Luxury Hotels, Camps & Lodges in South Africa

Just like South Africa itself, our hand-picked accommodation offers some of the greatest variation you can experience in Africa. From elegant hotels perched on The Cape’s craggy headland, to tree-house idylls at Sabi Sands and history-lovers’ hideaways on the battlefields, why not blend them together and sample South Africa’s finest?

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We've found [N] hotels in South Africa for you

Nedile Lodge

Location: Welgevonden Game Reserve | South Africa

Nedile Lodge is a boutique luxury safari lodge set in the stunning wilds of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. The residents include the iconic Big Five, while the natural landscapes are diverse and unspoilt - but you certainly won’t be slumming it in the wilderness here. The stylish suites and superb multi-course cuisine will ensure your stay will be as luxurious as your safari adventures are exhilarating.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Landscapes & Scenery, Malaria-free, Family-friendly

Royal Malewane

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

One of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa, Royal Malewane is a wonderful retreat from which to explore the bush and enjoy some of the best game viewing that South Africa to offer.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Seriously special, Guiding, Food & Wine

Shumbalala Game Lodge

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Shumbalala Game Lodge is set beneath the shade of trees lining the Monwana River, in the Thornybush Game Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park, and offers some of South Africa’s best game viewing and safari experiences in a beautiful and luxurious setting.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Guiding, Setting & Views, Landscapes & Scenery

Singita Castleton

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Singita Castleton is a historic and exclusive lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which has been in the same family for generations and retains a traditional, colonial feel. Overlooking a waterhole where you can watch animals gathering to drink and the endless plains of the Greater Kruger National Park beyond, it is the perfect mix of private safari lodge and charming country farmhouse. 

Best for: Private Groups, Seriously special, Family-friendly, Wildlife & Nature

The Blue Train

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

One of South Africa’s most iconic travel experiences, discover the country’s beautiful and diverse landscapes in style aboard the Blue Train, a five-star award-winning ‘hotel on wheels’, whose famous guests include Nelson Mandela. Travel through rugged mountains, deserts, the Winelands, open farmlands, wildflowers and dams where flamingos gather.

Best for: Train Journey, Landscapes & Scenery, History & Heritage, Service & Hospitality

The Silo

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Occupying the top floors of a converted grain silo on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), The Silo, designed by highly-acclaimed architect Thomas Heatherwick, is one of the most unique and exciting hotels in South Africa.

Best for: Chic Design, Setting & Views, Food & Wine, Honeymoon

Jaci's Safari Lodge

Location: Madikwe & Northwest | South Africa

Jaci’s Safari Lodge, one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, is set in the 75,000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve, and offers an authentic safari experience in South Africa. Built on the edge of the Marico River, this luxury lodge is owner-run and managed, adding warmth and genuine hospitality to this peaceful bushveld setting, alongside exceptional wildlife-spotting adventures.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Landscapes & Scenery, Walking & Trekking, Guiding

Jaci's Tree Lodge

Location: Madikwe & Northwest | South Africa

Jaci’s Tree Lodge, one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, is nestled in the sprawling 75,000-hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve, and offers a safari experience with a difference in South Africa – stay in a treehouse high in the bush, with panoramic views over the South African landscape and its iconic wildlife.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views, Guiding, Walking & Trekking

La Residence

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Nestled away on the outskirts of historic Franschhoek, La Residence is a remarkable country retreat, blending the feel of a traditional Provencal farmhouse with modern touches to create arguably the most luxurious hotel in South Africa, with gorgeous views over the hills, mountains and vineyards. This is a true gem of a hotel and one that should be on any visitor’s list when visiting the area.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Food & Wine, Honeymoon, Setting & Views

Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Franschhoek Country House and Villas is an exclusive boutique hotel is set in pretty gardens in the heart of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, and offers luxurious accommodation, award-winning dining, personalised service and gorgeous countryside views.

Best for: Food & Wine, Landscapes & Scenery, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality

Cheetah Plains

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Located in the north-western sector of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, the five-star award-winning Cheetah Plains is a luxury retreat with a unique architectural design and style. Near Kruger National Park, the area is rich with game viewing opportunities from the lodge's Land Cruiser electric game viewing vehicles, guided walks and from the lodge itself.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Landscapes & Scenery, Chic Design, Eco-tourism

Birkenhead House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Birkenhead House is a luxurious and superbly elegant boutique hotel perched high on the clifftops overlooking Walker Bay. This manor house combines 18th century antiques with beach-house décor to form one of the most stylish options on South Africa’s southern coast.

