Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Long Street Backpackers

    Cape Town

    Little has changed at this backpackers since it opened in 1993 (making it the longest-running of the many that dot Long St). In a block of 14 small flats,…

  • 7 Guesthouse

    Sunshine Coast

    A fine choice in the centre. The three adjoining rooms in a revamped old house are on the small side (try for room 2, which is marginally larger) but well…

  • Duwisib Castle Rest Camp

    Namibia

    This very amenable rest camp (with a sparkling amenities block) occupies one corner of the castle grounds and is well set up with campsites containing bin…

  • Sunday Pan Campsites

    Botswana

    Just off the main track between the eastern ends of Deception and Passarge Valleys, Sunday Pan has three sites dotted around a pan that's good for…

  • Pensão Mtima

    Northern Mozambique

    Just off the main road through town, the Mtima has two classes of room: the basic variety with shared bucket bathroom, and some newer pews with air-con…

  • Hippo Pools Camp Site

    Namibia

    Also known as Otjipahuriro, this community-run campsite sits alongside the river and has a good measure of shade and privacy. There are also braai …

  • Bannister Hotel

    Johannesburg

    If you're after stumbling access to Braamfontein's bars and restaurants then the Bannister is a no-brainer. Its rooms are modern, cleanly decorated,…

  • Goo Moremi Gorge Campsites & Chalets

    Botswana

    Just inside the site entrance, a track leads past nice cleared campsites with ablutions blocks and solar-heated showers. Also next to the site entrance…

  • Funky Town

    Sunshine Coast

    The seven rooms here are all brightly decorated with original art hanging on the walls. There's also a penthouse apartment with kitchen and sitting area…

  • Taranga Safari Lodge

    Namibia

    With just six tented chalets (two deluxe, four luxury), Taranga is a relatively new and intimate addition to the Kavango accommodation scene. Most rooms…

  • Foreigners Friend Guesthouse

    Pretoria

    Character and charm – this enchanting thatched-roof abode is an oasis of tranquillity in a wonderfully quiet neighbourhood. It has 10 spacious, well…

  • Mirabib

    Namibia

    Mirabib is a pleasant facility that accommodates two parties at separate sites, and is comfortably placed beneath rock overhangs along a large granite…

  • Spinning Reel

    Sunshine Coast

    Bargain! A great bet if funds are short, this unpretentious venture about 4km west of the centre has simple self-catering beach cottages and Vermont-style…

  • Shoestrings Backpackers

    Victoria Falls (town)

    A perennial favourite for backpackers, both the overland truck crowd and independent variety, who are here for its laid-back ambience, swimming pool and…

  • Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

    Johannesburg

    Rates can vary widely at this slick business hotel that's a brisk jaywalk from Sandton’s Gautrain station exit, but are cheapest on the weekends. The…

  • Cypress Cottage

    Eastern Cape

    Is this Graaff-Reinet's best-kept secret? There are six upmarket rooms and three self-catering units in these beautifully renovated Karoo cottages on a…

  • Cañon Mountain Camp

    Namibia

    One of the more budget-orientated properties in the area, this remote mountain camp occupies a high-altitude setting amid dolerite hills. Self-caterers…

  • Quivertree Forest Rest Camp

    Namibia

    About 14km east of town, the Quivertree Forest Rest Camp proudly boasts Namibia’s largest stand of kokerboom (quiver trees). Day rates (per person N$60)…

  • Point Hotel

    Garden Route

    This modern hotel boasts a spectacular location, right above the wave-pounded rocks at the Point. There’s a decent restaurant (mains R60 to R120) and the…

  • Paxton Hotel

    Port Elizabeth

    Despite its bland architecture, the well-run Paxton is a solid choice. Some rooms here have harbour views, though the beach itself is a short drive away…

  • Smithgrove B&B

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This beautiful renovated Victorian home offers English-style B&B comforts with spacious, individually styled rooms, each in a different colour. There are…

  • Green Gables Country Inn

    Winelands

    Sitting on the southern border of town, this is a family-friendly place with well-kept grounds, affable hosts and a nice pool. There's a restaurant (also…

  • East View Guest House

    Pretoria

    This calm haven occupies an imposing villa close to the Union Buildings. Owner Lynette Blignaut offers the perfect small B&B experience, with six fresh…

  • Hout Bay Manor

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Your eyes will bulge at the flamboyant Afro-chic makeover to which the 1871 Hout Bay Manor has been treated. Contemporary art mixes with brightly coloured…

  • Karibu Palma Hotel

    Northern Mozambique

    Built on the back of Palma's gas boom, this well-appointed new hotel is aimed mainly at business people. Twelve spick-and-span rooms are arranged in smart…

  • Mimosa Court Hotel

    Malawi

    Set back from the main drag, off M’Mbelwa Rd, Mimosa is a little worn at the edges, but it's efficiently run, friendly and dependable. Rooms are spacious,…

  • Hobas Camp Site

    Fish River Canyon

    Administered by NWR, this pleasant and well-shaded camping ground near the park’s northern end is about 10km from the main viewpoints. Facilities are…

  • Richtershuyz

    Pretoria

    In a residential neighbourhood, this low-slung building feels like a warm, soft nest. It conceals seven rooms that offer attractive tiled bathrooms, crisp…

  • Emerald Lodge

    Zambia

    Set on a lovely lawned estate abutting the golf course, this unpretentious lodge offers a homely atmosphere with plenty of local flair. There's spacious…

  • Southern Sun

    Maputo

    Set attractively directly on the water (although there’s no beach swimming), Southern Sun has comfortable rooms, attentive service, a small gym and a…

  • Canyon Village

    Namibia

    Drawing inspiration from the Cape Dutch villages of yesteryear, this wonderfully bucolic spot hugs a rock face on the outskirts of Fish River Canyon…

  • Moorosi Chalets

    Lesotho

    Self-catering huts and rondavels are hidden away in an incredibly picturesque valley at Moorosi Chalets. Guests will delight in the isolation, and in…

  • John Bailie Guest Lodge

    Eastern Cape

    This restful guesthouse near the golf course has unpretentious yet clean carpeted rooms (two of which have sweeping ocean views), a pool and braai area,…

  • Majoro’s B&B

    Cape Town

    Friendly Maria Maile runs this B&B in her small brick bungalow in Graceland, an upmarket part of Khayelitsha. She can put up four people in her two homely…

  • 23 on Glen

    Port Elizabeth

    Seeking a relaxing cocoon with homely qualities without the exorbitant price tag? This venture that opened in 2017 has all the key ingredients, with…

  • Kensington Place

    Cape Town

    High up the mountain, this exclusive, chic property offers eight spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, all with balconies and beautifully tiled…

  • Pretoriuskop Rest Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Kruger’s oldest and highest (thus coolest) camp is next to Numbi Gate. Located within an attractive region dotted with granite outcrops and frequented by…

  • Tamboti Satellite Tented Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Tamboti has 40 safari tents spread along a curve in the Timbavati River, including 10 very comfy options with kitchens and en-suite bathrooms. All have…

  • Mbotyi Campsite

    The Wild Coast

    Mbotyi Campsite, a joint venture between the neighbouring Mbotyi River Lodge and the local community, is the place for total relaxation and long walks on…

  • Elephant Song Camp

    Namibia

    Community-run Elephant Song is located in the Palmwag Concession, a very rough 25km down the Hoanib River from Sesfontein. This camp caters to outdoorsy…

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