South Africa has been declared the ideal travel destination for UK residents, according to the results of a travel poll conducted by Telegraph UK.
The Telegraph Travel Awards, which cover 20 categories, resumed this year after a hiatus caused by the pandemic. The winners are determined through public voting by the publication’s readers.
The “best country” category has seen a new champion this year, with South Africa taking the crown. Previous long-standing favorites such as Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Russia have dropped off the list, along with the United States, Mexico, and Peru, which experienced significant declines in rankings.
Other countries that failed to meet the vote threshold included Uzbekistan, Georgia, Madagascar, Tunisia, South Korea, and The Gambia.
Also, read; Iranian President Raisi Criticizes West on LGBTQ Rights During Uganda Visit
South Africa’s top-ranking position in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards marks a shift from New Zealand, which previously held the title. South Africa steadily climbed the ranks, moving from third place in 2017 to claim the top spot this year.
The country’s accessibility played a significant role in its recognition, with direct flights to Cape Town or Johannesburg from the UK and a near-identical time zone.
Notable attractions highlighted by voters include Table Mountain, The Garden Route, wineries in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, as well as the Drakensberg Range, Motlatse Canyon, and the Kruger National Park.
Additionally, Kenya and Botswana also made it to the top 10 of the Telegraph’s rankings, securing the seventh and tenth spots, respectively. The results of the travel poll affirm South Africa’s allure as a favored destination for UK travelers.