Best for: Setting & Views, Luxury Hotel, Service & Hospitality, Peace & Quiet

Angala Boutique Hotel & Guest House

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Angala Boutique Hotel is an indulgent country retreat perched high up on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg, surrounded by fragrant jasmine gardens, pretty fountains and award-winning wine estates. Embrace the slower pace of life here by soaking up some essential oils in the spa, floating in the heated pool and watching the peaks set in rugged layers change colour in the sunlight, as you sip on fine locally-produced wines on your lavender-scented private terrace.

Best for: Couples, Landscapes & Scenery, Setting & Views, Food & Wine

Babylonstoren

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Babylonstoren is the South African Winelands delight. A rustic yet modern working farm and vineyard dating back to the 17th century, here you will find gorgeous accommodation, beautiful gardens and fabulous food and wine. Enjoy everything from garden tours and wine tastings to sundowners overlooking the countryside. 

Best for: Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness, Luxury Hotel, Setting & Views

Lion Sands River Lodge

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

A beautifully peaceful retreat on the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands River Lodge retains the relaxed philosophy of its founder – providing a home away from home experience amid the romance and wonder of Sabi Sands Game Reserve. From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, the rooms and treehouses at River Lodge envelop you in the thrill a safari, the comfort of a luxury lodge and the experience of a lifetime.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views, Honeymoon, Luxury Hotel

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

Once you’ve fallen in love with the bush it’s difficult to resist its lure, so we’ve found a lodge that helps relieve the effects of the persistent ‘safari bug’. Set within the malaria-free and Big Five-packed Kwandwe Game Reserve, the immaculate Ecca Lodge is a million miles away from the typical khaki camp that most are used to.

Best for: Family-friendly, Lodge, Malaria-free, Wildlife & Nature

Rhino Ridge

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Perched on a ridge overlooking the southern section of the Zululand Rhino Reserve, the aptly named Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is a contemporary and captivating retreat in Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

Best for: Eco-tourism, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature, Walking & Trekking

Leopard Hills

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Leopard Hills lives up to its name with excellent leopard sightings and outstanding game viewing, arguably the best in the Kruger region.  Built on a hilltop, the beautiful suites have views of the African savannah that stretch out as far as the eyes can see. Leopard Hills is certainly one of the most special places we have found in South Africa.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Guiding, Setting & Views, Seriously special

Delaire Graff

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Delaire Graff is an award-winning wine estate and luxury hotel in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. The hotel has a unique aesthetic blending colonial Cape Dutch architecture with traditional African artistic traditions, and offers tastings and tours of the estate’s acclaimed winery.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality, Food & Wine

Tswalu Motse

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

Tswalu is the ultimate feel-good game reserve: a world-class wilderness experience, with just two luxury lodges and all benefiting the environment and community.  A clean sweep of rave reviews puts this amongst the best of South Africa’s safari experiences.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Lodge, Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track

Naries Namakwa Mountain Suites

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

Naries Namakwa is a luxurious country retreat on a former goat farm in South Africa’s Northern Cape, where springbok, gembok and klipbok roam the hills. Staying in beautiful rock-hewn ‘mountain suites’, you’ll enjoy guided tours through the wildlife-rich wilderness surrounding the farm, including camping trips on the Orange River.

Best for: Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track, Peace & Quiet, Unusual

Papkuilsfontein

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

Papkuilsfontein is a luxury hotel on a family-run farm in the fynbos region of South Africa’s Northern Cape, near the peaceful town of Nieuwoudtville. With hiking trails, a canyon and waterfall, and ancient San rock art sites nearby, this hotel has something for everyone, from outdoorsy types to culture vultures. Accommodation is in just 6 beautifully restored farm cottages.

Best for: Service & Hospitality, Peace & Quiet, Secret / In the Know, Wildlife & Nature

Strandloper Ocean

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is a stylish contemporary property with a serene location in the quiet village of Paternoster, surrounded by the natural beauty of the West Coast. This is a great choice for the eco-conscious traveller, with solar heating and low-energy appliances helping to minimise the hotel’s impact. The hotel also works with West Coast Kids, a local charity helping children living in poverty, so you can be sure your stay is benefitting the community.

Best for: Setting & Views, Romantic, Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness

Bushmans Kloof

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

Bushmans Kloof is an award-winning Relais & Chateaux lodge and oasis of luxury, nestled in a breathtaking landscape of savage, untamed beauty at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains.

Best for: Lodge, Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track, Service & Hospitality

Kersefontein Farm

Location: Western & Northern Cape | South Africa

A heritage that goes back 200 years and spans 8 generations, the Kersefontein Farm is not just a working estate but also a beautiful Cape Dutch homestead and a luxury guesthouse. Set on the banks of the Berg River, the isolated property guarantees an authentic slice of history and a unique immersion into South Africa’s countryside living.

