The best hotels in South Africa, from sprawling wine estates to snug safari lodges
Bask in the glamour of the place the locals refer to as the best spot for brunch or make friends with the few fellow guests at a quirky boutique hotel. We can help you find the right hotel, whether it’s a hotel right on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront or a luxury treehouse out in the wild bushveld. In South Africa, it’s as much about the safari lodges as it is about the central hotels and our hand-picked selection includes the best game reserves for spotting the Big Five.
Our recommended South Africa hotels and lodges
hotels sorted by
A stunning lodge in the style of a Zulu homestead in the in lesser-visited KwaZulu-Natal region.
Reminiscent of a traditional Zulu homestead, Thanda Safari Lodge is a cluster of luxury hillside villas, accessed only by a series of wooden walkways....
A luxurious colonial-style tented camp for a back-to-nature adventure in lesser visited KwaZulu-Natal.
This tented safari camp is the perfect location for an authentic but comfortable safari experience. You’ll discover a rustic colonial luxury inside th...
Close to Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift battlefields
Located on a Natural Heritage Site, this award-winning lodge is perfectly placed for exploring KwaZulu-Natal’s historic 19th-century Anglo-Zulu battle...
Family-run hotel at the foot of Ghost Mountain
At the foot of the mysterious Ghost Mountain in Zululand, this family-run inn offers a homely environment, with all of its stylish, spacious rooms fea...
Nostalgic, charming hotel with a superb beachfront location.
The waterfront Oyster Box is a place to see and be seen. It’s a favourite spot with locals that lunch a whole host of illustrious guests; their hall o...
Boutique mountain and battlefield hideaway
This cosy, family-run lodge sits on the edge of a thriving game reserve and in the lee of the famous hill for which it is named. Here you can spot rhi...
A Tuscan-style boutique hotel, set atop a hillside overlooking the vibrant city of Pretoria
In an affluent suburb overlooking Pretoria, Castello Di Monte is a boutique hotel that bears a remarkable semblance to an old 16th-Century Tuscan vill...
Stylish, modern and very close to the airport
One of four hotels found at Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention and Entertainment Resort, the Peermont Mondior has an imposing frontage and a cont...
This owner-run boutique hotel near Melrose Arch is packed with character.
Fun, eco-conscious and forward-thinking, this hotel is great central find in one of Johannesburg’s more peaceful neighbourhoods just minutes away from...
A well-dressed city hotel with direct mall access in central Sandton, Johannesburg.
Stay in this swish hotel where you’ll be within walking distance from Nelson Mandela Square at the centre of Johannesburg’s Central Business District,...
A luxurious lodge experience in the heart of Shamwari
Surrounded by the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Bayethe Tented Lodge is one of their five star retreats, offering a wonderfully luxurious experience ...
Relax and enjoy the privacy at this all suite lodge in the heart of Shamwari
Eagles Crag is Shamwari’s most opulent lodge. There are only nine suites – meaning there's only 18 guests at any one time –and the service is impecca...
Accommodating a maximum of just 12 guests, this authentic safari lodge sits tucked away in the bush, is the perfect African retreat.
Peace, seclusion and little more than the sounds of the African bush await you at this newly-refurbished and once-private lodge. Lobengula’s small siz...
The beautifully refreshed Long Lee Manor gives its guests a different experience to the rest of the Shamwari Game Reserve. A luxury restored Edwardian...
A safari lodge experience perfect for all the family
This spacious lodge is perfect for those travelling with a family. Complete with a pool, kids' club and Adventure Centre, cosy indoor fires and an out...
This peaceful adults-only retreat is tucked away deep within Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Shamwari’s newest luxury tented camp has been designed to echo a solitary leopard’s sanctuary, blending into the bushveld while offering stunning view...
An intimate luxury safari lodge nestled within the beautiful bushveld of the Amakhala Game Reserve
The Bukela Game Lodge is an intimate safari lodge nestled within a hidden valley in the Amakhala Game Reserve, perfect for couples and older families ...
A small yet luxurious family-friendly lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve
Boasting uninterrupted views across a picturesque river plain, Hlosi Game Lodge’s six suites and eight Luxury Safari Tents offer a truly intimate game...
A Four Star lodge nestled in a valley on the northern boundary of Amakhala Game Reserve
Featuring striking thatched roofs that are capped with stone, the signature style of Safari Lodge is apparent even from a distance. An undisturbed and...
