers an exclusive safari experience in a spectacular wildlife setting. Expect elegant tented suites, private hot tubs, exceptional guiding and a more intimate way to experience the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Ranked at #6 Roving Bushtops, Tanzania
For those who want to follow the action, Roving Bushtops brings luxury to the heart of the Serengeti’s ever-changing wilderness. This mobile safari camp moves with the seasons, offering an immersive experience shaped by the landscape and wildlife, without compromising on comfort, service or the finer details.
What sets Bushtops apart is the combination of exceptional accommodation, expert guides, outstanding food and, above all, the people who make every stay memorable.
These awards are a wonderful recognition of that commitment, as well as the guests whose votes helped make this achievement possible.
Congratulations to the entire Bushtops team! Three exceptional camps, three well-deserved awards and a fantastic achievement for luxury safari in Africa. 🥂
Triple Win for Kaelo Destinations in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Travel Promoters is delighted to congratulate Kaelo Destinations on a standout performance in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with three recognitions across their exceptional collection of African destinations.
Mashatu Game Reserve, Euphorbia Mashatu and Pambele Beach House Recognised in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Travel Promoters is delighted to congratulate Kaelo Destinations on a standout performance in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with three recognitions across their exceptional collection of African destinations.
Euphorbia Mashatu ranked fourth among the World’s Best Resorts in the Rest of Africa category, with Mashatu Game Reserve also recognised in the same category. Pambele Beach House was recognised in the Central and Eastern Africa category.
Announced on 6 October 2026, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards remain one of the industry’s longest‑running reader‑led accolades. This year’s results were informed by more than 798,867 survey responses, with readers rating the travel experiences they value most and the places they look forward to returning to.
Located in Botswana’s Northern Tuli region, Mashatu is a vast privately owned wilderness defined by dramatic sandstone formations, ancient trees and exceptional wildlife. Known as the Land of Giants, the reserve offers immersive safari experiences shaped by conservation, low‑density tourism and expert guiding. Euphorbia Mashatu, the flagship lodge, is an architectural statement of eight private villas welcoming up to an exclusive sixteen guests.
Overlooking Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, Pambele Beach House offers an exclusive‑use coastal retreat within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. Its four‑villa layout, understated barefoot luxury and bespoke hospitality are complemented by the remarkable marine and land‑based wildlife of the region.
For the travel trade, these accolades offer trusted third‑party recognition from one of the world’s most respected travel publications and its influential readership. For those recommending Mashatu and Pambele to discerning clients, this acknowledgement further affirms the quality and distinctiveness of the experiences within the Kaelo Destinations portfolio.
The recognition also reflects the dedication of the people behind these destinations. From guides and trackers to the conservation and hospitality teams, their knowledge, commitment and care shape the quality of every stay.
“We are proud that the various properties within our collection have all been acknowledged by such a highly respected international publication. We extend our sincerest thanks to every reader who took the time to cast their vote, and to the exceptional teams across our Kaelo Destinations portfolio.”
These three recognitions mark an important moment for Kaelo Destinations as the collection continues to strengthen its international presence while remaining grounded in the values that define it.
Madikwe Safari Lodge - Awarded the Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown
We are thrilled to share the news that Madikwe Safari Lodge has been awarded the the Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown.
Congratulations are in order - Madikwe Safari Lodge has won the Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown Award
We are thrilled to announce that Madikwe Safari Lodge has been awarded the Condé Nast Traveler Triple Crown - a brand new accolade that recognises a very select group of properties with an extraordinary track record across three decades of the world’s most respected travel awards.
Madikwe Safari Lodge is located in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve which spans five distinct habitats, from grassy plains and woodlands to rugged rocky hills, supporting an spectacular abundance of wildlife. Combined with its intimate atmosphere, unhurried pace and genuinely warm hospitality, the lodge offers a safari experience that leaves a lasting impression. There is no wonder it has been recognised for this prestigious award.
The Triple Crown is earned by appearing across all three of Condé Nast Traveler’s flagship awards. Each one measures something different:
❖ The Hot List - Celebrating the best new hotel openings
❖ The Gold List - The editors’ own selection of favourite properties worldwide
❖ Readers’ Choice Awards - Decided entirely by guests
To feature across all three - chosen by industry experts, editors, and everyday travellers alike - is a rare and remarkable achievement. Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of fewer than 30 properties across the whole of Africa to make this inaugural list.
“To every guest and partner who has walked this journey with us, this recognition is yours as much as it is ours. For what would we be without you?” - Madikwe Safari Lodge
It’s a wonderfully earned moment - the kind that only comes from consistently delivering something genuinely special, year after year.
From the whole team at Travel Promoters - Congratulations on this outstanding and well deserved recognition.
Celebrating Rare Earth’s Recognition in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
Celebrating Rare Earth’s Recognition in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
We’re delighted to share that two of Rare Earth’s exceptional properties have been honoured in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards — a testament to the heartfelt hospitality and unforgettable experiences they offer.
The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa was named one of the Top 15 Hotels in Southern & Eastern Africa. Tucked into the coastal beauty of Plettenberg Bay, surrounded by flag beaches and Garden Route splendour - this boutique hotels carries the honour and heritage of its 1777 origins. With 18 thoughtfully designed suites, spa, and a restaurant offering fresh, seasonal flavours, The Old Rectory offers a gentle kind of luxury — one that invites guests to slow down and feel the sea just steps away.
The Outpost, located in the remote Makuleke private concession of Kruger National Park, has been recognised as one of the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. Together with its sister lodge, Pel’s Post, The Outpost offers a rare safari experience — one defined by vast wilderness, starlit skies, and a deep sense of connection to nature. It’s a place where time slows, senses awaken, and the spirit of Africa reveals itself in every moment.
Rare Earth is a family-owned collection of retreats, and to be celebrated on a global stage alongside some of the world’s most iconic travel brands is testament to their incredible experience and phenomenal hospitality offered to guests.
What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they are voted for by travellers themselves. They reflect the memories made, the relationships nurtured, and the transformative experiences that linger long after checkout. These moments are made possible by the extraordinary teams on the ground — from chefs and guides to therapists and housekeepers — whose care, passion, and dedication shape every guest’s journey.
From all of us at Travel Promoters, congratulations on this extraordinary recognition — it’s so well deserved.