Best for: Cultural Immersion, Secret / In the Know, History & Heritage, Off the Beaten Track

Karkloof Spa

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Combining safari adventure with indulgent spa treatments, Karkloof Safari Spa is perfect for those looking to explore the wilderness without any compromise on comfort. Surrounded by pristine wilderness as far as the eye can see, game drives here promise the opportunity to spot rhino, zebra and giraffe among other iconic African animals.

Best for: Spa & Wellness, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature, Honeymoon

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Montusi Mountain Lodge, owned and run by the Carte Family, sits on a 1,000 hectare estate overlooking the stunning Ampitheatre escarpment of the Drakensburg.  It is blissfully peaceful and quiet, and ideal for anyone who wants to get away from it all in gorgeous surroundings.

Best for: Peace & Quiet, Setting & Views, Walking & Trekking, Riding

Rocktail Bay

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Situated in the secluded and unspoiled northern reaches of the Maputaland coastline, Rocktail Bay offers raised, tree-house like chalets set back from one of the best places in the world for scuba diving and snorkelling. A rustic-chic camp shaded by coastal forest, this little slice of seclusion presents a unique mix of relaxation, action and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Best for: Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track, Eco-tourism, Snorkelling & Diving

Cellars-Hohenort

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

The Cellars-Hoenhort is a beautiful heritage hotel in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, in the shadow of the iconic Table Mountain. Set in beautiful gardens but just 15 minutes from the city, it’s perfectly placed for you to enjoy the best this region has to offer. Greenhouse, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, is one of the finest in South Africa.

Best for: Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality, History & Heritage, Food & Wine

2Inn1 Kensington

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Helmed into the foothills of the iconic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, 2Inn1 Kensington is the place to stay if you want to be in the thick of Cape Town’s magnificent highlights. Comprising of two neighbouring Victorian houses, hence the name, the boutique hotel is charmingly set in one of the most coveted suburbs in the ‘Mother City’, meaning you can hit the streets, explore the peaks, and dive into the fantastic seafood during the day before returning to sink into a soothing Jacuzzi and swim amid the peaceful gardens come evening.

Best for: Service & Hospitality, Peace & Quiet, Romantic, Honeymoon

Cape View Clifton

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Suggesting that the Cape View Clifton offers a room with a view is as much of an understatement as saying that diving with great whites is a fun experience – it is not just fun, it’s epic. Cantilevered to the cliffs above Clifton Beach, the uber-chic boutique hotel is like an immaculate glass box filled with cool corners, white marble and sleek interiors, with some of the best views we’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. For a romantic and trendy perch along Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, you need look no further.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Chic Design, Boutique Hotel, Setting & Views

Thonga Beach Lodge

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Thonga Beach Lodge is a luxurious hotel resort in South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, with the golden sands of Mabibi Beach on one side and thick forest on the other. This is South Africa’s only tropical dive site, and the ocean is teeming with life including turtles, whale sharks and manta rays; nature walks are on offer back on dry land, too.

Best for: Lodge, Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track, Rustic

Tintswalo Atlantic

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Awe-inspiring 180-degree ocean views, individually styled rooms and fine culinary concoctions make up the exquisite Tintswalo Atlantic, which is tucked away at the base of Chapman’s Peak within the Table Mountain National Park. A rare haven in the bustling ‘Mother City’, the lodge sits on a pebbled beach and radiates tranquillity – making it very hard to ever leave this coastal beauty behind.

Best for: Boutique Hotel, Lodge, Romantic, Secret / In the Know

HillsNek Safari Camp

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

Offering the chance to see Africa’s Big Five from the decadent of one of only four luxurious tents, HillsNek Safari Camp is a far cry from the average wildlife experience. Elevated on expansive wooden decks overlooking 18,000 acres of rolling hills and private wilderness, this lodge sets the stage for an unforgettable African sunset, which is preceded by thrilling safaris and followed by delicious bush-inspired fare.

Best for: Setting & Views, Wildlife & Nature, Walking & Trekking, Malaria-free

African Relish

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

African Relish is a cookery school in the South African town of Prince Albert, which provides comfortable accommodation at Deuerdrift 2, a bungalow cottage. Purpose-built to allow guests to explore the secrets of South African and international cuisine in depth and at their own pace, African Relish offers a one-off travel experience and is a great choice for anyone looking to brush up on their cookery skills.

Best for: Secret / In the Know, Food & Wine, Cultural Immersion, History & Heritage

Emily Moon River Lodge

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Emily Moon River Lodge is a unique, homely boutique hotel in the wilds of South Africa’s famous Garden Route, with stylish luxury suites spread around a beautiful garden and a distinctly colonial air. The owners run a boutique antique and artefact store in Johannesburg, and their sense of quirky style and love of unique decorative items is evident everywhere you look here.

