South Africa voted as Top Global Destination for 2023, pipping New Zealand
Cape Town claimed the title of the world's best city for travel
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In today’s email:
South Africa the Top Global Destination for 2023
The Man Who Lives With Lions
Around the Web : Table Mountain Cableway reopens next week after shutdown. Cape Town Ring sculpture draws international tourists and Xhosa hospitality at the Coffee shack and more.
From Social Media
South African Food You Will Love - Gordon Ramsay Learns How to Braai
The Campfire
In a sweeping survey conducted by The Telegraph's global travel news platform South Africa has emerged as the top global destination for 2023 surpassing even the perennial favorite New Zealand.
Among the nearly 30000 respondents the accessibility of South Africa from the UK and US stood out as a major advantage facilitated by direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The country's near-identical time zones minimizing jet lag for European travelers also garnered praise. Participants highlighted the nation's remarkable landscapes such as the Drakensberg mountains and Motlatse Canyon along with the captivating wildlife of Kruger National Park and its diverse cultural tapestry as key attractions.
Beyond South Africa's triumph Botswana and Kenya also secured spots in the coveted top 10 list of global destinations.
Despite necessitating flight transfers Botswana gained favor for its seamless safari experiences and the allure of the Okavango Delta. Meanwhile Kenya's consistent presence in the top 10 demonstrated its enduring popularity as a renowned safari hub.
Meanwhile Cape Town claimed the title of the world's best city for travel drawing readers with its favorable climate, iconic Table Mountain and luxurious hospitality offerings along its pristine beaches.
This recognition coincides with a significant rebound in South Africa's tourism and travel sector post the Covid-19 pandemic reflected in an impressive increase in arrivals from the UK and Ireland during the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.
How to spend 24 hours in Cape Town
The Amazing Story of a Swiss Man Living with Lions in South Africa
Living with Lions in South Africa – One of the most common questions asked of Dean Schneider is how he achieved becoming part of a Lion Pride and how he manages to be so close with them in every situation.
To gain an insight into what it is like to live a life alongside the King of the Animals, Schneider made a video. To him, being part of a lion pride is his greatest achievement. However, it was no easy task; it took a lot of patience, understanding, injuries, ups and downs and many challenges until he was accepted, respected and loved as one of the family.
Around the Web
Table Mountain Cableway reopens next week after shutdown
Table Mountain Cableway will reopen next week after a two-week-long annual maintenance hiatus.
Typically, repairs and upgrades to the system can take up to six weeks, but given extensive maintenance in recent years, 2023’s updates were largely cosmetic and completed much faster.
Cape Town Ring sculpture draws international tourists
The Clock Tower at the V&A Waterfront has taken centre stage with the unveiling of Africa's largest ring sculpture which has a special connection to Cape Town.
Table Mountain keeps winning! Named 5th most popular natural wonder of the world
South Africa’s Table Mountain has been ranked as the fifth natural wonder of the world, which is actually worth paying a visit to, with an overall wonder score of 7.67 out of 10.
Find Your Community at This Remote Hostel on South Africa’s Wild Coast
Three German tourists are ordering a coffee on Fox Street, a.k.a. Johannesburg’s backpacker boulevard. it’s inevitable that the most senior traveler in the group will ask: “You think you’re gonna make it to the shack?”
There are two possibilities here. They’re either referring to the diviest, most pre-apocalyptic billiards bar in Africa, the stuff of Cape Town legend—or they’re talking about the Coffee Shack. In either case, they’re probably asking in the coy, knowing tone that means you’re about to be in on an incredible secret.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK’S ‘FIRESIDE STORIES’
Virtual Reality (VR) is coming to Kruger National Park, with the launch of a new VR video series highlighting the beauty of the Kruger region.
As per Tourism Update, ‘Fireside Stories – KRUGER360’ will be launched by digital marketing agency, Platypus Digital and is aimed at an international audience.
From Social Media
Where else would you celebrate, World Donkey Day?
South African Food You Will Love
Gordon Ramsay Learns How to Braai
Gordon Ramsay Learns How to Braai – Gordon Ramsay is no stranger to cooking. From his world-renowned Michelin starred restaurants to his highly successful television shows, the celebrity chef has established himself as a culinary master in multiple cuisines.
Campfire
Conversations around the campfire in South Africa often revolves around sport and with the upcoming Rugby World Cup, rugby will dominate conversations.
This Is South African School Rugby | Schoolboy Rugby Big Hits, Steps and Magical Moments
This video showcases the incredible South African school rugby scene. It features big hits, bump offs, hand offs and trys from school rugby games as well as Craven Week tournament games. In this video, viewers will be able to witness some of the fastest school rugby players in South Africa who are known for not only their size, but also their speed. Spectators will see the best school rugby steps and magical moments from these phenomenal athletes. It is a must-see for all rugby fans!
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