Great news!
Time Magazine has just unveiled the 2025 list of the World’s Greatest Places, a prestigious annual compilation that showcases 100 extraordinary destinations across the globe. The list encompasses a diverse range of locales, from cutting edge hotels and resorts to culturally rich sites and natural wonders, offering travellers some fantastic experiences.
This list has certainly become much anticipated amongst travellers. The selection process involves nominations from Time’s international network of correspondents and contributors, focusing on factors like quality, originality, innovation, sustainability, and social impact. This evaluation process ensures that each chosen destination genuinely engages visitors in phenomenal, unique and rewarding experiences.
This year’s list features several African destinations – let’s take a look!
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
Mbano Manor Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Nestled near the iconic Victoria Falls, Mbano Manor Hotel is a rather chic boutique establishment that provides an intimate and tranquil retreat. The property is surrounded by lush teak forests and boasts an elegant design to its suites that are ode to the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.
If you stay here, expect personalised service, gourmet dining, easy access to the Falls… whether that means relaxation or adventure it’s yours for the taking.
But which side of the Falls do you stay, VictoriaFalls Zimbabwe, or Livingstone in Zambia. Take a look>
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
Bom Bom, Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
The name alone is super fun and so is a stay at the secluded resort of Bom on Príncipe Island. Here you will have pristine beaches and lush forests to explore. They call it a tropical ‘go-slow’ resort, laid back and truly spectacular. We cannot deny that!
Here you’ll soak up the unhurried beach life of an island, bask on the palm-fringed, shoreline or head out and explore Principe Island – do you even know where that is?!
There are 18 bungalows with charming thatched roofs and each one is nestled into the lush tropical gardens. Everything is built from local materials and there’s space galore.
Dining is a treat not only because the views are so fabulous, but the peaceful setting makes your palette even more grateful for every locally prepared and seasoned dish.
What you’ll be doing – as much or as little as you like! Whether you’re following the cocoa route, visiting secluded beaches, or getting to know the communities that make this island so special, there’s much to choose from. Conservation is top of mind here and honouring the island’s traditions.
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Rather than a property, this one is an entire region – and for damn good reason. It’s called The NamibRand Nature Reserve and one of Southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves, known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and commitment to conservation.
If you visit this reserve, it’s very private – no self drivers allowed. So you can head out with amazing local guides on quad bikes, horse back, nature walks and game drives.
There’s hot air ballooning for a real treat and don’t miss the magiv of stargazing.
This reserve is an International Dark Sky Reserve – so guided astronomy trips are a must and so too is a starbed experience!
Image of Kwessi Dunes, one of Danica’s favourite properties in the region!
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni, Morocco
Now it’s time to head to the far north west of the Continent and visit a property that’s part of Virgin Limited Edition collection- Kasbah Tamadot. This is a luxury retreat that oozes charm and is found in the foothills of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. One can expect individually decorated rooms and suites surrounded by cool corridors and doors that open out to lush gardens and those oh so amazing mountain views! Stay here and you’ll really immerse yourself in the culture – it’s hard not to with their cooking classes, village visits and onsite traditional hammam.
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
Few and Far Luvhondo, Waterpoort, South Africa
Husband and wife duo Jacob and Sarah Dusek opened their first ever safari eco lodge and it’s already getting attention! It’s in South Africa’s Limpopo region which attracts safari holiday seekers from around the world. Come here and you’ll experience impressive architecturally designed lodge that architect Nicholas Plewman took inspiration from the iconic Baobab trees that surround the lodge.
The end result is a striking curved exterior to the six cliffside suites. It’s earthy, homely and stylish rolled together!
We love the textures and patterns that they’ve used throughout – each one was inspired by natural rock formations and the region’s flora and fauna.
A variety of experiences immerse you in nature and culture – game drives are the staple of course along with bush walks and some conservation activities to allow you to form a deeper connection with the natural environment all with the comfort of world class facilities.
Time Magazine 2025 Great Places
Voaara, Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
From Morocco to Madagascar, we introduce the last African place but not least…
Voaara is what we call a fly and flop destination – the ultimate finale to a Big Five Safari in South Africa and perhaps some lemur safari time elsewhere on the island of Madagascar. This place is a magical eco-friendly resort on the island of Sainte-Marie, off the mainland coast of Madagascar. The island is also home to the burial site of infamous Captain Kid!
Construction began in 2025 and was a labour of love for owners who stem from Sweden and Canada. Come here for access to over 100 acres of beachfront and jungle. You’ll arrive to a cluster of buildings arranged like a traditional Madagascarn village with its design more akin to the rova style of the Royal Palace in Antananarivo. Palm leaf roofs adorn the main buildings and the bungalows and villas that dot the property. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms, huge prints by Madagascan photographer Pierrot Men feature on the walls shining the spotlight on the country’s diverse landscapes. We call this Robinson Crusoe barefoot living at its best. Wake up and walk through lush paradise to the calling of the waves gently lapping on the beach and sounds of sunbirds. So you can do as much or little as you like. For us the feature is the location, the great service and food, and a fabulous spa that is planned to grow over time with a 25 metre lap pool, gym, steam room and sauna. Your massage will be with locally produced Anoka oils…
Now that’s a diverse list if ever I’ve seen one!
Click the button below to see the LookBook which is a collection of all the properties and regions featured here plus one or two extras to showcase the region of NamibRand.
We hope you find something that takes your fancy and if not, get in touch so we can design you the ultimate safari escape based on your travel dreams and wishes.