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
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Durban
King of the seafront hotels, this is classic and comfortable, with fresh-polish smells and full-on decor.
Durban
After opening a hit backpackers in Johannesburg, Curiocity turned its sights on Durban. Accommodation here is in a perfectly charming colonial building…
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…
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…
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…
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…
KwaZulu-Natal
Right next to the entrance to the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Vuna Valley Lodge is an old standby in the area. It came under new ownership in 2017 and has…
Durban
At the northern end of the beachfront, away from the promenade crowd, Blue Waters is a classic hotel that has recently undergone an extensive renovation…
KwaZulu-Natal
Just like something out of a BBC TV production with its verandas, trimmed lawns and stunning garden, this mansion has a range of neat, sophisticated rooms…
Durban
This hostel (a tastefully converted 1950s Tuscan-style home) gets lots of good reports from travellers, including those travelling by themselves…
Durban
On a poky little street near the Botanic Gardens, this is an excellent, homey B&B that is terrific value. The former colonial residence has five en-suite…
KwaZulu-Natal
These extraordinary tree houses are functional art at its best: recycled materials, unique carvings, wooden hinges and ingenious artistic touches have…
Durban
It’s hard to miss this white behemoth just over the Umgeni River on the right-hand side. The pool area has a sprawling LA vibe and the rooms offer all the…
Blue Sky Mining Backpackers & Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal
Just uphill from the coastal shopping strip, and overlooking the water with magnificent views, Blue Sky can organise a lot of beach- and water-based…
Durban
Clean, modern design in beautiful surrounds is the style at De Charmoy Riverside. There are six rooms in an airy house with a small pool area, tucked away…
KwaZulu-Natal
While it might be a little pricier than your average backpackers, there are million-rand views from the double rooms here that overlook the water. Or you…
KwaZulu-Natal
It’s a good sign when you see the owner in chef’s garb cooking a full English breakfast. Here six small units of varying shapes and sizes surround a small…
KwaZulu-Natal
Rates here are a bit higher than your typical B&B, but it's located in a purpose-built recent construction that offers a comfort level more akin to a…
KwaZulu-Natal
Accommodation here is in four pleasant chalets, although it’s the vista that’s the winner. The dining deck boasts a superb view of the uMzumkulu Gorge…
Durban
This hotel, adjacent to the casino, is a safe if businesslike bet. It has over 100 sleek and contemporary rooms with flash trimmings. Be aware that the …
KwaZulu-Natal
This is the park’s main resort, located at the foot of Ngotshe Mountain, with superb views of the reserve below. It’s warthog heaven, and home to the red…
KwaZulu-Natal
This beautiful renovated Victorian home offers English-style B&B comforts with spacious, individually styled rooms, each in a different colour. There are…
Durban
Right in the throbbing heart of Durban’s busiest eating and drinking quarter, this attractive boutique hotel – at two neighbouring locations – balances…
