Zambia
In a spectacular position at the confluence of the Chiawa and Zambezi Rivers, this luxurious lodge inside the park was the first in the Lower Zambezi. As…
Must-see hotels in Southern Africa
Malawi
The former Chinguni Hills Lodge is a fun place to experience a night in the bush and a safari. In an accessible location in the south of the park, Bushman…
Malawi
This serene, tasteful permaculture camp is about being part of the environment and the community: helping local farmers and being completely self…
Zambia
Overlooking the Zambezi, deep inside the national park, Sausage Tree is wonderfully unconventional. Traditional safari decor is rejected in favour of cool…
Malawi
Perched on the edge of the Livingstonia escarpment (aka an abyss!), this permaculture ecolodge and campsite is worth the arduous journey for the warm…
Zambia
The epitome of luxury bush mixed with a colonial-era vibe, Royal is only a short drive to the eponymous airstrip as well as Chongwe Gate. Despite its…
Malawi
Sitting on a hillside in a clearing of pine trees, upmarket Chelinda is a traveller's dream. The main building crackles with fires at every turn,…
Namibia
On the banks of the Okavango, about 20km from Rundu’s town centre, this is a tranquil and good-value riverside retreat where relaxation is a by-product of…
Zambia
This rustic bush camp, small and personal, is in a gorgeous spot on the river with a well-landscaped camping area and four tastefully furnished thatch…
Namibia
Far and away the area’s swankiest accommodation option with lovely rooms, the hilltop Opuwo Country Lodge is an enormous thatched building (reportedly the…
Malawi
Hidden up a dirt track right beneath Mt Mulanje, this delightful eyrie cloaked in lush vegetation has a swimming pool (fed by fresh water from a small…
Malawi
Run by the excellent Central African Wilderness Safaris, Malawi's premier safari operator, Mvuu sits on the river in the realm of myriad hippos and crocs…
Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge
North West Province
Madikwe’s second-oldest lodge is also the reserve’s only non-five-star option, but Mosetlha’s relatively low rates are not its only attraction. With nine…
Malawi
Domwe is the smaller and more rustic of Kayak Africa's two neighbouring island lodges, run on solar power and romantically lit by paraffin lamps. It’s…
Namibia
If you’re an avid hiker (or just love excellent settings!), you’re in for a treat. The scattered campsites here sit beside the Tsauchab riverbed – one…
Zimbabwe
One of Zimbabwe's original backpackers, Heaven Lodge fell on hard times during the turmoil, but is back as good as ever. It's run by friendly owners,…
Malawi
Set in elevated botanical gardens dripping with honeysuckle and bluegums, Ku Chawe boasts amazing views of the distant plain. Inside its red-brick…
Zambia
The approach to this bucolic oasis, basically an island just 7km from the park's northern border, is made all the more dramatic by the wooden walkway over…
The Wild Coast
Marvellous Mdumbi, a 23km drive north of Coffee Bay (the 17km gravel road is normally passable in a 2WD car), is a rural retreat set in rolling hills…
It's a Small World Backpackers Lodge
Harare
Single-handedly flying the flag for backpackers in Harare, It's a Small World does a wonderful job catering to the needs of independent travellers. It…
Damaraland
Brilliantly located amongst the boulders and rocks littered throughout its premises, Kipwe is languidly draped over the stunning landscape in very…
Etosha National Park
Upon arrival at Onkoshi (from Namutoni), you'll be chauffeured to a secluded peninsula on the pan's rim and given the keys to one of 15 thatch-and-canvas…
Zambia
Run by Jackalberry Safaris, Nkonzi is a bush camp within the national park that offers a wonderful (and relatively more affordable) wilderness experience;…
Botswana
Some 52km north of Nata, Elephant Sands, run by Mike and Saskia, is a fabulous place to stay. Excellent and spacious safari tents, some chalets and a few…
Zambia
Featuring a scenic river location, with nearby hot springs and lush rainforest, this lodge is popular for good reason. The chalets are light and spacious,…
Malawi
Beautifully finished Danforth has seven stylish, mint-fresh rooms set in lush beachside gardens. There's also a top-notch restaurant (guests only) with a…
Malawi
Book at least a day ahead to stay at this four-room guesthouse owned by British-Malawian couple Tom and Petal. Woodcarvings and Tom's artwork decorate the…
Lilongwe
Lilongwe's first world-class boutique hotel, this gated, nine-suite retreat raises the bar for Malawian accommodation. From the moment you step into its…
Johannesburg
A wonderful urban sanctuary, Satyagraha is built around the Kraal, a 1907 traditional African-style thatched house where Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi lived…
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,…
Kruger National Park
Sleep inside or out, with the press of a button. Set high above the Luvuvhu River at the northern extreme of Kruger, the outward-facing walls of these 12…
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The only private lodge in iSimangaliso’s Kosi Bay region, and surrounded by the sand forest’s Umdoni trees, this intimate 16-bed lodge offers a dreamy,…
Limpopo
Perched in the clouds of the Soutpansberg mountains, this Fair Trade–accredited resort is based on a Venda village, created with the help of acclaimed…
Namibia
Nambwa, 14km south of Kongola, is one of the very few places to stay in the park itself. It combines an excellent campsite with a luxury lodge, replete…
Kruger National Park
This comfortable, family-run, six-room camp offers a fine safari experience. The open dining area and two rooms (Nos 3 and 4) overlook the water hole,…
Okavango Delta
A beautiful option for those wanting the amenities of a high-end safari – expertly cooked meals, attentive service and wonderful views over its island…
Zambia
With its stunning white sands, palm trees and thatched bungalows, Luke's Beach resembles some secluded Southeast Asian beach paradise. The stilted…
Zambia
Built into the hillside are Mayense's individually designed chalets, each with outstanding views. All are beautiful in their simplicity and blend in…
Kruger National Park
Built on the site of the Varty family's original 1920s Sparta Hunting Camp, Varty Camp was Londolozi's first photographic safari lodge and has…
Free State
The accommodation at this cheerfully overgrown place is decidedly rustic, but the secluded location right on the Vaal River is unbeatable. Options include…