Set against a cliff above the bushman’s river valley
Surrounded by a stunning river valley setting, the Woodbury Lodge promises an intimate and tranquil escape in the Amakhala Game Reserve. Ideal for fam...
A relaxed and friendly lodge ideal for families or groups
Perched high above the sweeping plains of the Kariega Game Reserve and the rivers that majestically carve their way through them, Kariega Main Lodge h...
Nestled on the banks of the Bushman's River
Sitting right on the banks of the Bushman's river, the air-conditioned thatched suites of the homely Kariega Game Reserve River Lodge offer guests a t...
These high-end tented suites offer a touch of luxury in the wilderness at the Kariega Game Reserve.
In a remote valley overlooking the Bushman’s River, Settlers Drift is heavenly retreat. Reached by boat or by the winding road that was carefully clea...
A cosy, intimate lodge ideal for honeymooners
Ukhozi Lodge captures the modern romance of safari. This former rustic lodge has recently been rebuilt with a stunning new rim-flow pool for gazing ou...
A great value way of experiencing Cape Town
Offering the comfort of a home away from home, these spacious, modern apartments are enviably positioned around the older scenic wharves of Cape Town ...
More than a century of service and style at the foot of Table Mountain, this Belmond hotel is excellence personified.
Sat at the foot of Table Mountain, you couldn’t wish for a more iconic location while staying in South Africa. First opened in 1899, this hotel makes ...
Exuding a welcoming vibe, this elegant hotel offers a great mix of the old and the new.
Bohemian chic is the hallmark of this beautiful national monument hotel. The interiors are gorgeous and complement the classic Victorian-style façade ...
Enjoy an independent stay in the city in one of these beautiful, modern apartments right in the heart of town.
If you’re looking to explore Cape Town at your convenience, in a modern home-away-from-home environment, then More Quarters' luxurious, fully equipped...
Seamlessly blending the contemporary with the traditional, right on the V&A Waterfront.
The exclusive One&Only Cape Town is the epitome of urban resort chic. It has stunning views of Table Mountain and a contemporary interior that infuses...
A fresh urban retreat at the foot of Table Mountain.
A magnet for those who like their city hotel chic and stylish, this hotel has a central Cape Town location with direct access through its own palm-lin...
Between the centre of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront, this is a stylish, comfortable resort well placed for exploration.
A landmark building in Cape Town, the Southern Sun The Cullinan is a classic hotel in one of the most sought-after areas in the city. Great for famili...
At the heart of vibrant Cape Town, the Taj offers a rich history wrapped in elegant contemporary architecture, seamless service and delectable fine dining.
Taj Cape Town is striking, both inside and out. Incorporating a modern tower as well as two heritage buildings, the old Reserve Bank Building and the ...
With the Twelve Apostle mountain range towering behind and the white sand of Camps Bay below, you couldn’t ask for a finer location.
In a prime position by the sands of glitzy Camps Bay, The Bay Hotel is a stylish retreat popular with sun-seekers, glamour-hunters and celebrities for...
Sister to La Residence in Franschhoek, this industrial design hotel combines modern luxury and amazing Cape Town views.
Everything about The Silo does its location justice as the hotel above Africa’s biggest collection of contemporary art, Zeitz MOCAA. Housed in the top...
A mountainside retreat within an exquisite UNESCO World Heritage site.
Retreat from the city to the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa; the ultimate luxury escape nestled in the foothills of the Table Mountain National Park. I...
An iconic hotel on the V&A Waterfront
In a superb setting beside one of the original quays, this stylish hotel is just a short stroll from the popular V&A Waterfront complex. Originally bu...
A classic heritage hotel on the Sea Point Promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
The Winchester Mansions is a beautiful 1920s Cape Dutch property, and a third-generation family-owned hotel. Directly located on the Sea Point Promena...
An exclusive ‘home-away-from-home’ resort, nestled on the dunes of the beautiful Cape St Francis beach
The Cape St Francis Resort Beach Break is a rare gem on South Africa's southern coast. It has sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and nearby Seal Point...
Against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains Fancourt is a plush country estate with world-class golf, an award-winning spa and acres of spectacular land.
The drive up to Fancourt reveals a fairytale world of lush green landscape, towering trees and glassy lakes. Step inside and it’s more of the same – a...