Best for: Service & Hospitality, Peace & Quiet, Romantic, Water activities

The Marine

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

The Marine is a luxury hotel near the town of Hermanus in the Western Cape, the perfect sophisticated base for exploring the natural beauty of this region on land and by sea. For over a century this hotel has been welcoming guests, who flock to watch whales between June and November.

Best for: Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality, Peace & Quiet, Food & Wine

Turbine Hotel & Spa

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

The Turbine is a boutique luxury design hotel in Thesen Island in South Africa’s famously scenic Garden Route. Set in a former power station, the hotel has an edgy, contemporary feel, with many of the facility’s original features having been kept as unique design pieces. A range of outdoor activities are on offer courtesy of the Turbine Water Club.

Best for: Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness, Wildlife & Nature, Water activities

Pafuri Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Pafuri Camp is a luxury safari camp in the Kruger National Park, in eastern South Africa. This is an area of remarkable biodveristy, and you can hope to spot elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo among other iconic African animals; there is also a wide array of birdlife, including some species which live nowhere else. You’ll get to know the inhabitants on guided safari walks and game drives, coming home to delicious food and luxurious tented accommodation.

Best for: Off the Beaten Track, Lodge, Eco-tourism, Secret / In the Know

Rissington Inn

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

A beautiful farmhouse hotel in the heart of the lowveld region just outside the town of Hazyview, Rissington Inn is the perfect luxury base for outdoor exploration in Kruger National Park and the surrounding area. Spot The Big Five, take a balloon ride over the bush, or hike to observation points over the Blyde River Canyon, and return to a homely welcome, delicious local food and luxurious accommodation.

Best for: Peace & Quiet, Romantic, History & Heritage, Walking & Trekking

Mala Mala Main Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Offering an authentic African safari with Big Five game drives, intimate and thrilling bush walks and impressive leopard sightings, MalaMala Main Camp is the ultimate safari blueprint - though one of the oldest lodges in South Africa, MalaMala is still the model on which others build from. Accentuating its prime position along the banks of the Sand River, the camp has all the charms of a bygone era with traditional, domed rondavels that open out onto bush views.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Guiding, Family-friendly, Lodge

Sea Five

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Created in collaboration with leading South African interior designers, Sea Five’s self-professed aim is to highlight the similarities between Cape Town’s coastline and the European Riviera. Home to just 7 rooms and suites, this intimate boutique combines the feeling of a luxurious beach house with a prime location next to the fashionable Camps Bay.

Best for: Honeymoon, Luxury Hotel, Chic Design, Boutique Hotel

Morukuru Ocean House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Wrap yourself in luxury at the gorgeous Morukuru Ocean House, which is located along South Africa’s southern coast, surrounded by over 50km of beach, sand dunes and caves, and thousands of acres of savannah teeming with birds and animals. Part of the unique Morukuru Family Experience, hotels that operate on an exclusive-use basis, at Ocean House you have the entire place to yourself and personal staff to attend to your every whim.

Best for: Seriously special, Setting & Views, Secret / In the Know, Private Villa

Samara Private Game Reserve

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Overlooking an amphitheatre of dramatic, purple-hued mountains and vast heartland, the Samara Private Game Reserve offers an exclusive malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo. Home to cheetahs, rhinos and the rare aardvark, this 27,000-hectare reserve has a maximum of 30 guests at one time, meaning you’ll go out on bush walks and game drives and see nothing but rare wildlife and superb landscapes.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views, Off the Beaten Track, Guiding

La Petite Ferme

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Having worked on its recipe for the perfect winery, restaurant and guesthouse for over three generations, La Petit Ferme has found a superb balance between indulgence, luxury and activity. A small vineyard set outside of the Huguenot town of Franschhoek, this rural hideaway offers a special kind of gastronomic heaven, with elegant suites, an award-winning restaurant and fantastic wines that taste that much better when enjoyed overlooking the superb views.

Best for: Food & Wine, Setting & Views, Boutique Hotel, Service & Hospitality

Bartholomeus Klip

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Our favourite centrepiece in the Riebeek Valley - a dramatic tapestry of purple mountains capped with snow and vast plains lined with wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards - the Bartholomeus Klip is a beautiful Victorian homestead set on a working estate in the heart of South Africa’s countryside. Surrounded by 10,000 acres of nature reserve, the luxurious farmhouse has just 5 bedrooms, pretty much guaranteeing exclusivity during your stay – that is unless you count the resident zebra, buffalo and wildebeest as guests.

