What Silvan Safari’s 2026 World Travel Awards Mean

The people behind Silvan’s two regional wins reflect on what this recognition means.

We are incredibly proud to share that Silvan Safari has once again been named both Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge and South Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2026 World Travel Awards. The awards are decided by votes from members of the public and verified travel industry voters. To every guest, travel partner and friend of Silvan who voted for us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

These awards are deeply personal to us. Since opening, we have held ourselves to the highest standards, earning Silvan a place among the leading lodges in the Sabi Sand and Africa. To be recognised in both categories for the ninth year running means a great deal to everyone who has helped write the Silvan story, shared in our journey and become part of our extended family. Recognition like this is only possible because of the remarkable people behind Silvan, so we asked a few members of our team to share what these awards mean to them.

In their own words

There is so much that goes into a stay at Silvan. Across the lodge, different teams bring their knowledge, care and attention together to create the experience our guests know and love. Clayton, Donavan and Elly each see a different side of how it all comes together.

Clayton Herb, Safari & Compliance Manager

Clayton leads Silvan’s safari department, where trust, focus and shared experience shape every journey into the bush. He knows how the smallest clue, followed with patience and care, can lead to a moment a guest will never forget.

“What guests don’t see is the amount of trust you have to have in one another, and the amount of focus and concentration it takes to follow tracks for over an hour. You have to be able to hear the slightest chirp from a bird because it can make all the difference, but I would say the trust in each other is the main thing.

The awards make me incredibly proud to work for such a dedicated team, and I think they are a symbol of pride for everyone around the lodge.”

Donavan Burger, Lodge Manager

As Lodge Manager, Donavan works across Silvan’s departments and sees the preparation that happens before a guest arrives or a new day begins.

“The true magic of Silvan happens in the moments guests never see: the meticulous coordination before sunrise, the seamless orchestration behind the scenes and the dedication of every team member who ensures every detail is flawless before it is ever noticed.

Winning these awards isn’t just a title for the lodge; it’s a direct testament to our unsung heroes. It proves that when a team pours its heart into every behind-the-scenes touch, the guest experience speaks for itself.”

Elly Mzila, Silvan Safari Tracker

Elly began at Silvan in the kitchen and butlering before moving into tracking and guiding. For him, the awards are tied to a personal story of growth.

“When Silvan won the World Travel Awards, I found myself thinking about the journey that brought me to where I am today. I started my journey at Silvan, working in the kitchen and as a butler, and over the years I have had the opportunity to grow, learn and discover a completely different side of the safari industry through tracking and guiding.

For me, the awards are more than trophies or titles. I have experienced many sides of a safari at Silvan, from the kitchen and butlering to tracking and guiding, and I know how much it takes to make each stay special. When Silvan wins, I know it is because the whole team has pulled together to make that happen. Personally, the awards remind me of how far I have come since my early days at Silvan and how much there is still to learn and experience.”

What the recognition reflects

These awards reflect what our guests feel throughout a stay: genuine warmth, thoughtful attention and the sense that every detail has been considered with care. You see it in the preferences remembered, the moments made personal and the special touches that come from people who truly love what they do. That is what this recognition celebrates.

Our guests remain the measure

Hearing Clayton, Donavan and Elly speak about what these awards mean makes one thing clear: this recognition belongs to the people whose care shapes every stay at Silvan. It gives us a moment to pause and feel proud, but an award has never been the only measure of what we do.

“We are honoured by these awards, but the best reward of all is the smile on our guests’ faces, the love in their hearts and the piece of Africa they take home in the memories we make together.” David Ryan.

Titles mark a moment. What matters most is knowing that Silvan has found a place in the memories of those who have shared it with us. That is the recognition we will always value most.

The 2026 World Vote

Those regional wins recognised the people you have just heard from, and the many others who make each stay what it is. They also carried our home in the Sabi Sand into the 2026 World round, where we are honoured to be nominated for World’s Leading Luxury Lodge 2026.

We would love and appreciate every vote from our extended Silvan family. Voting closes at midnight UK time on 30 October 2026.

Vote for Silvan as World’s Leading Luxury Lodge 2026.