Lonely Planet names South Africa in Top 10 Sustainable Travel Destinations

South Africa has made it into one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 Top 10 lists… as one of the world’s Top 10 Sustainable Travel Destinations for travellers to enjoy over the coming year, an accolade well worth being proud of!

After a one year hiatus, Lonely Planet’s annual bestseller is back to mark its 50th anniversary with 50 fabulous destinations, voted for by Lonely Planet writers, staff and community.

Of South Africa, the famous travel guide book publisher says:

“With Earth’s biodiversity at a precarious juncture and an impressive crop of ecolodges committed to its protection, now is the time to take in South Africa’s wild beauty. Spend star-studded nights glamping and if you’re lucky, walk among giraffes and zebras like the humans of yore once did. This place is an ode to natural grandeur – penguins gather in droves along the coast and the fynbos shrub breathes life into the hills of the Western Cape.”

Lonely Planet recommends that visitors book “responsible experiences” such as Lebombo Lodge in the Kruger National Park. They add: “Avoid places where wild animals are held captive or made to alter their natural behaviour.”

If you’re living in the city – at home or abroad – and it’s star-studded nights you’re after, there are incredible locations across South Africa – from its mountains to its sea shores where you can go off-grid and immerse in nature. One such place is the aptly named Lonely Planet Cottage (no relation to the book!) on Enjo Nature Farm in the Cederberg – a little oasis where you can “experience the silence of the elements”. It’s 100% off-grid with a gas-powered fridge and solar hot water.

This year’s Lonely Planet Best in Travel list includes a mix of 50 “emerging travel hotspots, underappreciated or criminally overlooked places and fresh-takes on well-known destinations”, say the editors.

Other Sustainable countries on the Top 10 list include Equador, Spain (with new cycle paths, electric buses and train routes offering flight-free ways to see the country), Patagonia and Greenland, amongst others.

Top 10 Countries include Mongolio, India, Mexico, Benin, Morocco and more.

Top 10 Regions – Montana (USA), Donegal (Ireland), Swahili Coast (Tanzania) and more.

Top 10 Cities – Nairobi (Kenya), Paris (France), Montreal (Canada) and more.

Top 10 Best Value destinations includes Poland, Egypt, Algeria and more.

Visit Lonely Planet – https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel – for more info.