Best for: Family-friendly, Lodge, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality

Kings Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Facing a busy waterhole frequented day and night by big game, Kings Camp is a sophisticated and stylish safari retreat with an enviable location in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Offering immaculate personalised service alongside superb accommodation and fine cuisine, this exquisite lodge provides the ultimate safari experience.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Lodge, Service & Hospitality, Guiding

Ellerman House

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

The most stylish hotel in one of the coolest cities on earth? If we were voting, Ellerman House would definitely be high on the list. With one of the best addresses in Cape Town, irresistibly charming staff, and guests that just can’t keep away, this is the place to stay in Africa’s southernmost city.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality

Singita

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Surrounded by vast grasslands, open plains and incredible wildlife, the Singita properties are some of the most luxurious lodge ever built.  Spend a day spotting the Big Five on an intimate safari and, after watching the sun set over the plains from your private veranda, dine on superb cuisine beneath the African stars. Serene, tranquil and wonderfully remote, Singita treats its guests to unrivalled opulence in the depths of the Greater Kruger.

Best for: Lodge, Honeymoon, Wildlife & Nature, Family-friendly

Le Quartier Francais

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Situated in South Africa’s spectacular winelands, Le Quartier Francais is a peaceful, Provencal style retreat. Warm and friendly and now part of the Leeu Collection, the auberge offers exceptional hospitality as well as spectacular food and wine.

Best for: Food & Wine, Cultural Immersion, Honeymoon, Guesthouse or Inn

Majeka House

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Indulge in the exquisite beauty that is South Africa’s renowned Stellenbosch region with a cosseted stay at the award-winning Majeka House. Theatrical, quirky and utterly luxurious, this boutique, fashionable hotel is in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Best for: Setting & Views, Food & Wine, Family-friendly, History & Heritage

Chitwa Chitwa

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Just eight stylish suites make up this luxurious lodge in the unspoiled bush of the Sabi Sand reserve. Chitwa Chitwa is located within a private game reserve along a large lake with outstanding game viewing right at your doorstep.

Best for: Family-friendly, Luxury Hotel, Chic Design, Lodge

Leeu House

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Combining helpings of countryside ambiance with drapings of chic styling, Leeu House is an oasis of capacious luxury in the gourmet capital of South Africa. Nestled along the main street of the steep-sided Franschhoek valley, the recently opened boutique hotel provides the ideal destination for exploring the surrounding wine estates.

Best for: Chic Design, Setting & Views, Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness

21 Nettleton

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

21 Nettleton has a beautiful setting, nestled in lush green gardens in Clifton, with 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the 12 Apostles, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. This elegant mansion offers luxury, seclusion and tranquillity, alongside impeccable service.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Setting & Views, Romantic

The Clarendon Bantry Bay

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Located in the upmarket and trendy residential suburb of Bantry Bay, the Clarendon Bantry Bay is a five-star boutique fusion of beachside charms and spectacular views. Wonderfully sheltered overlooking the Atlantic Coast, the hotel is ideal for exploring the superb city of Cape Town.

Best for: Chic Design, Guesthouse or Inn, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Almost invisible in the scenery, this innovative hotel has been sculpted into a slope of the earth. Feeling as if a part of the landscape yet surrounded by luxury, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge opens to a panoramic view of uninterrupted bushveld.

Best for: Honeymoon, Family-friendly, Luxury Hotel, Lodge

&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Sharing an unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp provides sophisticated camping at its best. With luxurious tents that overlook the banks of the Timbavati River, the camp never lets you forget that you are in the wild as impala walk down the camp's path, elephants leisurely take mud baths in front of the tents and lions roar nightly near the camp.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Chic Design, Lodge, Romantic

Mont Rochelle

Location: Winelands | South Africa

Part of Sir Richard Branson’s Africa portfolio of luxurious hotels, Mont Rochelle is situated high on the Klein Dassenberg Mountain, overlooking the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. With sweeping views from every angle, this elegant thatched-roofed retreat has everything you’d want from a top-class hotel, with 100 acres of verdant grounds, two restaurants, a cosseting spa, a heated pool and a superb wine cellar.  

Best for: Setting & Views, Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness, Riding

Jabulani

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Jabulani is a truly extraordinary and unforgettable safari lodge, located within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. As well as its wonderful sense of privacy and Relais and Chateaux standards, it’s the magnificent herd of elephants that makes this place so magical. Rescued from Zimbabwe and now a full part of life at the lodge (indeed the lodge is named after one of them), guests are able to ride on the elephants and accompany them in their daily activities.

