Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Ibo Island Lodge

    Northern Mozambique

    This nine-room luxury boutique hotel – the most upmarket accommodation on Ibo – is housed in three restored 19th-century mansions in a prime setting…

  • Little Kulala

    Namibia

    Part of Wilderness Safaris' Classic portfolio, Little Kulala is simply stunning. Expansive rooms, each with their own plunge pools, watch over rippling…

  • Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

    Cape Town

    A world apart from the rest of the city, sitting in three hectares of gardens, the sugar-pink-painted ‘Nellie’ is a colonial charmer with its chintz decor…

  • Cinco Portas

    Northern Mozambique

    Ibo is an idyll wherever you stay, but Cinco Portas could well offer the best deal when you factor in price, friendly ambience and flawless, nothing-is…

  • Wild at Tuli

    Botswana

    This fabulous camp on an island in a branch of the Limpopo River is run by respected conservationists Judi Gounaris and Dr Helena Fitchat, and they bring…

  • Passarge Valley Campsites

    Botswana

    These three campsites have no facilities, but their location on the valley floor (some kilometres apart) is among the best in the Kalahari. Site No 2 (S…

  • Letaba Rest Camp

    Kruger National Park

    One of Kruger's best rest camps, this leafy Letaba River haven has shady lawns, resident bushbucks, SANParks' most attractive pools and a wide variety of…

  • Mantis & Moon Backpacker Lodge

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This place has more accommodation options than subtropical tree varieties in its compact jungle garden: a giant teepee, small rustic cabins, and tree…

  • Ongava Lodge

    Etosha National Park

    One of the more exclusive luxury lodges in the Etosha area, Ongava Lodge is not far south of Andersson Gate. Ongava is actually divided into two…

  • Duba Expedition Camp

    Okavango Delta

    Opened in 2016, this wonderful camp has six tents that are immaculate, large and the sort of canvas home you'll struggle to tear yourself away from. But…

  • Canyon Lodge

    Namibia

    This mountain retreat is one of Namibia’s most stunning accommodation options and it comes at a price that is surprisingly reasonable. The whole place,…

  • Ruckomechi

    Zimbabwe

    One of Mana's best luxury camps, Ruckomechi has a remote location on its private concession in the northwest of the park. All of its tented chalets…

  • Camp Figtree

    Sunshine Coast

    Offering colonial-chic luxury, this property takes full advantage of breathtaking panoramic views from its perch in the Zuurberg Mountains above Addo…

  • Warthogs Bush Camp

    Zimbabwe

    One of only a handful of places in Zimbabwe catering to the needs of independent budget travellers, Warthogs is doing a fantastic job of it. Accommodation…

  • Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa

    The Wild Coast

    Overlooking a large estuary and a deserted beach, this splendid resort at the mouth of the Umngazi River features 69 bungalows that were modernised in…

  • Cardboard Box Backpackers

    Windhoek

    Hostels are hard to come by in this country but ‘The Box’ has been doing it for years, with a rep as one of Windhoek’s better backpackers. It has a fully…

  • Mvuu Lodge

    Malawi

    This intimate, upscale Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is full of romantic atmosphere. The sumptuous chalets, seven twin and one honeymoon double…

  • Ann Bruce Backpackers

    Zimbabwe

    Homely and welcoming, this long-established guesthouse has been catering to budget travellers for years. It's run by the friendly owner Ann Bruce, along…

  • Camps Bay Retreat

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    Based in the grand Earl’s Dyke Manor (dating from 1929), this splendid place is set in a secluded nature reserve a short walk from the Camps Bay strip…

  • Drotsky’s Cabins

    Okavango Delta

    This lovely, welcoming lodge lies beside a channel of the Okavango River. The chalets have air-con; the A-frames are fan only. Boats can be rented and the…

  • Victoria Falls Backpackers

    Victoria Falls (town)

    One of the best budget choices in town, this long-standing backpackers received a much-needed revamp when the original owners returned. The eclectic mix…

  • Rhino Post Safari Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    The most authentic private bush lodge in southern Kruger, Rhino Post has eight suites constructed from wood, canvas, glass and gabion baskets. Each oozes…

  • Guma Lagoon Camp

    Okavango Delta

    This lovely spot at the panhandle’s lower end is a fantastic place. Each of the shady campsites has its own shower and toilet, and the tranquil setting…

  • Chelinda Camp

    Malawi

    Nestled into the lee of a valley beside a small lake, this Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is insanely picturesque. Its bungalows have an unfussy…

  • Fountain Baths Guest Cottages

    Mpumalanga

    These seven quaint, good-sized cottages, in a beautiful and historical location on the northeastern edge of town, are well kitted out and full of…

  • Curiocity Johannesburg

    Johannesburg

    This is a superlative place to stay thanks to the dedication of young proprietor Bheki Dube. Occupying a converted printing house in the desirable…

  • Huntingdon House

    Malawi

    Between Mulanje and Blantyre, this atmospheric colonial homestead, still run by the founding family, offers accommodation among the emerald-green fields…

  • Wasa Lodge

    Zambia

    Doubling as the park headquarters, accommodation here consists of thatched bungalows overlooking Lake Wasa. Larger chalets are airy and cool with wide…

  • Kumbali Country Lodge

    Lilongwe

    A short drive from the city centre, on a 650-hectare forest reserve, is a choice of swanky individual thatched chalets (Madonna has stayed here on her…

  • Mango Drift

    Malawi

    Far from backpacker hardship, this affordable island idyll is one of Malawi's most luxurious hostels. Its stone chalets are the closest you'll come to…

  • Motel Mi Pi Chi

    Johannesburg

    Book ahead for this gem of a place. The design duo behind Motel Mipichi have transformed several semidetached 1930s abodes along the street into a genuine…

  • Gorge Cottage

    Northern Cape

    More a modern studio apartment than a cottage, this is the park's newest and most sought after accommodation. It sits beneath a lookout point over the…

  • Savute Under Canvas

    Chobe National Park

    This cross between a tented camp and luxury mobile safari enables you to experience the freedom of camping (sites are moved every few days) with the…

  • Lion Sands Narina Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    Hovering over the bank of the Sabie River in a private concession, Narina's nine bright suites live beneath stepped thatched roofs. They are full of…

  • Pumulani

    Malawi

    Pumulani is a stylish lakeside lodge with nature-inspired rooms – think grass roofs and huge windows to let in the light, views of the surrounding forest…

  • Leokwe Camp

    Limpopo

    These chalets are among the best we’ve seen in any South African national park. They include a large living space, fully equipped kitchen, outside braai …

  • Jardim das Velas

    Mozambique

    For a fantastic alternative to the business hotels of Macuti, check into this quiet Mediterranean-style place near the lighthouse. Upstairs are six…

  • Hotel Heinitzburg

    Windhoek

    Inside Heinitzburg Castle, which was commissioned in 1914 by Count von Schwerin for his fiancée, Margarethe von Heinitz, Hotel Heinitzburg is a member of…

  • Zebra River Lodge

    Namibia

    Occupying a magical setting in the Tsaris Mountains, this is Rob and Marianne Field’s private Grand Canyon. Go for one of the more expansive rock chalets …

  • Nkasa Lupala Lodge

    Namibia

    Located 30km from Mudumu, and just outside the entrance to Nkasa Rupara National Park, this remote luxury, Italian-run lodge sits on the banks of the…

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