Plettenberg Bay
Built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas, this five-star place is pure decadence, with fantastic rooms, a spa and a top-class restaurant (mains…
Must-see hotels in Western Cape
Hermanus
This wonderful place, built in the style of a Provençal villa, is right in the centre of town. Many rooms have ocean views. Rates do not rise during peak…
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…
Winelands
Far from towns and paved roads, this is the perfect place to recharge. There are wildlife drives exploring the Karoo landscape, hikes to see San rock art…
Garden Route
This country inn oozes old-world charm and boasts a lovely mountain setting at the foot of the Robinson Pass. Its large grounds feature tennis and squash…
Winelands
There is a variety of accommodation on offer here, from simple apartments (two people R650) to more luxurious self-catering houses (four people R1600) and…
Garden Route
Set in leafy grounds overlooking the Touws River, this long-running hostel is based in a 19th-century farmhouse. The bar is in another building some…
West Coast & Swartland
Set in gloriously landscaped grounds rich in endemic flora, the simple cottages here are well equipped and peaceful, and each comes with its own hot tub…
Western Cape
Rocky Road is like an enchanted clearing in the wood. Swing chairs, a donkey-boiler hot tub and offbeat bathrooms are scattered on the fringes of…
Garden Route
As well as riverside campsites there are rondavels (round huts), some with shared ablutions and all with rudimentary kitchen facilities. In the southern…
Knysna
On the seaward side of the lagoon, the hills drop to Brenton-on-Sea, overlooking a magnificent 8km beach. The chalets have a full kitchen while cabins…
West Coast & Swartland
The main camping spot in the area has exceptional grounds in a shaded site alongside the Rondegat River. There's a swimming hole and lovely picnic spots…
Western Cape
The national park campground is a lovely spot at the edge of the river east of town, and it’s a 2km walk from the beach. There are clean bathrooms and…
Western Cape
This delightful place has tastefully furnished rooms and a small pool in the rambling gardens. It’s close to the start of the Boesmanskloof Trail, and if…
Winelands
These cottages set in spacious gardens aren't just for those on retreat. This is a peaceful place, with a decent lap pool, health treatments and a popular…
Garden Route
It might not be close enough to smell the ocean, but Surfari is highly recommended. A family-run boutique backpacker lodge, it has bright, beautifully…
Route 62
This colossal place has smart rooms in the main building and enormous apartments sleeping up to six. Features include the outdoor hot-spring pools,…
Garden Route
Mvubu is a large, wooden chalet set amid milkwood trees and with views of Groenvlei lake. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it also has an expansive deck and…
West Coast & Swartland
Langebaan’s oldest hotel sits on a hill overlooking the bay with lovely sunset views. Rooms are large, with country decor and their own fireplaces. The…
Winelands
Sitting on the southern border of town, this is a family-friendly place with well-kept grounds, affable hosts and a nice pool. There's a restaurant (also…
Garden Route
This modern hotel boasts a spectacular location, right above the wave-pounded rocks at the Point. There’s a decent restaurant (mains R60 to R120) and the…
Garden Route
This well-run and long-established backpackers has two sections – a backpacker wing where rooms share a bathroom and a more upmarket wing with en-suite…
Route 62
On the main street, close to the museum, this attractive old-style country hotel with spacious, understated rooms is an inviting option and refreshingly…
Plettenberg Bay
This extremely friendly backpackers hostel is two minutes' walk from a magnificent beach; body boards are provided free. To reach the house, follow the…
Route 62
In a large old house, this lively hostel has a bar, ostrich braais (barbecues) and free ostrich-egg breakfasts (in season, you’ll be given an egg – cook…
West Coast & Swartland
There are campsites and cute wooden cabins at this gorgeous spot on the edge of the dam, with stupendous views of the Cederberg. Hiking trails and horse…
Western Cape
There are six individually decorated rooms in this 200-year-old house with a gorgeous garden and a refreshing pool. It's within walking distance of the…
Hermanus
A sea-facing room at this stalwart overlooking the ocean means you’ll be able to whale-watch from your bed in season. Rooms have had a bit of a revamp but…
Route 62
This friendly guesthouse receives rave reviews for its neat rooms, hearty breakfast and above all for the friendly service. Welcoming hosts Zoe and Huw…
Route 62
A delightful, upmarket lodge in a restored Edwardian landmark building with lovely gardens and a pool with a thatched-roof gazebo for shade. The attached…
Stellenbosch
A comfortable country-style hotel with a variety of rooms, including some with self-catering facilities and others with four-poster beds. A section dating…
Knysna
A tremendously peaceful place to stay, with luxury cottages around an immaculate lawn, some with lagoon views. There is a restaurant (mains R85 to R170)…
Knysna
This lodge has changed address and had a complete overhaul, but the cheery owners and tasteful African decor remain. Accommodation is in self-catering…
Wilderness Beach House Backpackers
Garden Route
Southwest of town, this breezy hostel provides awesome ocean views, simple rooms, and a lapa (circular area with a fire pit) bar and cafe serving…
Winelands
Rijk’s provides pleasant accommodation in thatched cottages on a beautiful wine estate with manicured lawns. There are tours and tastings at the winery…
Hermanus
This is a great place with upbeat decor, good facilities and clued-up staff who can help with activities. The simple, help-yourself breakfast is free, and…
Western Cape
This owner-run guesthouse has large, uncluttered rooms set around an enormous garden with plenty of shady spots. The restaurant (mains R95 to R150)…
Western Cape
Soundtracked by a trickling fountain and the roaring waves, Tranquility has seven clean rooms decked out with beach-house furniture, African art and surf…
Garden Route
This spectacularly located beach-side shack is reachable only by a two-hour hike, so you need to be fit to get here. There's no electricity and you'll…
Winelands
A suburban backpackers with spacious dorms and pleasant en-suite doubles in the garden. There’s a big grassy backyard and a shisha lounge, and wine and…
