Namibia
Off the B1 a few clicks southeast of Kalkrand and around halfway between Mariental and Rehoboth, Red Dunes Lodge has a lovely collection of thatch-and…
Must-see hotels in Southern Africa
Gaborone
This great place, around 14km south of the city centre, is the only accommodation with a real backpacker vibe around Gaborone. It has everything from…
Okavango Delta
Five elevated suites overlook a tree line that conceals (but not too much) great wildlife viewing in a shady, woodsy area of the delta close to the…
Limpopo
Voted Africa's best boutique hotel (and best art hotel) at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards, Fusion Boutique Hotel is a spectacular place with themed…
Namibia
Off the C19 between Sesriem and Solitaire, this extraordinary tented camp clings to a steep hillside and the result is vertigo-inducing, sunset-facing…
Okavango Delta
A favourite Moremi campground, Xakanaxa occupies a narrow strip of land surrounded by marshes and lagoons. It’s no coincidence that many upmarket lodges…
Namibia
With 10 'view' and 14 'standard' rooms, these newly built lodgings open out onto the Okonjima grasslands, with the ample terraces and abundant glass…
Livingstone
Intimate and indulgent, Stanley is a 10km drive from the falls in a peaceful spot surrounded by mopane (woodland). Rooms scattered among the landscaped…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
Offering a waterfront location (you’ll pay extra for sea-view rooms), this elegant Sea Point institution dates to the 1920s, but adds contemporary appeal…
Damaraland
Due to open not long after our visit, this place promises to be the pick of the Spitzkoppe choices. Run by the same people behind Kalahari Bush Breaks,…
Mozambique
In terms of value for money, this is probably the best accommodation option in Chimoio. Located on the edge of the main town behind a guarded entrance,…
Damaraland
These safari-style tents in a remote corner of Damaraland are certainly luxurious and a worthy member of the elite Wilderness Safaris' Classic collection…
Kasane
One of the more affordable upmarket lodges in Kasane (or Botswana, for that matter), Chobe Safari is excellent value, especially if you’re travelling with…
Free State
The best place to sleep in Ladybrand (and one of the best in Free State) is this rambling stone guesthouse. Spacious rooms have a touch of luxury and the…
Mpumalanga
Enjoy platteland (farmland) hospitality at this very Afrikaans and very friendly lodge 6km northwest of the town centre. Accommodation is in spacious,…
Botswana
One of the more attractive options in the southern Kalahari, this private game lodge, 25km northwest of Kang along the Trans Kalahari Hwy, combines a…
Namibia
These are some of the best campsites in Namibia. There's plenty of shade, firewood is provided, there's a (freezing!) swimming pool, hot showers and flush…
Winelands
If McGregor isn't quiet enough for you, head to this luxury lodge north of town. The thatched, stone cottages sit atop a hill and have wow vistas across…
Green Point & Waterfront
This Bauhaus–style villa has been converted into a quirkily decorated boutique hotel. The seven guest rooms have bold, retro-design papered walls and…
Gaborone
Located within the Grand Palm Resort complex, this affordable business hotel has classy if smallish rooms with a hint of Afro-chic in the decor. If this…
Fish River Canyon
With 20 chalets located on the western rim of the canyon, Fish River Lodge is a magical spot to enjoy the landscape. Rooms are gorgeous, modern and come…
Limpopo
A cleansing Soutpansberg hideaway, this farm lodge is very involved with the local community. Accommodation is in colourful little cottages, with Venda…
Namibia
Right by the water and rich in birdsong, Inchingo has an exclusive, alluring feel to it. Air-conditioned safari tents (from where you can hear the Chobe…
Swakopmund
This upmarket guesthouse is right on the beach about 4.5km north of town, and is an excellent option if you’re looking for a secluded retreat. Ask to see…
Zambia
A wonderful place to capitalise on all that's on offer in the area, here at Mutemwa a typical day offers an assortment of activities from visiting Ngonye…
The Wild Coast
Combining old-world European sumptuousness with the tranquillity of a Southeast Asian resort, this intimate property hidden in a dune forest a short walk…
Damaraland
Part of the elite Wilderness Safaris portfolio, Doro Nawas is a magnificent place. The thatched rooms are massive and luxurious, the terraces open onto…
Windhoek
Hands-down our favourite place in Windhoek to stay, Tamboti is very well priced, has a great vibe and terrific hosts who will go out of their way to…
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…
Eastern Cape
The Karoo's flagship hotel offers a fine mix of historic charm and modern luxury. Accommodation is in mid-19th-century cottages, originally built for…
Cape Town
India’s luxury hotel group has breathed new life into the old Board of Executors building. There’s plenty of heritage here, but a new tower also houses…
Northern Mozambique
In a sturdy but genteel old trading house in Stone Town, you can recline like a colonial lord in atmospheric high-ceilinged rooms furnished with four…
Zambia
One of the park's most exquisite lodges, Chizombo offers luxury villas done out in designer soft white tones, with spacious, breezy and immaculate areas…
Winelands
These well-equipped cottages are based on the edge of a nature reserve 15km northeast of Robertson off Rte 60. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing and…
Zambia
Comfortable, clean and relaxed, this friendly guesthouse is within a secure residential compound in a well-heeled neighbourhood with jacaranda-lined…
Limpopo
This two-bed tented accommodation is 15km from reception and is a wonderful spot. The furnished tents, overlooking a dam where antelope and wildebeest…
Kasane
With consistently good reviews from travellers, Bakwena is an excellent place offering the benefits of Chobe River frontage with convenient proximity to…
Cape Town
This delightful hotel's rooms have a contemporary look and are decorated in soothing natural tones. Built around the 1799 home of Lady Anne Barnard, it’s…
Western Cape
One of Swellendam’s swankiest options, this is a supremely stylish guesthouse with a surprisingly personal touch. It's on a large estate dating back to…
Botswana
The four campsites that sit above or close to the southern end of Mabuasehube Pan are among the loveliest in the Kalahari, with fabulous, sweeping views…
