Sabi Sabi Wins Global Luxury Game Lodge Award
The Greater Kruger reserve took top honours at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards, alongside five accolades for the Sabi Sabi Collection.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Africa
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve was named Global Luxury Game Lodge winner at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards. The Sabi Sabi Collection collected five accolades at the same awards, including recognition for The Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town.
Why it matters
The awards recognise luxury hospitality standards across South Africa's safari and city hotel sector, giving travellers a benchmark when choosing accommodation. Multiple properties from different regions being honoured in one ceremony highlights the breadth of the country's luxury tourism offering.
The Sabi Sabi Collection collected five accolades, while African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge and Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp each collected three awards at the 2026 event. The source does not specify how many properties were judged in each category.
The players
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
A private safari reserve in the Greater Kruger region known for its luxury lodges and conservation-focused safari experiences.
World Luxury Hotel Awards
An international awards programme that recognises excellence in luxury hotels, lodges and resorts across global markets.
The details
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, located in the Greater Kruger region, offers four luxury lodges and was recognised at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Other South African winners included The Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge, named Global Luxury Safari Lodge, and Pondoro Game Lodge, named Global Luxury Safari Retreat winner.
Timeline
2026: World Luxury Hotel Awards held and winners announced.
Travel Outlook
South Africa's safari lodges continue to draw international recognition through the World Luxury Hotel Awards, with multiple Greater Kruger and Madikwe properties honoured in 2026. This reflects sustained demand for high-end wildlife tourism in the region.
Travellers planning a South African safari can use the award recognition to shortlist lodges in the Greater Kruger and Madikwe regions. Booking directly with properties named in the awards allows comparison of lodge offerings before committing to a stay.
The takeaway
Recognition at the World Luxury Hotel Awards offers a useful reference when comparing South African safari lodges. Reviewing lodge locations and offerings against your travel dates will help match a property to your priorities.
Further reading
Explore more on Africa travel destinations for context on the continent's luxury safari scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CapeTown ETC.
