Travel + Leisure (T+L) readers have cast their votes for the 2025 World's Best Awards, revealing their top preferences for cities, city hotels, and resorts across Africa and the Middle East. With nearly 180,000 T+L readers participating and over 657,000 votes across more than 8,700 properties, the survey offers a comprehensive look into global travel experiences. Cities were rated based on sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value, while hotels and resorts were evaluated on rooms/facilities, location, service, food, and value. Respondents used a rating scale from excellent to poor, with final scores being averages of these responses.

This year's survey highlighted a strong inclination towards destinations in North Africa and the Middle East among cities, with only one city from outside these regions making the top list. The preferred cities showcased a diverse range, from ancient sites renowned for their historical ruins, such as Luxor in Egypt and Petra in Jordan, to vibrant modern metropolises like Dubai and Doha. Beyond history, culture, and culinary experiences, safety emerged as a significant factor in reader appreciation. South Africa's Cape Town triumphantly secured the top spot as T+L readers' favorite city in Africa and the Middle East, moving up from second place last year. Praised as "one of the most beautiful cities in the world," Cape Town captivated visitors not only with its stunning views of Table Mountain, Constantia vineyards, and the Atlantic Ocean but also with its "amazing" food and wine, "friendly and welcoming" people, unique wildlife like the Boulders Beach penguin colony, and excellent value for money.

The rest of the top ten cities reflected this regional preference. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates claimed second place, lauded for its "jaw-dropping" architecture, perceived safety, and a wide array of experiences. Jerusalem, Israel, came in third, followed by Marrakesh, Morocco. Tel Aviv, Israel, and Fez, Morocco, took the fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Ancient Luxor, Egypt, and Petra, Jordan, were ranked seventh and eighth, with Petra notably recognized for its "remarkable" architectural sights. Rounding out the list were Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at ninth and tenth places, respectively. The full list of top cities and their scores includes: 1. Cape Town, South Africa (88.98); 2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (87.38); 3. Jerusalem, Israel (87.02); 4. Marrakesh, Morocco (86.44); 5. Tel Aviv, Israel (85.90); 6. Fez, Morocco (85.00); 7. Luxor, Egypt (83.63); 8. Petra, Jordan (83.08); 9. Doha, Qatar (82.89); 10. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (82.56).

In the category of city hotels in Africa, T+L readers demonstrated a clear affection for properties offering sparkling water views, prioritizing location and scenic beauty, alongside exceptional service. Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa, notably dominated the top five, underscoring the "Mother City's" reputation as a popular destination and a gateway for safaris, boasting a plethora of luxury accommodations. Ellerman House, One&Only Cape Town, and Cape Grace, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, all in Cape Town, were celebrated for their ocean or harbor views, with readers commending the "over-the-top" service at Ellerman House and the "friendly staff" at Cape Grace.

However, breaking Cape Town's stronghold at the top of the African city hotels list was Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, ascending from fifth place last year to claim the number one spot. This unique hotel, the only top-five property not located in Cape Town, is famously known for its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes that interact with guests, often poking their heads through windows during breakfast for dried grass pellets. Readers described it as "a delightful experience to spend time with the giraffes" and "one of the best stays of my life." The top city hotels and their scores are: 1. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya (97.33); 2. Ellerman House, Cape Town (96.80); 3. One&Only Cape Town (96.57); 4. Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town (96.14); 5. Cape Grace, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, Cape Town (93.80).

For African resort hotels, T+L readers' preferences spanned the continent, encompassing diverse settings from a South African wine farm to a Seychelles beach resort. Scenery proved to be a pivotal factor, with descriptors like "Paradise!" for Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and "beautiful" frequently used for The Victoria Falls Hotel. Debuting as the 2025 favorite African resort hotel, Kilindi Zanzibar in Tanzania earned the top position. This exquisite beach resort on the island of Zanzibar was lauded not only for its "paradise" location and suitability for honeymooners but primarily for its exemplary service, with specific mentions of attentive staff and smart, hardworking villa hosts. The full list of top resorts and their scores includes: 1. Kilindi Zanzibar, Tanzania (99.50); 2. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe (97.47); 3. Babylonstoren, Simondium, South Africa (95.41); 4. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (94.75); 5. The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe (86.55).