Zambia
Occupying a stretch of riverfront with plenty of lawn, Marula offers one of the best choices in the park for budget travellers. Options include waterfront…
Must-see hotels in Southern Africa
Lesotho
At 2874m, this lodge atop the Sani Pass stakes a claim to 'Africa's highest pub'. Bar trivia aside, cosy rondavels (round huts with a conical roof) and…
Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge & Safari
Mozambique
Located at Chitengo park headquarters, Montebelo has lovely comfortable rooms in rondavels or standard blocks. Count on hot water, soap, mosquito nets and…
Namibia
This stunning place frequently appears in Condé Nast as one of the top lodges in the world, and we're inclined to agree. The property contains 10 chalets,…
Maun
One of the great boltholes on Southern African overland trails, ‘the Bridge’ has a great bar-at-the-end-of-the-world kind of vibe. Accommodation ranges…
Northern Mozambique
This nine-room luxury boutique hotel – the most upmarket accommodation on Ibo – is housed in three restored 19th-century mansions in a prime setting…
Namibia
Part of Wilderness Safaris' Classic portfolio, Little Kulala is simply stunning. Expansive rooms, each with their own plunge pools, watch over rippling…
Cape Town
A world apart from the rest of the city, sitting in three hectares of gardens, the sugar-pink-painted ‘Nellie’ is a colonial charmer with its chintz decor…
Northern Mozambique
Ibo is an idyll wherever you stay, but Cinco Portas could well offer the best deal when you factor in price, friendly ambience and flawless, nothing-is…
Free State
With an ornate style she calls 'maximalism', interior designer extraordinaire Karen Hickman has gone to town on two guest suites, 'Yours' and 'Whose',…
Botswana
This fabulous camp on an island in a branch of the Limpopo River is run by respected conservationists Judi Gounaris and Dr Helena Fitchat, and they bring…
Botswana
These three campsites have no facilities, but their location on the valley floor (some kilometres apart) is among the best in the Kalahari. Site No 2 (S…
Kruger National Park
One of Kruger's best rest camps, this leafy Letaba River haven has shady lawns, resident bushbucks, SANParks' most attractive pools and a wide variety of…
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…
Etosha National Park
One of the more exclusive luxury lodges in the Etosha area, Ongava Lodge is not far south of Andersson Gate. Ongava is actually divided into two…
Okavango Delta
Opened in 2016, this wonderful camp has six tents that are immaculate, large and the sort of canvas home you'll struggle to tear yourself away from. But…
Free State
Within the Clarens Golf Estate, this collection of spacious, comfortable apartments is set in century-old sandstone architecture, with an attached gallery…
Namibia
This mountain retreat is one of Namibia’s most stunning accommodation options and it comes at a price that is surprisingly reasonable. The whole place,…
Sunshine Coast
Offering colonial-chic luxury, this property takes full advantage of breathtaking panoramic views from its perch in the Zuurberg Mountains above Addo…
Zimbabwe
One of Mana's best luxury camps, Ruckomechi has a remote location on its private concession in the northwest of the park. All of its tented chalets…
Zimbabwe
One of only a handful of places in Zimbabwe catering to the needs of independent budget travellers, Warthogs is doing a fantastic job of it. Accommodation…
The Wild Coast
Overlooking a large estuary and a deserted beach, this splendid resort at the mouth of the Umngazi River features 69 bungalows that were modernised in…
Windhoek
Hostels are hard to come by in this country but ‘The Box’ has been doing it for years, with a rep as one of Windhoek’s better backpackers. It has a fully…
Malawi
This intimate, upscale Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is full of romantic atmosphere. The sumptuous chalets, seven twin and one honeymoon double…
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,…
Zimbabwe
Homely and welcoming, this long-established guesthouse has been catering to budget travellers for years. It's run by the friendly owner Ann Bruce, along…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
Based in the grand Earl’s Dyke Manor (dating from 1929), this splendid place is set in a secluded nature reserve a short walk from the Camps Bay strip…
Nelspruit (Mbombela)
Simplicity, elegance and a masterly design that keeps the premises cool using the afternoon breeze mark this exceptional accommodation. Rooms are…
Okavango Delta
This lovely, welcoming lodge lies beside a channel of the Okavango River. The chalets have air-con; the A-frames are fan only. Boats can be rented and the…
Victoria Falls (town)
One of the best budget choices in town, this long-standing backpackers received a much-needed revamp when the original owners returned. The eclectic mix…
Kruger National Park
The most authentic private bush lodge in southern Kruger, Rhino Post has eight suites constructed from wood, canvas, glass and gabion baskets. Each oozes…
Okavango Delta
This lovely spot at the panhandle’s lower end is a fantastic place. Each of the shady campsites has its own shower and toilet, and the tranquil setting…
Skeleton Coast
Now here's something special. So far from the nearest publicly accessible road, and built in a splendid amalgam of canopied canvas and light woods, this…
Malawi
Nestled into the lee of a valley beside a small lake, this Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is insanely picturesque. Its bungalows have an unfussy…
Mpumalanga
These seven quaint, good-sized cottages, in a beautiful and historical location on the northeastern edge of town, are well kitted out and full of…
Johannesburg
This is a superlative place to stay thanks to the dedication of young proprietor Bheki Dube. Occupying a converted printing house in the desirable…
Malawi
Between Mulanje and Blantyre, this atmospheric colonial homestead, still run by the founding family, offers accommodation among the emerald-green fields…
Kasane
Off the main highway south of Kazungula (the turn-off is well signposted 6.8km south of Kazungula, from where it’s a further 1.6km off-road), this…
Zambia
Doubling as the park headquarters, accommodation here consists of thatched bungalows overlooking Lake Wasa. Larger chalets are airy and cool with wide…
Lilongwe
A short drive from the city centre, on a 650-hectare forest reserve, is a choice of swanky individual thatched chalets (Madonna has stayed here on her…