Great for food and wine enthusiasts
This small family-run guest house will make you feel at home from the moment you step through the door. Ivy creeps along the bottom of the green roof ...
Set to a mountain backdrop close to Plettenberg Bay, this spectacular lodge makes the most of its breathtaking surrounds.
Gaze out across the amazing vistas of indigenous forest to the magnificent Tsitsikamma Mountains from this stunning rural lodge. Found just outside Pl...
A tranquil Cape Dutch country estate set within the heart of South Africa’s stunning Garden Route
Positioned between the towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Lairds Lodge is an exclusive retreat for those who enjoy the serenity of quiet provincial ...
This graceful period hotel on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn embraces classic style.
Just outside of Oudtshoorn – a popular inland stop on South Africa’s Garden Route – this country house sets the bar high for classic country retreats....
This chic beach hideaway in pretty Plettenberg Bay is housed in a restored rectory dating back to 1777.
Housed in a National Monument building, The Old Rectory is a modern boutique hotel close to some of Plettenberg’s gorgeous, golden beaches. The origin...
A chic and lavish hotel in a superb setting with incredible views over two picturesque bays.
Making the most of its stunning headland location, this elegant hotel has a slightly nautical theme, with pastel colours set off against wicker furnis...
Stay in the natural paradise of Knysna
A strip of lush green grass is all that sits between The St James of Knysna and the tranquil shores of Knysna Lagoon. Two pools, a large Koi pond and ...
A former power station transformed into a trendy boutique hotel right on the popular Knysna lagoon.
This quirky boutique hotel oozes contemporary chic while retaining the old power station’s original industrial features. Its bright-coloured reclaimed...
This beach-chic hotel has unparalleled views and a sublime setting
This gorgeous boutique gem is perched high on a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean. One of our favourite stops on the Garden Route, this hotel sits...
This acclaimed boutique hotel is a nostalgic stopover close to Kruger National Park.
Just half an hour’s drive from Kruger National Park, this intimate hotel is an inviting home-like space of classic style and warm, personalised servic...
A giant-treehouse-style lodge with exceptional service overlooking the Sabie River.
Narina Lodge is embedded in the bushveld of Kruger National Park, raised above the ground on stilts like a sophisticated treehouse designed for indulg...
Lion Sands’ ultra-luxurious flagship lodge is found in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
This is Lion Sands’ original safari lodge – a contemporary escape in the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It’s the largest of the Lion Sands portf...
We’ve hand-picked the best five star hotels and tours in the world.
A bold, luxurious lodge found on the banks of the Sabie River in the iconic Kruger National Park.
Surrounded by the wild African bush, a stay at Tinga Lodge will transport you back to a time when decadent safaris were the height of indulgence. Part...
This lodge focuses on offering families a safari that’s all about modern comforts.
The largest in the Thornybush Game Reserve, this lodge is a cosy home-away-from-home. It’s been carefully designed to ensure absolute comfort, with mo...
Saseka has an innovative design, tented pool suites and a beautiful riverbend setting once reserved for special occasions.
The newest camp in the Thornybush reserve has such an exclusive setting that it was once saved for special occasions. Saseka’s camp is as beautiful as...
An elegant camp of stilted tent suites – this is Big Five safari in style.
Constructed from natural wood and stone, the luxurious tented accommodation of the Buffalo Camp has been designed to combine the best of the game rese...
The pinnacle of luxury accommodation in Kapama Private Game Reserve
Meaning ‘place of peace’ in the local language, Kapama Karula is the reserve’s most luxurious lodge. It's secluded and peaceful, set on banks of the K...
This lodge epitomises modern African luxury on the riverbend of the seasonal Kapama River.
The main lodge at Kapama Private Game Reserve, Kapama River Lodge is also the largest game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area. The abundan...
This camp is renowned for its sophisticated surroundings and passionate service.
Part of Kapama Private Game Reserve, this camp is imbued with an air of elegance. Situated to the south of the reserve, the vibe here is friendly and ...
A friendly and modern lodge in the Makalali Private Game Reserve west of Kruger National Park.
For an affordable, family-friendly stay in South Africa’s Big Five territory, the modern aha Makalali Main Lodge definitely ticks the box. It’s modern...
On the banks of the seasonal Makhutswi River, this luxurious lodge is an utterly romantic bush hideaway.
Escape into the bushveld where a romantic treehouse awaits. Perched by the banks of the seasonal Makhutswi River, aha Makalali River Lodge is a great-...
