South Africa has been crowned as one of the world’s most desirable countries to visit. This recognition is as per the esteemed 2024 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
As reported by IOL, the country secured an impressive 7th place ranking which puts it ahead of a number of sought-after travel hotspots. These include Peru, Brazil and South Korea.

Picture: iStock / WIreStock
This recognition affirms South Africa’s allure in a close-knot global tourism market.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are determined by the voices of passionate travellers. Over 3 million votes were cast by 168 000 avid globetrotters this year alone.
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The recent awards marked the 23rd annual event, celebrating destinations, tour operators and different travel brands across a diverse array of categories.
Also known as the ‘rainbow nation’, South Africa shone particularly brightly in the wildlife and nature category. It was thus awarded gold and positioned as the most desirable destination.
It was up against countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, USA and Kenya in the same category.
Undoubtedly, this accolade underscores the country’s burgeoning reputation as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, as well as those who seek authentic wildlife encounters in breathtaking landscapes.
Furthermore, Cape Town was also celebrated as the 5th most desirable city globally. It shared the category with other iconic cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Chicago,
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards not only highlight the preferences of modern travellers. Rather, they also offer the golden opportunity for destinations such as South Africa to further promote their unique offerings.
In an era where people are actively seeking out memorable experiences in nature and culture, South Africa undoubtedly invites different travellers to participate in the journey of a lifetime.
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