Durban
One of Durbs’ most cutting-edge sleeping options, this cleverly conceived spot – 12 cosy rooms in four pods – is more about the design (urban, funky,…
Must-see hotels in KwaZulu-Natal
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The only private lodge in iSimangaliso’s Kosi Bay region, and surrounded by the sand forest’s Umdoni trees, this intimate 16-bed lodge offers a dreamy,…
Mantis & Moon Backpacker Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal
This place has more accommodation options than subtropical tree varieties in its compact jungle garden: a giant teepee, small rustic cabins, and tree…
The Elephant Coast
If you're looking for seclusion you'll find it at this luxurious lodge set deep in the bush overlooking Lake St Lucia. Each chalet is stylish, airy,…
KwaZulu-Natal
Set on a picturesque farm about 8km outside of Dundee, Lennox Guest House offers guests much more than the typical B&B experience. Hosts Dirk (a former…
The Elephant Coast
Muntulu Bush Lodge is perched high above the Hluhluwe River and has four en-suite bedrooms with verandas. There's a cook on hand to rustle up some grub…
The Elephant Coast
The main accommodation centre on the iMfolozi side, peaceful Mpila Camp is perched on top of a hill in the centre of the reserve. The safari tents are the…
Durban
An excellent budget option within chirping distance of the Umgeni River Bird Park. It's set around a suburban garden and has a couple of free-standing …
The Elephant Coast
The signature resort on the Hluhluwe side; a cold drink followed by dinner on the patio with mountains silhouetted into the distance is a memorable…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
With a location lifted straight from an African chocolate-box lid and next to the local golf course, this pretty, unpretentious resort offers camping and…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
If God were to top off the beauty of the Drakensberg with a gourmet treat, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse would be it. Guests enjoy a nightly, innovative…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
Amenities at this five-star backpackers are superb, including a bar, a hot tub, a sauna and a restaurant serving top-notch food. Facing out over the…
Durban
Located near the university, this pretty spot has a lovely indigenous garden (featuring the Mackaya Bella plant) and stylish rooms in a relaxed home-style…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
After having a less-than-stellar reputation as a backpackers, this local institution rebranded as Khotso Lodge. Gone is the rowdy vibe (though a fun…
The Elephant Coast
Within the privately owned Kuleni Game Park and surrounded by superb forest – flat crown, albizia and, of course, bush willows – is this romantic,…
KwaZulu-Natal
Calling all surf-rats. This casual place – made from recycled materials, and painted in funky colours inside – has a pleasantly hippie vibe and a friendly…
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…
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…
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…
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…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Popular with European visitors, this isolated and luxurious beach resort offers spacious huts scattered through coastal forest. Spectacular ocean views –…
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…
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…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
This lovely community-run camp offers accommodation that ranges from roomy campsites to bamboo-lined chalets with comfortable outdoor showers, all…
KwaZulu-Natal
For chic, ocean-facing luxury you can't do much better than this renowned hotel next to the lighthouse. Rooms have special amenities such as on-demand…
KwaZulu-Natal
This place has a top setting, backing onto the bird-filled Dlinza Forest. The owner is delightful and rooms are spotless, modern, airy and spacious. A…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Off the main drag and opposite a lovely park, this guesthouse has affable hosts who ensure a very comfortable stay. Each room here has a fun, unique theme…
Durban
This upmarket boutique hotel is filled with clipped accents and smart rooms of the ‘heavy drapes and floral furnishings’ variety, around a pretty paved…
KwaZulu-Natal
Taken over by new management in 2014, this upmarket choice has a bit more character than the rest of the behemoths that crowd the Ballito coastline. The…
Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
The ever-reliable and predictably ‘nice’ Champagne Castle is one of the area's best-known resorts, conveniently in the mountains at the end of R600 to…
KwaZulu-Natal
The village’s flashest place, with enormous decks, forest views over Umlalazi Nature Reserve and the ocean, and luxury trimmings. In 2017 the owners added…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Smart ‘African chic’–style chalets with all the modern trimmings are on offer at Lodge Afrique. The spot is right in the middle of St Lucia, but the…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A world away from St Lucia, minimalist Dutch meets lush African forest and creates a stylish experience in Serene Estate's seven rooms and beyond. The…
Durban
King of the seafront hotels, this is classic and comfortable, with fresh-polish smells and full-on decor.
The Elephant Coast
An upmarket option, Masinda Lodge, near the Centenary Centre, is fully hosted and catered.
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…
Durban
After opening a hit backpackers in Johannesburg, Curiocity turned its sights on Durban. Accommodation here is in a perfectly charming colonial building…