A romantic and intimate tented haven in the bush with tailored wildlife experiences.
Garonga Safari Camp is a romantic tented bush retreat, combining classic luxury and traditional African design. Days start off with a warming tea or c...
An intimate safari camp with dedicated staff and three indulgent suites.
With only three suites set around communal indoor and outdoor lounge areas, this small camp is all about a tranquil safari experience. In-between thri...
A beach chic stay great for whale watching
At the heart of the southern right whale migratory route, the glorious oceanfront setting of the Abalone Guest Lodge provides stunning views of the su...
A Five-Star eco-paradise offering peace, tranquillity and access to an abundance of diverse natural environments
Meaning ‘big forest’ in Afrikaans, Grootbos is surrounded by ancient milkwood trees that are the foundation of the remarkable natural environment that...
This award-winning wine estate in Franschhoek is a secret fairytale chateau.
Beyond the unassuming exterior, you’ll find yourself transported into a fairytale manor house at this 30-acre wine estate. Surrounded by fragrant wist...
Nestled within vineyards on an historic farm
One of the Winelands’ most distinguished examples of Cape Dutch architecture, Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is a luxurious vineyard hotel on a beautiful 326-ye...
A classic estate with signature thatched roof villas nestled in the idyllic Franschhoek Valley.
Surrounded by Franschhoek’s famous vineyards and manicured gardens, this charming Cape Dutch retreat is the quintessential country getaway. While the ...
Seamlessly combining the charms of a country guesthouse with vibrant village life.
Located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, this exclusive retreat is in the heart of South Africa’s food and wine capital. With only 12 rooms and ...
A foodie gem of rustic charm on Route 62
A former millionaires’ retreat, Montagu remains a peaceful stopover for those seeking respite and beautiful mountain views on a scenic shortcut along ...
A gorgeous vineyard hotel with panoramic mountain views and a wonderful boutique feel.
Mont Rochelle has the wow factor. Turning off an unassuming road, you’re led up a large private drive to a grand entrance and the sense of arrival is ...
A historic boutique hotel with modern flair in central Stellenbosch.
At the centre of Stellenbosch’s collection of shops and eateries on Church Street, this boutique heritage hotel is a gem for both character and conven...
Colonial charm meets contemporary comfort
A boutique hotel comprised of two historic houses in central Stellenbosch. Set beside a river in a leafy corner of the Cape Winelands, this charming a...
An eco-friendly haven in the winelands
This incredible hotel is superbly located on the idyllic Spier Wine Farm – a sprawling haven dedicated to sustainability, conservation and producing t...
This classic hotel has a stunning clifftop location that's perfect for whale watching
Standing on dramatic clifftops in central Hermanus, The Marine’s spectacular setting is one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the wor...
This one-of-a-kind boutique hotel on Route 62 does justice to its National Monument status.
Imagine driving through a quaint town and stumbling on an unexpected gem. Among the quaint country offerings that are usually found in lesser-visited ...
This luxury mountainside lodge in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve has spectacular views.
One of Madikwe Safari Lodge’s three lodges, Dithaba has the most incredible views overlooking the vast bush plains of the reserve. It’s perched furthe...
This adults-only lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve is secluded and intimate with just four suites.
Part of Madikwe Safari Lodge, Kopano Lodge is an alluring spot for honeymooners looking for a private and romantic safari. It’s intimate – there are o...
This relaxed and welcoming lodge in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve is ideal for families.
‘Lelapa’ means family, and this lodge has centred everything they do around homely service and dedicated to smaller guests looking for adventure. Part...
A luxury safari lodge situated beneath a beautifully private riverine canopy
Nestled on the banks of the Marico River, aha Thakadu River Camp is a luxury tented safari lodge set within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Own...
An authentic safari lodge, secluded within a picturesque expanse of the Madikwe Game Reserve
Secluded within the wild landscape of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the Rhulani Safari Lodge is a romantic safari escape, surrounded by incre...
This intimate lodge is nestled amid the magnificent UNESCO-recognised Waterberg Mountains.
Part of the MORE Luxury Hotels & Lodges, Marataba Safari Lodge offers a slightly different kind of South African safari. It has the same warm personal...
An African palace
Grand, elegant and palatial, this impressive hotel has been inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom. Rising like a mirage from the green landsc...
