Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Punda Maria Rest Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Quaintly residing up a forested slope in far northern Kruger, this petite camp has plenty of old-world charm, with picturesque thatched-roof bungalows…

  • Ruby Backpacker

    Northern Mozambique

    Located in a renovated 400-year-old house, the island's only backpackers is a good one. It has dorm beds upstairs and downstairs, twin and double rooms, a…

  • Leopard Rock Lookout Chalets

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Accommodation here is in four pleasant chalets, although it’s the vista that’s the winner. The dining deck boasts a superb view of the uMzumkulu Gorge…

  • Hardap Resort

    Namibia

    Attractive rooms, many with balconies overlooking the lake, are an excellent place to spend the night. The higher the rate, the better the view; the…

  • Mooxeleliya

    Northern Mozambique

    Mooxeleliya (the Makua name translates roughly as, ‘Did you rest well?’) has five simple but spacious, high-ceilinged rooms upstairs and two darker, three…

  • Camp Xakanaxa

    Okavango Delta

    This camp, of longer standing than most, offers a pleasant mix of delta and savannah habitat, and teems with huge herds of elephants and other wildlife…

  • Pensão São Miguel

    Northern Mozambique

    This long-standing, local-style guesthouse has small, clean rooms crowded behind the restaurant-bar area. Each room has one small double bed. While it’s…

  • Silver Palms Lodge

    Limpopo

    This good-value hotel has some pleasant touches such as marula-based shower gel in the smart rooms. Cheaper on the weekends (but with no breakfast…

  • Bronte

    Harare

    A popular choice with visiting NGOs, Bronte hotel is sprawled out over peaceful gardens dotted with Shona sculpture. It exudes a colonial-like ambience,…

  • Seldomseen

    Zimbabwe

    A tranquil spot among gardens and trees, Seldomseen is what Bvumba's all about. There are camping facilities and a kitchen for those with tents, or…

  • Bohemian Lofts Backpackers

    Cape Town

    With a wrap-around balcony overlooking the heart of Obs, this is one for backpackers who want to soak up all the comings and goings of Lower Main Rd. It's…

  • Pennefather

    Limpopo

    Part of a complex containing antiques, junk, a museum and secondhand books, this old-world place run by charming older women is hot property, especially…

  • Camp Provenance

    Namibia

    Approximately 10km west of Noordoewer is this safari-chic river camp and launch point for Felix Unite. Purists can pitch their own tent on the grassy…

  • Hotel Pestana Rovuma

    Maputo

    Centrally located just off Praça da Independência and opposite the cathedral, the 200-room Pestana Rovuma has well-appointed rooms, a small gym, a…

  • Lancer's Inn

    Lesotho

    Owned by the Dutch ambassador, this popular central business hotel has renovated rooms with satellite TV and open bathroom, while garden paths meander to…

  • Black Swan B&B

    Lesotho

    With its gazebo, braai (barbecue), resident rooster and bird pond, the Black Swan is a calm suburban refuge. The spartan but spacious rooms have satellite…

  • Super Tubes Guesthouse

    Sunshine Coast

    Just steps away from the beach and Supertubes, this upmarket and friendly guesthouse offers an assortment of tidy, light-filled rooms – most of which come…

  • Southern Sun Suncoast Hotel

    Durban

    This hotel, adjacent to the casino, is a safe if businesslike bet. It has over 100 sleek and contemporary rooms with flash trimmings. Be aware that the …

  • Zelda Game & Guest Farm

    Namibia

    The rooms here are a mix of safari chic (think zebra rugs) and grandma decor (chintzy knick-knacks and floral prints); the eclectic blend of styles won't…

  • Schweizerhaus Hotel

    Swakopmund

    Although it’s best known for the landmark institution that is Cafe Anton, the Schweizerhaus Hotel itself is also a class act. Standard but comfortable…

  • Ilali House

    Johannesburg

    There's no sign for this characterful guesthouse, which offers six generally spacious rooms all differently decorated, most featuring quirky prints of…

  • Addo Wildlife

    Sunshine Coast

    Addo Wildlife is a dynamic enterprise that has six great-value, well-equipped rooms, 14 plush villas, a wildlife centre with an aviary, monkeys and snakes…

  • Rosedale Organic Farm B&B

    Sunshine Coast

    On an organic citrus farm, Rosedale offers eight simple yet neat cottages with stoeps (porches) overlooking the freshwater swimming pool and tropical…

  • Ntshondwe

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This is the park’s main resort, located at the foot of Ngotshe Mountain, with superb views of the reserve below. It’s warthog heaven, and home to the red…

  • Paraíso Misterioso

    Mozambique

    Far more than a hotel, the Paraíso is like a mini village, offering all manner of rooms, a newly refurbished cinema, billiard tables, a good restaurant…

  • Morley House

    Sunshine Coast

    This quaint venture that stands in a dreamy garden has loads of charm. The rondavel is light and immaculate, while the cosy safari tent has twin beds and…

  • Parkview Lodge

    Sunshine Coast

    Close to the Matyholweni gate at the southern entrance of the park, Parkview offers three comfy rooms in the main building (the upstairs room has the best…

  • Caprivi River Lodge

    Namibia

    This diverse lodge offers options to suit travellers of all budgets, from rustic cabins with shared bathrooms to luxurious chalets facing the Zambezi…

  • Mvubu Bush Camp

    Garden Route

    Mvubu is a large, wooden chalet set amid milkwood trees and with views of Groenvlei lake. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it also has an expansive deck and…

  • Joburg Backpackers

    Johannesburg

    In the leafy streets of Emmarentia, this pleasant, plainly decorated hostel is clean, safe and well run. The en-suite rooms are terrific value and open…

  • La Rose B&B

    Cape Town

    Adheena and Yoann are the very welcoming South African–French couple running this charming B&B, which has been so successful it has expanded into nearby…

  • Ngonye River Camp

    Zambia

    This scenic camp on the sandy banks of the Zambezi, about 5km from Ngonye Falls, is a laid-back spot where you can pitch a tent (or hire one of theirs) or…

  • Digger Inn

    Botswana

    At the northern end of the city centre, Diggers Inn is at once quiet, central and part of the most happening expat enclave (Village Mall) in the city. The…

  • Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa

    Fish River Canyon

    Administered by NWR, amenities here include washing blocks, braai pits and use of the resort facilities, including the hot springs. The rooms are tidy, if…

  • Karoopark Guest House

    Eastern Cape

    This family-owned and -run complex with a retro feel is a good base, with a restaurant serving South African specialities, a bar and a tour company, all…

  • Ebony Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    This early 20th-century mansion in a leafy garden has stylish rooms with African decor. The restaurant (mains from R80) is one of Mthatha's best, serving…

  • Kauri Resort

    Pemba

    Kauri isn't technically on Wimbi Beach; it's on Nanhimbe Beach, the continuation of Wimbi to the east. Rooms are set in modern square, orange blocks right…

  • 11 Worcester on Durban

    Sunshine Coast

    An attractive, secure property in a residential area, this efficiently run haven of peace is a solid option, with four rooms that are well appointed and…

  • Summit Place

    Cape Town

    This attractive and well-appointed modern guesthouse offers light, contemporary rooms and self-catering cottages. Its balconies, lawn and pool are…

  • Casterbridge Hollow

    Mpumalanga

    These 30 rooms around an inviting outdoor pool are pitched somewhere between business and rustic, with protea lampshades, coffee machine, fridge and…

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