Best for: Lodge, Service & Hospitality, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature

Tanda Tula Safari Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Tanda Tula Safari Camp, the first luxury tented East African-styled safari camp in South Africa, continues to evoke the excitement of old-world exploration. Tucked away in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve within the Kruger National Park, it is home to a mind-boggling wealth of wildlife including the Big Five – many of which wander close to the camp so you feel closer than ever to nature.

Best for: Family-friendly, Luxury Hotel, Lodge, Service & Hospitality

Morukuru Family

Location: Madikwe & Northwest | South Africa

Morukuru Family is an exclusive and private collection of three gorgeous villas with some of the best game viewing in South Africa and staff that stop at nothing to please. What’s best? The area’s malaria free so you can take the children, panic free.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Seriously special, Guiding, Family-friendly

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Tintswalo Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge nestled between Timbavati Game Reserve and Sabi Sand, sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. With authentic suites connected by raised wooden platforms, a romantic setting and an extensive wine cellar, stay in this lesser known and off-the-beaten-track lodge to get away from it all with incredible wildlife that provides you with an unforgettable safari experience.

Best for: Lodge, Service & Hospitality, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature

Amakhala Game Reserve

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

An 18,000 acre private reserve near Port Elizabeth, Amakhala Game Reserve is a malaria-free conservancy in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. The 11 luxury properties, made up of country houses, safari lodges and tented camps, are owner-managed by fifth generation Frontier Settler families who have lived in the reserve since 1820. With Big Five safaris, river cruises and first-class personal service, Amakhala Game Reserve is a far cry from the average wildlife experience.

Best for: Family-friendly, Setting & Views, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature

Gorah Elephant Camp

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

An exclusive tented safari lodge, Gorah Elephant Camp is located on a 5,000 hectare private concession deep in the Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. With long sweeping views over the plains, nearby waterholes, indigenous fauna and a Victorian colonial style heart, Gorah epitomises the traditional safari experience. 

Best for: Guiding, Wildlife & Nature, Honeymoon, Malaria-free

Schoone Oordt Country House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Framed by the picturesque Langeberg Mountains, this Victorian guesthouse finds itself surrounded by pretty rose gardens, water fountains and towering oak trees on a quiet street in historic Swellendam. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town, it is the perfect stop along the Garden Route.

Best for: Guesthouse or Inn, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality, Food & Wine

The Manor House Fancourt Estate

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

The epitome of romance, The Manor House boutique hotel is the crown of the Fancourt Estate. A National Monument, the 140-year-old house has been meticulous remodelled, still in keeping with its historical counterpart, whilst adding a distinctive 21st century luxury atmosphere. With 18 stylish suites, the hotel exudes five-star service with a personalised butler and first-class amenities.

Best for: Honeymoon, Peace & Quiet, Romantic, Spa & Wellness

De Kelders Private Villa

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

This ravishing boutique property is something straight out of an interior design magazine. De Kelders Private Villa has graced the pages of Elle Decoration, House & Garden and many more, unsurprisingly given the thoughtful design that incorporates uniquely crafted items in a creative setting, while at the same time making you feel right at home.

Best for: Private Groups, Chic Design, Hideaway, Food & Wine

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Location: Madikwe & Northwest | South Africa

Suited for the first-time visitor as well as the more seasoned Africa aficionados, Madikwe Safari Lodge is family-owned and operated, with three camps nestled along a hillside, offering fantastic views of the surrounding plains all the way to the purple-hued Dwarsberg Mountains, as well as exhilarating Big Five safaris.

Best for: Lodge, Setting & Views, Rustic, Service & Hospitality

Londolozi

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Home to some of our favourite lodges in South Africa, Londolozi is a 14000 hectare private wilderness in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve. This stunning Relais & Chateaux reserve offers a first class safari experience with superb dining and accommodation in the South African wilderness.

Best for: Family-friendly, Lodge, Wildlife & Nature, Honeymoon

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Situated in the residential suburb of Gardens in Cape Town, the Cape Cadogan is a stately 19th century Georgian and Victorian building that has been proclaimed a national monument. It combines historic charm with contemporary style in a central part of Cape Town, nestling between Table Mountain and the city centre and within easy walking distance of a variety of boutique stores, restaurants and bars.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Service & Hospitality, History & Heritage

Ocean Eleven Guest House

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Well-placed to view the migrating whales in Walker Bay, Ocean Eleven Guest House has one of the most sought-after locations in the quaint coastal town of Hermanus. Perched on the fynbos-covered clifftop with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this small, owner-run guesthouse offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of whale-watching country.

