Northern Cape
A much sought after and very rustic option that sleeps up to four people. It cannot be booked online and only one-night stays are possible. Bring all your…
Must-see hotels in South Africa
Stellenbosch
Although it's grown up in recent years, this is still Stellenbosch’s party hostel. It's split over two old houses – the second building is the quieter…
Knysna
Here you’ll find spacious, shaded camping and simple chalets with TVs. It’s a quiet place a little way out of town; follow the signs to the Heads. Prices…
Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust
Eastern Cape
This place next to the bungee jump site has a variety of sleeping options, including a functional backpackers with a well-equipped kitchen, several fully…
KwaZulu-Natal
This pleasant, leafy place has neat, if dated, double rooms, plus a self-catering unit. The rooms overlook a charming garden, and there’s a massive shared…
Northern Cape
The two- to four-bed self-catering chalets at the park entrance are surprisingly comfortable, with porches overlooking the river. And you'll be glad of…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
As well as running hotels in both De Waterkant and Camps Bay, this property-management company also has some apartments and cottages to rent. Its main…
Northern Cape
Situated on a leafy suburban street, there are simply decorated rooms here as well as spacious self-catering units (R850). It’s within walking distance of…
Witsand Nature Reserve Bungalows
Northern Cape
These two- and four-person bungalows are actually huts, with bedding provided, shared ablutions and field kitchen. They're located deep in the park, close…
Kruger National Park
Located by Orpen Gate, this small camp is convenient for late arrivals. There’s no restaurant, but there is a small shop (with coffee bar), and all…
Eastern Cape
Andelomi offers no-frills accommodation, a restaurant and a pub in leafy grounds with views of Tsitsikamma's forested slopes. The rooms are nothing to…
Hermanus
When we last visited, these ocean-facing apartments had just been taken over by the Windsor Hotel and were about to receive a much-needed facelift.
Drakensberg Escarpment
Behind a souvenir shop, this unfussy budget option has eight simple self-catering cottages, each with a kitchen, lounge and braai (barbecue), spread…
Drakensberg Escarpment
The former Lone Creek River Lodge offers comfortable rooms in the main house as well as individual suites right by the river (R1000), self-catering log…
Route 62
A genuine farmstay for backpackers – there’s a river, peacocks and pecan trees on this 500-sq-m property with simple self-catering cottages (from R480)…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
An enjoyable, homey experience: four cosy, frilly rooms in a pretty house overlook a spectacular English garden with views of Hodgson’s Peaks. Host Elsa…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
There are self-contained chalets that sleep up to four people as well as campsites here. The area has caves for overnight hikers (however, check on their…
Natural Moments Bush Camp & Diving
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
This very basic backpackers is of the laid-back, hippie variety has small huts crammed into a lush garden setting. It also runs a campground and Zulu-hut…
KwaZulu-Natal
This is one of a range of fabulous bush camps; the others have heftier minimum charges. Note, this is your 'real Africa' camping experience – it’s cold…
Western Cape
This campground has good facilities on a fantastic surf beach. The beach is unsafe for swimming but there is a pool on site and a tidal pool nearby. Bring…
Limpopo
About 1.5km out of town and off a dirt road, this farm has a beautiful, scenic forest location and great camping possibilities, along with B&B and self…
Hazyview Adventure Backpackers
Mpumalanga
South of town, this roadside backpackers offers dorm beds, safari tents and cabins, plus a kitchen and a bar-restaurant specialising in traditional South…
Western Cape
This decent budget option has campsites and basic chalets a short walk from the beach. Bring your own bedding and provisions. Prices rise sharply during…
Northern Cape
These simple units are based in the old classrooms of the town's first school. They're a little chintzy but well equipped with fridges, microwaves and…
KwaZulu-Natal
These four self-catering log cabins are neat, modern, clean and spacious. Follow the signs to the Dlinza Forest Reserve; the guesthouse is just beyond the…
Limpopo
Overlooking the main drag, Thohoyandou’s own Graceland is popular with businesspeople. The white complex’s small rooms are a little bland but clean and…
Western Cape
A friendly place offering a good range of prices, including basic self-catering units (for two people R950). Rooms have panoramic sea views out to Dyer…
Garden Route
A self-contained house with two double bedrooms. There's modern decor throughout and the open-plan kitchen opens onto a deck with braai (barbecue)…
Eastern Cape
This fenced campground near the dam of the same name has 15 gravel sites beneath thorn trees, each with a barbecue, a power point and a self-catering…
The Elephant Coast
This simple rest camp has campsites and rest huts with shared ablutions and a communal kitchen. Guided walks (R150) and game drives (R250) are available.
Northern Cape
This rustic cottage tucked away in the west of the park sleeps four. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a braai area, but no restaurant, bar or pool.
Garden Route
It’s about 6km from the centre, but this is a decent budget option with en-suite rooms in a quiet, residential area. Staff can arrange activities.
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Bridge Lodge offers spartan, but comfortable, accommodation at great rates for the area. The cheap pub grub is a favourite among the locals.
Northern Cape
The gardens at this friendly, family-run guesthouse with two cosy rooms are a fairy-tale creation, and run all the way down to the river.
Route 62
A superb caravan park, with a big pool and decent chalets, some of which have been renovated. The restaurant is only open for breakfast.
Limpopo
Provides cramped self-catering chalets or B&B rooms. There’s also a bar on site. It’s signposted on the way to/from Vaalwater.
Knysna
You’ll find mainly double rooms at this large Victorian house a few blocks up from Main St. It's a fairly quiet, family-run hostel.
Cape Town
This small guesthouse with offers good-value, fan-cooled rooms decorated with antiques, plus a self-catering unit sleeping up to six.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
An excellent budget/midrange alternative with three cottages and one flatlet for those allergic to backpackers; no meals provided.
Sunshine Coast
Fifteen well-equipped self-catering cottages close to the Matyholweni gate, at the southern end of the park, just 3km off the N2.
