Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Khwai Campsite

    Okavango Delta

    The campsites at this expansive campground are shady and well developed, with some lovely sites close to the riverbank; others are a little further inland…

  • Pamushana

    Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe’s uberluxurious lodge (Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are two past guests) has bungalows perched upon a cliff among the trees, some…

  • Twyfelfontein Country Lodge

    Damaraland

    Over the hill from Twyfelfontein, this architectural wonder is embedded in the red rock. On your way in, be sure not to miss the ancient rock engravings,…

  • Wavecrest Beach Hotel & Spa

    The Wild Coast

    This smart hotel overlooks an amazing coastal ecosystem, in which two rivers share a mouth and dune forest meets the world's southernmost mangroves…

  • Lake Safari Lodge

    Zambia

    The longest-standing lodge in town is definitely geared towards the domestic traveller and conference groups. Lacking in charm, rooms come with cable TV…

  • Elephant's Eye Hwange

    Zimbabwe

    Well hidden in the bush, 6km from the park boundary, is this boutique lodge with stilted chalets overlooking a water hole with plenty of wildlife. It's…

  • Xaxa Campsite

    Botswana

    Although this site is in need of some tender loving care from park authorities – sadly, not all visitors clean up after themselves and the site's…

  • Steps Campsite

    Malawi

    Perfectly situated by the giant boulders that bookend the golden stretch of beach, this campsite is owned by Sunbird Hotels and benefits from its premier…

  • Foresters Arms

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Hidden 27km southwest of Mbabane in picturesque hills, Foresters Arms has a haunting but beautiful remoteness. The air is clean, the views suggestive, the…

  • Roof of Africa

    Windhoek

    A pleasant haven located about 30 minutes by foot from the city centre, Roof of Africa has a rustic barnyard feel, offering well-designed rooms of varying…

  • Barefoot Lodge

    Lilongwe

    Set in 6.5 hectares of lush gardens, Barefoot makes for a quieter alternative to the city centre. There are six nicely finished chalets with private…

  • Balule Satellite Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Just south of Olifants, this atmospheric camp has just six huts and 15 campsites. There’s no electricity, but lanterns are provided for huts (a torch is…

  • Southern Sun Ridgeway

    Lusaka

    Deservedly popular with in-the-know expats and a coterie of international business and government types, the Southern Sun is a no-brainer for those…

  • Daan & Zena’s

    Limpopo

    Though looking a bit worn around the edges these days, Daan & Zena’s is brought to life by lashings of colour and a friendly atmosphere, and it still…

  • Kob Inn

    The Wild Coast

    At the Qhorha River mouth, this family-focused resort offers accommodation in 46 thatched units, 14 of which have sweeping ocean views. There are…

  • Villa Wiese

    Swakopmund

    Villa Wiese is a friendly and funky guest lodge occupying a historic colonial mansion complete with vaulted ceilings, rock gardens and period furniture…

  • Ndlovu Camp

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Ndlovu Camp is a delightfully mellow spot, with spacious grounds and an atmospheric restaurant that serves outstanding food. Accommodation is in rondavels…

  • Dijembe Backpackers

    Eastern Cape

    Reflecting the spirit of its nature-loving owner – who might arrive with a rescued horse, hang from the rafters and lead a drum circle, all in the space…

  • Rhino Sanctuary Trust

    Botswana

    Shady campsites with braai pits are adjacent to clean toilets and (steaming-hot) showers, while there are also some pricey six-person dorms. For a little…

  • Fat Monkeys

    Malawi

    This flashpacker-style place has well-maintained rooms and six-bed dorms with fans, opening onto a long veranda dotted with wicker chairs, and self…

  • Umlani Bushcamp

    Kruger National Park

    This rustic, compact camp has lost none of its charm, despite some of its eight reed and thatch rondavels being replaced with modern versions, complete…

  • Ruby Nampula

    Northern Mozambique

    Ruby's has clean dormitories and a couple of private doubles. There's hot water, a self-catering kitchen and a small bar selling snacks and cakes. (There…

  • Lichinga Hotel by Montebelo

    Northern Mozambique

    The former Girassol hotel (the company recently rebranded as 'Montebelo'), this place remains Lichinga’s most upmarket option and one of the few places in…

  • Ameib Gästehaus

    Damaraland

    At the base of the Erongo foothills, this historic guest farm offers accommodation in the farmhouse, adjacent to a landscaped pool, a lapa (a circular…

  • Orange Elephant Backpackers

    Sunshine Coast

    Slightly ramshackle but reasonably clean, the Orange Elephant is a good budget base for Addo, offering a shuttle from Port Elizabeth (R250 return) and…

  • Stoep Cafe

    Mpumalanga

    Stoep is a pretty colonial-style house with a small garden, pool, lapa (circular area with a fire pit) and braai (barbecue) in the heart of town. There…

  • Footsteps

    Okavango Delta

    This relatively new program, run by Ker & Downey, places an emphasis on walking and mokoro safaris across the delta floodplains. It’s the sort of thing…

  • Gecko Lodge & Backpackers

    Mpumalanga

    This sprawling, well-equipped lodge's 23 en-suite rooms have vaulted bamboo ceilings, comfy beds and animal-themed decor. The recently renovated hostel, a…

  • CCAP Guesthouse

    Malawi

    The CCAP (Church of Central Africa Presbyterian) Mission, after the Likhubula gate, has cosy rooms, four- and 12-bed dorms, and one- and two-bedroom self…

  • Storms River Mouth Rest Camp

    Eastern Cape

    This camp offers accommodation ranging from rustic forest huts to chalets, family cottages and waterfront ‘oceanette' cottages with top ocean views. Most…

  • Kang Ultra Stop

    Botswana

    At the main petrol station in town, close to where the Hukunsti/Kgalagadi road branches off the Trans Kalahari Highway (A2), Kang Ultra Stop aims to meet…

  • Ghanzi Trailblazers

    Botswana

    This relaxed place offers horse riding, guided walks with San guides who will teach you about San tracking techniques, Bushmen huts and simple motel-style…

  • Mountain Inn

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    This sprawling inn is a bit bland and its decor feels dated, but it's friendly, unpretentious and a safe bet. It comprises three wings linked by a covered…

  • Vogelfederberg

    Namibia

    Vogelfederberg is a small facility, 2km south of the C14, and makes a convenient overnight camp. Located just 51km from Walvis Bay, it’s more popular for…

  • Nkhotakota Pottery Lodge

    Malawi

    This German-run lodge offers 10 simple garden rooms, each with mozzie net, fan and private veranda overlooking the lake, and a six-bed dorm next to 200m…

  • Kagga Kamma

    Winelands

    Far from towns and paved roads, this is the perfect place to recharge. There are wildlife drives exploring the Karoo landscape, hikes to see San rock art…

  • Cape Mac Lodge

    Malawi

    On a quiet stretch of beach in well-tended gardens, these high-ceilinged thatch rooms are full of African flair behind their oxblood exterior; each has a…

  • Pom Pom Camp

    Okavango Delta

    This intimate camp was one of the delta's original luxury retreats, though frequent renovations have kept it up to speed with recent properties. Six linen…

  • Motel Tete

    Mozambique

    If you can handle the slightly out-of-town setting (which has its advantages in hot, hectic Tete), this Tete institution is an excellent option, set off…

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