Best for: Setting & Views, Wildlife & Nature, Chic Design, Guesthouse or Inn

Cape Grace

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Location, location, location. Situated on Cape Town's bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Grace wins the award for Cape Town's most sought-after address. Its position, elegant interiors and outstanding service are a winning combination.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Setting & Views, Seriously special, Service & Hospitality

Notten's Bush Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Notten’s Bush Camp offers a charming alternative to the glossy safari lodges of the Sabi Sand. The spectacular game viewing of the area is a given, but alongside this Nottens is wild, authentic, and a gloriously unspoilt safari camp.

Best for: Family-friendly, Lodge, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature

Shamwari Lodges

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

Voted as the World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve and Conservation Company for several consecutive years, Shamwari is truly the crown jewel of private game reserves. Situated amidst 25,000 hectares of untouched African wilderness, track the reserve’s Big Five by day on a game drive or on foot, before returning to your stylish lodge or tented suite for an evening of good food and wine in a spectacular setting.

Best for: Family-friendly, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views

Fugitives Drift

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

The beautiful, historic Fugitives’ Drift lodge offers fascinating tours of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, the sites of famous battles during the Anglo-Zulu wars.

Best for: History & Heritage, Cultural Immersion, Walking & Trekking, Luxury Hotel

More Quarters

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

If you’ve ever dreamed of your own stylish apartment in one of the world’s coolest cities, More Quarters is the place to stay. If we lived in Cape Town, South Africa, this is where we’d want to be. A private space with chic décor, i-pod docs, and full service staff, just a few minutes walk from the restaurants of Kloof St and five minutes drive from the centre of town.

Best for: Family-friendly, Chic Design, Service & Hospitality, Cultural Immersion

The Last Word Franschhoek

Location: Winelands | South Africa

The Last Word Franschhoek is a charming guesthouse, right in the heart of South Africa’s prettiest Winelands village. This is the ideal bolthole for those who want a cosy home away from home, with excellent hospitality and plenty of fine wine and beautiful landscapes on the doorstep.

Best for: Food & Wine, Setting & Views, Luxury Hotel, Honeymoon

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a remote eco-reserve on the South African coastline set within 1,700 hectares of protected land, with an abundance of wildlife, stunning landscapes and access to some of the Cape's most secluded and beautiful beaches. With two lodges to choose from, it is ideal for both families and couples alike.

Best for: Setting & Views, Eco-tourism, Seriously special, Honeymoon

The Oyster Box

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

We absolutely adore The Oyster Box, with its stunning coastal views, famous red and white lighthouse, and of course the legendary Durban curries. Indulge with this hotel’s exceptional service, and inject some good old-fashioned decadence to your KwaZulu-Natal adventure.

Best for: Honeymoon, Luxury Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Beach

The Twelve Apostles

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

The Twelve Apostles has got sole bragging rights when it comes to location: the only hotel to sit against the magnificent Twelve Apostles mountain range, and with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Combine this with the impeccable service, gentle atmosphere, and wonderful spa, and you’ve got one of the finest hotels in Cape Town.

Best for: Family-friendly, Spa & Wellness, Wildlife & Nature, Snorkelling & Diving

Kensington Place

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

If you’re looking to explore Cape Town in serious style, look no further. Kensington Place is without a doubt one of the finest boutique hotels in the business. Sitting in front of Table Mountain, perfectly located far away enough to escape the bustle yet close enough to feel the soul of the city, this contemporary South African bolthole provides the perfect base for an incredible Cape Town adventure.

Best for: Honeymoon, Boutique Hotel, Setting & Views, Romantic

Rovos Rail

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Riding aboard the Rovos Train is the finest way to appreciate the diverse beauty of South Africa: snaking through sweeping grasslands and formidable mountain ranges, all the while soaking up the colonial ambience on this charming locomotive.

Best for: Romantic, Train Journey, Setting & Views, Service & Hospitality

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

It’s rare for us to recommend a large hotel in a city with so many stylish boutique options, but one visit to Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, and we were smitten. Built in 1899, the Nellie is a South African icon - a grand old lady reigning elegantly and serenely over Cape Town.

Best for: Service & Hospitality, Family-friendly, Luxury Hotel, Spa & Wellness

AtholPlace Hotel & Villa

Location: Highveld | South Africa

A small luxury boutique hotel, Athol Place is located in the cosmopolitan northern suburb of Athol, near Sandton, Johannesburg. Surrounded by high walls, trees and a beautifully manicured garden, so typical of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, Athol Place offers a peaceful retreat

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Service & Hospitality, Family-friendly, Chic Design

The Plettenberg

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

The Plettenberg is an exquisite five-star hotel in a perfect location for Garden Route adventures. Sitting proudly on a craggy headland in the heart of one of the Garden Route’s most spectacular towns, with gorgeous views over the stunning coastline, overlooking miles of sandy beaches, the Otteniqua Mountains and Formosa Bay, it is simply in a league of its own. It is also wonderfully relaxing, thanks to the exceptional staff.

