Botswana Lands Eight Spots on Tatler’s 2026 Best 100 Hotels in Africa

Eight camps and lodges — including Belmond Eagle Island, Jack’s Camp and Mombo Camp — were honoured at the Tatler Best Africa gala in Nairobi, judged by more than 95 industry professionals across 21 countries.

Nairobi, Kenya — Botswana has reinforced its claim as one of Africa’s premier luxury tourism destinations after eight of its properties were named to the Tatler Best Africa 2026 selection of the continent’s 100 best hotels.

The awards gala took place on 8 October 2026 at the JW Marriott Nairobi, hosted by Tatler Africa in partnership with Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), as part of the closing ceremony of the 2026 Magical Kenya Travel Expo. Hoteliers, tourism executives and invited guests from across the world gathered to mark excellence in African hospitality.

The list was compiled through an assessment process involving more than 95 industry professionals alongside Tatler Africa’s contributors and editors. Panellists rated properties drawing on sector expertise and first-hand stays, with the final selection spanning hotels and camps in 21 countries.

Botswana’s eight recognised properties are Belmond Eagle Island, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, Jack’s Camp, Jao Camp, Mombo Camp, Natural Selection Tawana, Sitatunga Private Island and Xigera Safari Lodge.

Their inclusion underscores the country’s strengths in high-end hospitality and distinctive safari experiences, and its focus on close encounters with wilderness. Officials say the recognition strengthens Botswana’s position among travellers seeking exclusive, authentic and responsibly operated luxury travel, while pointing to the role of local operators in raising the sector’s global competitiveness.

The result adds to Botswana’s long-standing “high-value, low-volume” tourism strategy, which prioritises low-impact, premium safaris over mass arrivals — a model reflected in the camp-based character of nearly all eight listings.

^{Cover image: Sitatunga Private Island}