South African Luxury Takes Centre Stage as Sabi Sabi Collection Earns Five Major International Awards
Sabi Sabi Collection is no stranger to the world of luxury safaris, having been involved in the high-end travel sector for nearly five decades. Still, being recognised for its unique offering by platforms such as the recent 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards remains an honour as much as it serves as confirmation of its world-class hospitality. Bringing together the best of both worlds with properties that stretch from the Greater Kruger to Cape Town and garnering a lot of interest both locally and abroad with its ever-growing portfolio, Sabi Sabi Collection’s most recent accolades affirm its unwavering position and valuable experience in the premium travel market, as well as its continuous commitment to nature, wildlife, conservation and community.
The flagship Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has been voted Best Luxury Safari Lodge in South Africa, whilst also being named the Global Winner of the Best Luxury Game Lodge category. In addition, The Claremont Boutique Hotel – a 1928 heritage property nestled in the heart of Claremont – has been acknowledged as the Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Africa, Best Luxury Urban Hotel in South Africa, and Best Luxury Heritage Hotel in Southern Africa. “We are extremely proud of The Claremont for achieving these awards as it also marks the boutique hotel’s first anniversary,” Jacques Smit, Sabi Collection’s Marketing Director says. “It’s a great achievement to receive such an accolade in the first year of operation.”
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve’s accommodation offering spans over four properties, with Bush Lodge serving as a benchmark for luxury family safaris; Earth Lodge encouraging guests to slow down and immerse themselves in nature; Selati Camp inviting guests to relive the romance of a bygone era with a classic safari feel; and Little Bush Camp blending riverside romance with premium safaris. Here, nature, wildlife and humans co-exist in the most spectacular way, with a sense of symbiosis that allows all to thrive. Apart from the lodges’ globally recognised hospitality and the rangers and trackers’ exceptional knowledge and experience, the Greater Kruger region in which the reserve is based makes for incredible sightings and memories that will last a lifetime.
With the collection now also including The Claremont Boutique Hotel, guests have the opportunity to extend their safari with the addition of an authentic Cape Town experience – all under the umbrella of the same brand. Designed by South Africa’s very first female architect, The Claremont Boutique Hotel adds further charm to the luxury travel brand, with various lesser-known spots to explore, allowing guests to experience a side of Cape Town that not many travellers know of. Blending heritage with contemporary touches and the warm, welcoming atmosphere Sabi Sabi Collection is known for, it’s an easy yes for anyone in search of an urban hotel in Cape Town with a rich history and many stories to tell. Of course, its proximity to the Kirstenbosch Directors – A J Gangen S R Joubert J R Smit R E Wyndham C L Dyers (Chairperson) SABI SABI COLLECTION (PTY) LTD Company Reg. 2008 / 001598 / 07 4 Jameson Avenue, Melrose Estate, Johannesburg, 2196 National Botanical Garden, the Constantia Wine Valley and Table Mountain National Park makes it all the more appealing, bringing the worlds of fynbos, food and wine to those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Voted for by the public, Sabi Sabi Collection’s recent World Luxury Hotel awards go to everyone involved in making the brand the trusted luxury hospitality and travel brand it is today. It is accolades like these that allow the brand to grow and Sandringham Private Game Reserve, launched in August 2026, is proof of this progress. With incredible vistas across the Timbavati River and the Drakensberg in the distance, Sandringham is set to be the hottest safari destination on nature lovers’ bucket lists for 2027.
From the wide expanse of the Greater Kruger to the allure of a city escape immersed in heritage, Sabi Sabi Collection understands the value of authenticity when it comes to people and place. It’s in its commitment to wildlife conservation, sustainable travel, community upliftment and warm hospitality that visitors find a deeper connection to the places they visit.
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