Namibia
This stunning riverside lodge is perched on the banks of the Zambezi and features a floating bar where you can watch the crocs and hippos below. The…
Must-see hotels in Southern Africa
Walvis Bay
Getting consistently good reviews from travellers, the excellent Langholm sits on a quiet street a couple of blocks back from the water. It satisfies both…
Lüderitz
This brand-spanking-new, cheerful, whitewashed building houses a promising new guesthouse and overlooks the water just before Shark Island. It’s in a…
West Coast & Swartland
This upmarket private reserve, 46km east of Clanwilliam along the Pakhuis Pass, is known for excellent San rock-art sites and extensive animal- and…
Zambia
One of Norman Carr Safari's original remote luxury wilderness camps in South Luangwa, Luwi nails the rustic:luxury ratio with each of its open-plan thatch…
Bloemfontein
This stylish offering in a central location has 15 rooms, including some with sink-in-and-smile king beds, and both baths and showers in attached en…
Namibia
Overseen by the welcoming French owners Orlane and Emmanuel, this fine little guesthouse has the intimate feel of a B&B and the quality of a small,…
Limpopo
This ‘exclusive guesthouse’ delivers a lot of style for your money. The six rooms with traditional African furniture have flourishes such as rope-lined…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
This gorgeous, gay-friendly boutique hotel occupies an elegant old house and a newer block behind. Spacious rooms are decorated in natural tones of stone…
Lüderitz
Haus Sandrose is comprised of uniquely decorated self-catering rooms surrounding a sheltered garden. The bright rooms are good value and exude a cheerful…
Swakopmund
Styling itself as a boutique guesthouse, Atlantic Villa is a stylish place. Expect clean-lined rooms decked all in white with Nespresso coffee machines;…
Limpopo
The sizeable rooms here are as dreamy as the gardens and mountains they overlook, with fireplaces, antiquated prints everywhere, and bathrooms you could…
Green Point & Waterfront
One of the Waterfront’s most appealing hotels, Cape Grace sports an arty combination of antiques and crafts decoration – including hand-painted bed covers…
Simon's Town & Southern Peninsula
This charming guesthouse, with a delightful courtyard garden, could be the setting for an Agatha Christie mystery, one in which the home’s owner has a…
Botswana
Just three sites sit close to the famed baobabs, and it's a wonderfully evocative site once the daytrippers go home – this is the best place to camp in…
Namibia
In the heart of Erindi, Camp Elephant has 15 excellent self-catering chalets that overlook a water hole that's floodlit at night. The 30 campsites have…
Lüderitz
This family-run guesthouse in an early-20th-century German-style house is one of the better places in town. The wood floors, white-linen look and the sea…
Western Cape
These modern, glass-fronted cabins were designed to meld with the natural surrounds and be as ecofriendly as possible. Delightful and well equipped, they…
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…
Malawi
With its cheeky logo of a cichlid clad in sunglasses, this backpacker beach resort is Cape Mac's top spot to chill by day and party by night. Cool…
Malawi
The smiley yellow faces leading to this excellent-value beachside guesthouse say it all. Like a home away from home and run by warm host Sam, Cool…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Sondzela is a top choice for budgeteers, located in the southern part of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It boasts fine, breezy dorms, clean private…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Scenically positioned on the southern shore of Maguga Dam, this laid-back venture is blessed with commanding views of the dam and surrounding hills. It…
Drakensberg Escarpment
This classy hotel is one of our favourites in the province. The 19 small rooms in the main building are slick, stylish and individual; several feature art…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
What a magical setting! This comfortable, well-run spot is nestled in a splendid garden with a pool, among big boulders and a chuckling stream. Rooms have…
Lesotho
The reception area is situated within an old sandstone trading post, and these charming, old-fashioned bungalows vary in size and decor, with some family…
Kruger National Park
Satara – the second-largest option after Skukuza – may lack the riverside views of other camps, but it's optimally situated in the heart of 'big cat'…
Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor
Eastern Cape
The 'homely home' consists of 31 beautifully restored and handsomely furnished Karoo houses, their stoeps (porches) opening onto one of Cradock's oldest…
Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge & Nature Reserve
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This little morsel of paradise about 14km north of Piggs Peak is a dream come true for those seeking to get well and truly off the beaten track. It lies…
Gauteng
For a real township experience, this well-established hostel set by lovely parklands is your answer. It’s a healthy walk from the Vilakazi St action, but…
Malawi
Affiliated with the neighbouring Gecko Lounge, this neat and well-maintained compound offers a family room and five twin or double bamboo cabins with walk…
Kick4Life Hotel & Conference Centre
Lesotho
Attached to the sport-focused NGO Kick4Life, this smart hotel with a football (soccer) theme funds the charity's work and its staff includes Kick4Life…
Malawi
Set in the foothills of the Zomba Plateau, Annie's has a bar-restaurant with an appealing terrace for a sundowner, and black-and-white-brick chalets with…
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…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This community-run place 37km northeast of Simunye in the Lebombo Mountains (21km on tarred road and 16km on dirt road; turn at signs indicating Shewula)…
Cape Town
Jo'burg investors are behind this new and buzzing place offering a good range of rooms, including pods – essentially a dorm bed but instead of a bunk you…
Lesotho
Roma Trading Post is a charming trading post operated since 1903. The attached guesthouse includes garden rooms, rondavels and the original sandstone…
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 …
Blyde River Canyon
Beautifully located just a short walk from Berlin Falls, these six self-catering chalets have stone walls, African-print bedspreads, kitchens, garden…
Gauteng
An attraction in its own right, this four-room B&B in a renovated farmhouse is like something from an interior-design magazine crossed with an conceptual…
