Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
At the bottom of the pass and on a sealed road, Sani Lodge tops the pops in the local-knowledge stakes, offering a range of fabulous tours, activities and…
Must-see hotels in South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal
This upmarket eco-friendly house with plush contemporary-meets-colonial creature comforts is a treat for those who want to explore the Spioenkop area…
KwaZulu-Natal
This centrally located, comfortable place, run by Elisabeth Durham, efficient French madame and tour guide (with a special interest in Prince Imperial…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Travellers rave about this lodge. Its indigenous garden, rustic swimming dam, clean rooms and lovely rondavels (round huts with conical roofs) make it one…
Free State
Opened in 2017 to visitors, the two-room lodge at Tiger Canyon is spacious, lavish and tastefully adorned with big cat art. Quarters include king beds and…
Cape Town
This is one of Cape Town’s slickest backpackers, with much of the action focused on the lively bar and deck that overlook Table Mountain. The beautiful…
Johannesburg
If you like the vibe of a backpackers but the luxury of a hotel, Once in Joburg is the answer. With luxurious white dorms and artfully decorated private…
Free State
Those who would like to feel truly away from it all will flip for this campground, which offers drinking water, a large stove and plenty of unadulterated…
Kruger National Park
Londolozi's flagship lodge reopened in 2015 after extensive renovations and it is stunning. The towering thatch roofs, dark wood, white walls, chocolate…
Western Cape
There's a staggering range of accommodation and something for every budget, from campsites and rondavels with shared ablutions to elegant guesthouse rooms…
KwaZulu-Natal
Top marks for location: the lodge is perched in the hills above a village and the stunning rooms have expansive views over Mt Isandlwana, the Anglo-Zulu…
Free State
Herds of impala graze between the buildings at this very popular, self-catering farm-reserve. The chalets are airy and modern, with giant bathtubs and…
Kruger National Park
Full of charm and 1920s ambience, this is the original homestead of Kruger's legendary Harry Kirkman (there is plenty of his paraphernalia about). The 18…
KwaZulu-Natal
This smart thatched abode has a snug ‘Boer War’ pub, scrumptious home cooking (three courses R170, book in advance) and views from the attractive sundeck…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
Silky wallpaper, piles of pillows and the owner's art collection bring a refined atmosphere to this seaside option, which, having happily survived a veld…
Limpopo
This utterly charming self-catering option has delightful rondavels set around a pool in a beautiful bush setting. Facilities are communal, including…
Johannesburg
This is a delightful suburban hideaway, presided over by an astute couple who cater for businesspeople and holidaymakers with equal aplomb. The lush…
Kruger National Park
Tinga's nine luxury suites enjoy beautiful views of the Sabie River. The colonial-feeling rooms feature polished dark-wood floors and furniture, formal…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Smitswinkel's six bright and spacious permanent tents, each sleeping two in single beds, are the only ones within Table Mountain National Park with en…
North West Province
When it comes to value for money, Tau is one of the park’s best bets. The 30 cosy thatched chalets have giant bathtubs, massive outdoor bush showers, huge…
Kruger National Park
Partly owned by a local community, the small six-suite lodge in the Mluwati concession embraces Tsonga culture, and you'll be welcomed with the Shangaan…
Eastern Cape
This rural resort is a terrific place to kick off your shoes for a few days. It has a string of individual A-frame cottages set back from a bluff over the…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Popular with European visitors, this isolated and luxurious beach resort offers spacious huts scattered through coastal forest. Spectacular ocean views –…
Cape Town
This Fair Trade in Tourism–accredited operation offers affordable style, a buzzing vibe and fantastic staff. Its dorms may not be Cape Town’s cheapest but…
Johannesburg
The pride of Sandhurst is a palatial suite hotel, where Mandela completed his famed memoir. If you’re not bowled over by features such as private…
Kruger National Park
Ten safari tents, all decked out in classic safari nostalgia style and connected by wooden walkways, make this a wonderful bush experience – as with the…
Kruger National Park
At this pretty camp in a lightly wooded area in the park's north, all but one of the 15 self-catering cottages overlook the Sirheni Dam (avoid No 13, of…
Johannesburg
In the upmarket neighbourhood of Dunkeld West, and within walking distance of several nice places to eat and shop, is this sleek hotel with ten spacious,…
KwaZulu-Natal
If you make it all the way to paradise why not splurge a bit? Days at Sea was designed by German photographer Guido Schoeldgen and the European influences…
Johannesburg
Made up of four converted duplex apartment blocks scattered amid a beautifully landscaped garden, the Peech is indeed a peach. The 16 rooms are amply…
Kruger National Park
As you'd expect from a lodge that's the plaything of Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba is an extravagant place, with marvellous views out over Sabi Sand from…
Kruger National Park
Beautiful, spacious suites here are for those who like four walls between them and the African night. And those walls are beautifully decorated with Afro…
Limpopo
If it’s a touch of luxury you’re after and you don’t mind being out of town, this ranch offers four-star rooms that feature varnished wooden furniture and…
Franschhoek
If there's anywhere in South Africa that you're going to blow the budget, Franschhoek might as well be it. The luxurious rooms at this quiet hotel are a…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Outside of the park, Ghost Mountain Inn is an old-school colonial place with a modern (and luxurious) touch, indoor-outdoor lounge areas and blooming…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Upmarket rooms at this private hotel have stupendous views and all the mod cons you would expect from a swish hotel. The exterior doesn't quite match its…
Gauteng
Dark woods, tan linens, sandy-coloured walls and a few kitschy touches give this spacious guesthouse an air of early-'80s post-disco chill. However,…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
This lovely community-run camp offers accommodation that ranges from roomy campsites to bamboo-lined chalets with comfortable outdoor showers, all…
Cape Town
Once has a great vibe and location, and every room has its own bathroom. While the rooms are pretty compact, they are all pleasantly decorated. There's a…
Winelands
Highly recommended by readers is this friendly home with well-appointed rooms and family-friendly self-catering units (from R1200). Owner-chef Gunther…
