Must-see hotels in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)

  • Kapama River Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    Beautiful, spacious suites here are for those who like four walls between them and the African night. And those walls are beautifully decorated with Afro…

  • Ulusaba

    Kruger National Park

    As you'd expect from a lodge that's the plaything of Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba is an extravagant place, with marvellous views out over Sabi Sand from…

  • Protea Hotel – Ranch Resort

    Limpopo

    If it’s a touch of luxury you’re after and you don’t mind being out of town, this ranch offers four-star rooms that feature varnished wooden furniture and…

  • Akademie Street

    Franschhoek

    If there's anywhere in South Africa that you're going to blow the budget, Franschhoek might as well be it. The luxurious rooms at this quiet hotel are a…

  • Nthateng’s B&B

    Gauteng

    Dark woods, tan linens, sandy-coloured walls and a few kitschy touches give this spacious guesthouse an air of early-'80s post-disco chill. However,…

  • Once in Cape Town

    Cape Town

    Once has a great vibe and location, and every room has its own bathroom. While the rooms are pretty compact, they are all pleasantly decorated. There's a…

  • Oyster Box

    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…

  • Gubas De Hoek

    Winelands

    Highly recommended by readers is this friendly home with well-appointed rooms and family-friendly self-catering units (from R1200). Owner-chef Gunther…

  • Purple Rayn

    Cape Town

    The huge rooms here all have patios or balconies with magnificent views of forest, mountain or the sprawling suburbs stretching all the way to False Bay…

  • Eshowe Guesthouse

    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…

  • Jock Safari Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    The first private lodge in the park, Jock rests at the confluence of the Biyamiti and Mitomeni Rivers within an exclusive 60-sq-km conservancy. The 12…

  • Leopard Hills

    Kruger National Park

    Stunning suites with ample terraces, private plunge pools and a real sense of having your own private luxury space in the heart of the African bush –…

  • Baobab Ridge Private Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    Large suites decked out in soothing earth tones in the heart of excellent wildlife country make Baobab Ridge an excellent choice. Freestanding bathtubs…

  • Marine

    Hermanus

    The town's poshest option is right on the sea with immaculate grounds and amenities, including two sea-facing restaurants. The Pavilion is only open for…

  • Hotel QSL on 44

    Johannesburg

    Adjacent to the 44 Stanley retail development, Hotel QSL takes up the area's industrial makeover theme, offering 10 chic loft-style rooms. The polished…

  • Simbavati River Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    One of the loveliest lodges anywhere in the Kruger area, Simbavati has gorgeous, open-sided public areas, classy safari tents and beautifully designed…

  • Benjamin

    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…

  • Twee Rivieren

    Northern Cape

    The largest camp in the park is also the most convenient, located next to the park entrance and with the most facilities, including a restaurant. The…

  • Tintswalo Safari Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    With eight individually styled suites, each named after a famous African explorer, Tintswalo has more personality than most lodges. With large private…

  • Bloomestate

    Western Cape

    A modern, friendly guesthouse set on a beautiful property, it offers Zen-like privacy to go with the luxurious, colourful rooms. Health and beauty…

  • !Xaus Lodge

    Northern Cape

    Kgalagadi’s most upmarket option is owned and operated by the local San community. The lodge is a dreamy fantasy in ochre, overlooking a circular pan so…

  • Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

    Stellenbosch

    This opulent place consists of a 300-year-old manor house and winery set in grassy grounds with awesome mountain views. One suite even has a private pool.

  • Boathouse

    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…

  • Mont Rochelle Hotel

    Franschhoek

    Along with the winery of the same name, this boutique hotel and restaurant were bought by Richard Branson in 2014. As you would expect, it offers gilt…

  • Singwe Lodge

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Located along the Mlawula River, this lodge contains four en-suite rooms with air conditioning and a lounge with DSTV. However, you'll likely spend most…

  • Ballinderry

    Winelands

    This colourful boutique guesthouse is impeccable, thanks to hosts Luc and Hilde. A champagne breakfast is served, as are superb dinners on request, and…

  • One-on-Hely

    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…

  • Hamiltons Tented Camp

    Kruger National Park

    The highest-end option within the private 100-sq-km Mluwati concession, Hamiltons has six sumptuous safari tents that are built on stilts next to the dry…

  • Senalala Luxury Safari Camp

    Kruger National Park

    On a rise overlooking a riverbed, Senalala is quietly luxurious with contemporary-styled rooms in spacious thatched bungalows. Excellent guides and…

  • Summerwood Guesthouse

    Stellenbosch

    In a suburban neighbourhood bordering a small nature reserve east of the town centre is this elegant guesthouse. The immaculate rooms are bright and…

  • Urikaruus

    Northern Cape

    Perched on the banks of the Auob River, these four stilted cabins are connected by raised walkways between the camel thorn trees. Urikaruus is the second…

  • Grande Roche Hotel

    Winelands

    A superluxurious hotel set in a Cape Dutch manor house, offering wonderful mountain views, a heated swimming pool and the excellent Bosman’s Restaurant…

  • Le Quartier Français

    Franschhoek

    Set around a leafy courtyard and pool, the large rooms at this opulent hotel have fireplaces, huge beds and stylish decor. If you're feeling flush, try…

  • Protea Hotel Mossel Bay

    Garden Route

    Part of the Protea chain, this is a classy hotel set in the old post office building. Its restaurant, Café Gannet, has a large seafood, meat and pizza…

  • Kings Camp

    Kruger National Park

    If your dream safari involves classic safari decor – animal-skin rugs, wooden chests, colonial artworks, brandy decanters and silver water jugs – Kings…

  • Fancourt Hotel

    Garden Route

    This is the area’s most luxurious option, with three 18-hole golf courses designed by Gary Player, a health spa and four restaurants. It's about 6km from…

  • Plettenberg

    Plettenberg Bay

    Built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas, this five-star place is pure decadence, with fantastic rooms, a spa and a top-class restaurant (mains…

  • Auberge Burgundy

    Hermanus

    This wonderful place, built in the style of a Provençal villa, is right in the centre of town. Many rooms have ocean views. Rates do not rise during peak…

  • Protea Hotel Edward Durban

    Durban

    King of the seafront hotels, this is classic and comfortable, with fresh-polish smells and full-on decor.

  • Bulungula Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Bulungula is legendary for its stunning location, community-based activities and ecofriendly ethos. It’s 100% owned by the local Xhosa community, which…

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