The Wild Coast
On the isolated northern bank of the beautiful Mtentu Estuary, just across from Mkambati, is this lodge. Six comfortable wood cabins and a dorm with ocean…
Must-see hotels in South Africa
Eastern Cape
About 15km south of Hogsback, located in Elundini village on the gravel road to Seymour, this backpackers offers total immersion in a Xhosa village…
Green Point & Waterfront
In counterpoint to its former industrial surroundings, and the clean lines of Thomas Heatherwick's redesign of the grain silo, Silo Hotel opts for eye…
Free State
Located in Kestell, a small maize-farming village on Rte 57 about 26km north of Phuthaditjhaba, Karma Backpackers is a peaceful, cosy place. The friendly…
Blyde River Canyon
This rambling resort has a wide choice of accommodation. The solid brick chalets on the canyon's edge are well set up, with TV, kitchenette, shower and…
Eastern Cape
Get way off the grid at this unique and inspiring mountainside farm retreat situated at 1350m. The DIY aesthetic and philosophy of the owner (bareback…
Limpopo
If you don’t mind roughing it a little, this unique property offers accommodation in climbers’ huts beneath rocky escarpments. The glass-walled huts have…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
A refreshing change from the area’s resorts, this pleasant place, situated on a working farm, has a range of comfortable options. There are cottages and…
Johannesburg
There are 12 loft-style rooms, each one designed by a different artist and inspired by a particular era in the city’s history, at this art-themed hotel in…
Sunshine Coast
A cool spot for budget-conscious travellers, this no-frills venture has a prime beachfront location despite being 500m south of the centre. It has a wide…
Kruger National Park
This modern brick-built camp, 12km from Malelane Gate, lacks the old-school bush feel but its location in the Malelane Mountains' shadow makes up for it,…
Northern Cape
Occupying a series of beautifully restored townhouses, Hantam is the perfect place to soak up Calvinia’s country quiet and old-world charm. Die Dorphuis,…
Durban
After opening a hit backpackers in Johannesburg, Curiocity turned its sights on Durban. Accommodation here is in a perfectly charming colonial building…
Kruger National Park
Although more town than camp, Kruger's largest camp is unobtrusive and has a great location on the Sabie River. There’s an extensive range of…
West Coast & Swartland
A valley hidden beneath pine trees is the site for this wonderful campground, which also has very basic huts. There are rock pools for swimming and…
KwaZulu-Natal
Dundee is not known for its wildlife viewing, but Ingundlane is an excellent private reserve that features a superb lodge with upmarket accommodation. Its…
North West Province
This thatched property is a peaceful, relaxing place, its flowerbeds, mature trees and water features attracting a variety of birdlife, from hoopoes to…
Cape Town
Set in expansive gardens, this handsome Cape Dutch Revival homestead dating from 1908 was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. The rooms and suites are spacious…
Cape Town
A stay at this boutique hotel-cum-art installation is anything but boring. Thirteen artists were given free rein to design the boudoirs of their dreams;…
North West Province
The large grounds of this low-key, Tudor-style hotel contain pools, minigolf, tennis courts, a health spa, a games room and a playground – plenty to keep…
Cape Town
A glitzy makeover has transformed this historic estate into a bling-tastic property with 19 suites offering features such as 'his and her' bathrooms…
Nelspruit (Mbombela)
A solid budget choice, with self-catering facilities, food available and Kruger Flexi Tours offering activities from safaris to horse riding. Rooms are…
The Wild Coast
An enduringly popular option for travellers looking to surf, hike and party, situated off the main drag. The complex is rather labyrinthine, with bright…
KwaZulu-Natal
Dripping with character, this grand old hotel (1902) is a good midrange option. Rooms are a bit old and rickety (and water pressure can be hit-and-miss),…
KwaZulu-Natal
This old dame exudes a slightly faded, late-19th-century charm, and its English-style flavour is perfect for a spot of post–Rorke’s Drift R&R. The rooms…
Cape Town
Perfectly located in the middle of the city's restaurant and bar action, SunSquare offers stylish if compact rooms, some with excellent views of Table…
KwaZulu-Natal
For the best view in the Battlefields area check out the common areas and restaurant of this hotel. A large rotunda with walls of windows, massive sofas…
Gauteng
Kloofzicht is on a small nature reserve featuring elands, warthogs, blue wildebeests, red hartebeests, gemsbok and zebras. There’s also a fly-fishing…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Snorkellers, scuba divers, birders and those looking to get away from it all will find lots to love at Rocktail Beach Camp. Twelve safari tents (with pine…
Johannesburg
We're not sold on the metallic animal print upholstered chairs in the lobby, but otherwise it's a big thumbs up for this new, efficiently run business…
Johannesburg
This quirky hostel is set in a rambling mansion that looks like a miniature castle and was once the home of a 1970s drugs baron. The wide assortment of…
Johannesburg
Best described as 'urban chic', this sexy number is a short amble from Rosebank's shopping malls. The 75 rooms are spacious and elegantly restrained, and…
Johannesburg
One of the latest projects of Propertuity, the developers of Maboneng, is this hip hotel with rooms on floors four and five of a renovated 1970s building…
KwaZulu-Natal
This delightful spot on a working farm oozes with urban style and country charm: chic designer fabrics, cozy bathrobes and lots of trimmings, plus a…
The Elephant Coast
Located in a sweep of virgin bush 14km south of Hluhluwe, this budget place has a variety of accommodation options, from huts to rooms with bathrooms, a…
Free State
Perched at the foot of Sentinel Peak, this lodge consists of 76 well-appointed rooms and chalets, as well as an elegant dining room with giant windows…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
One of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s swankiest offerings, this upmarket thatched lodge, constructed to resemble San rock shelters, boasts huge views, a…
Northern Cape
Molopo is a traditional safari lodge offering excellent value. Accommodation includes rondavels (round huts), simple chalets and more luxurious versions,…
The Wild Coast
This venerable hotel offers a great mix of old-fashioned charm and modern elements, with generous buffet meals, a lovely thatched beach bar and chalet…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
Just 100m from the beach – perfect for surfers – this spacious suburban house has a large dining room (complete with chandelier), lounge with pool table,…