Best for: Setting & Views, First-timers, Beach, Wildlife & Nature

Madikwe Hills

Location: Madikwe & Northwest | South Africa

Perched on a hillside in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, home to the big 5, the ultra-luxurious Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge provides the perfect base for your South African safari.

Best for: Family-friendly, Wildlife & Nature, Honeymoon, Luxury Hotel

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Location: KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Phinda is a seven-habitat tapestry where you can encounter The Big Five, and experience South Africa in its wondrous diversity. Tracking the rare Black Rhino through scrub, canoeing past Buffalo on the Mzinene River, and following elephants through mountainous jungle... finally a reward for being indecisive!

Best for: Setting & Views, Guiding, Wildlife & Nature, Walking & Trekking

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Amongst a crop of farm-style guesthouses and hotels in pretty seaside towns, Tsalas offers something different - a treehouse lodge in the bush.

Best for: Honeymoon, Lodge, Setting & Views, Unusual

Kurland

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Kurland is that rare gem, a family friendly hotel that doesn’t compromise on the luxury or comfort of its adult guests. Set amongst 1,700 acres of gardens and polo fields, this is a peaceful relaxing retreat to explore the Garden Route from.

Best for: Family-friendly, Food & Wine, Spa & Wellness, Riding

One&Only Cape Town

Location: Cape Town & Around | South Africa

Lining the Victoria & Albert waterfront in the colourful Mother City, the One&Only Cape Town is a grand seven-storey bolthole with eye-catching design. Gaze towards the harbour or over to Table Mountain and treat yourself to five-star opulence while in Cape Town.

Best for: Setting & Views, Luxury Hotel, Landscapes & Scenery, Family-friendly

Garonga Safari Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

Immersed in the game rich terrains of Makalali Conservancy, Garonga Safari Camp offers the ultimate tented safari escape in the wilderness. Thanks to its elevated position, you’ll reign over the lands below: a natural pathway for passing game that is framed by attractive ebony trees and expansive Bushveld, creating the picture perfect safari view.

Best for: Family-friendly, Service & Hospitality, Eco-tourism, Guiding

Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

Location: Highveld | South Africa

Set on 10 acres of landscaped gardens, the Saxon is a quiet escape from the outside world, with panoramic views over the indigenous gardens towards the city skylines. The Saxon offers the ultimate in stylish accommodation in an attractive and secure Johannesburg suburb.

Best for: Luxury Hotel, Service & Hospitality, Spa & Wellness, Food & Wine

umSisi House

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

umSisi House is a five-star, luxury country house villa located just minutes from the fabled Kruger National Park. As it is specifically designed for private use, you’ll have the run of the extensive property, with its beautiful rooms, manicured gardens and outdoor pool, as well as have a world of adventure right on your doorstep.

Best for: Private Groups, Private Villa, Landscapes & Scenery, Wildlife & Nature

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Location: Garden Route & Little Karoo | South Africa

Morukuru Beach Lodge sits in the beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve on the southern tip of South Africa. The lodge lies a short walk down the coast from its sister hotel, Morukuru Ocean House, and offers the same combination of luxurious accommodation, unspoilt wilderness and fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities – and eco-friendly travellers will be pleased to learn that the hotel is off-grid, running from solar power.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Walking & Trekking, Eco-tourism, Family-friendly

Riverdene Family Lodge

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

Riverdene Family Lodge is a luxury safari lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve, a region of South African wilderness which is one of the finest of its kind in the world. As the name suggests, the lodge has a family emphasis - it's in a malaria-free area, family members of all ages can learn about the region and its wildlife at the reserve's conservation centres.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views, Family-friendly, Adventure

Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

Location: Greater Kruger & Panorama Region | South Africa

With just six spacious and stylish suites tucked away in the bush surrounding the dry river bed, Sabi Sabi Little Bush camp is a wonderfully relaxing and intimate retreat for Honeymooners or couples looking for a truly memorable place to spend their South African safari.

Best for: Honeymoon, Couples, Luxury Hotel, Food & Wine

Kariega Game Reserve

Location: Eastern Cape | South Africa

Kariega Game Reserve sits on a vast, private malaria-free reserve of pristine wilderness on the Garden Route, where you can see the Big Five and much more, before retreating to a slice of luxury in the heart of some of the country's most stunning landscapes. It is family-owned and run, and you are guaranteed an elevated safari experience here.

Best for: Wildlife & Nature, Setting & Views, Seriously special, Landscapes & Scenery

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