Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Residence

    Johannesburg

    If you could smell charm, this super-smooth boutique hotel set in a former embassy would reek of it to high heaven. This quiet little paradise is the…

  • Hog Hollow

    Plettenberg Bay

    Hog Hollow, 18km east of Plett along the N2, provides delightful accommodation in African-art-decorated units overlooking the forest. Each luxurious unit…

  • Savute Elephant Camp

    Chobe National Park

    The premier camp in Savuti is made up of 12 lavishly appointed East African–style linen tents on raised wooden platforms, complete with antique-replica…

  • Livingstone's Camp

    Namibia

    Overlooking the wetlands and marketing itself as an exclusive campsite, Livingstone's has just five sites, each with their own shower and toilets and all…

  • Vindoux Guest Farm

    Winelands

    A must for the romantically inclined, these luxury tree houses each have a spa bath and views of a small wildlife area with zebras, wildebeest and…

  • Turbine Hotel & Spa

    Knysna

    The clever design of this power station-turned-boutique hotel makes it one of Knysna's coolest places to stay. Elements of the original building have been…

  • A New Earth Guest Lodge

    Botswana

    Out in the quiet southeastern suburbs of Francistown, this lovely little guesthouse has a family-run feel and rooms decorated in earth tones or with…

  • Kalahari Tented Camp

    Northern Cape

    Kgalagadi’s most luxurious wilderness camp has 14 stilted desert tents with rustic furnishings and views of a water hole in the Auob riverbed – a popular…

  • Marataba Safari Lodge

    Limpopo

    In a wonderfully remote corner of the Waterberg, Marataba is a magnificent place. The stone-and-canvas accommodation is surrounded by splendid Waterberg…

  • Chobe Savannah Lodge

    Namibia

    The most famous spot on the island, Chobe Savannah Lodge is one of Desert & Delta's flagship properties and is renowned for its panoramic views of the…

  • Mukwa Lodge

    Zambia

    This lodge has gorgeous stone-floor rooms that are beautifully furnished, and the bathrooms are as good as any in Zambia. It's a delightful place to stay…

  • 75 on Milner

    Northern Cape

    Highly recommended by travellers, this very friendly guesthouse has spacious, well-equipped rooms set around a small patio. Little touches set it apart,…

  • Ocean View House

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    It's all about location at this family-run guesthouse, set in a fynbos (literally ‘fine bush') garden between the Twelve Apostles range and the rocky…

  • Oyster Box Guesthouse

    Walvis Bay

    More like a classy boutique hotel, this guesthouse is a stylish affair right on the waterfront, a short walk from Raft restaurant. Rooms are very…

  • Under Milkwood

    Knysna

    Perched on the shores of Knysna Lagoon are these highly impressive self-catering log cabins, each with its own deck and braai (barbecue) area. There's no…

  • Desert Breeze Lodge

    Swakopmund

    Set on Swakopmund's southern outskirts but still close to the centre, Desert Breeze has sweeping views of the sand dunes from its perch above the Swakop…

  • Old Traders Lodge

    Namibia

    Erindi's main lodge has 48 luxury rooms that combine the safari feel (thatched roofs and earth tones) with classic wood-and-four-poster-bed interiors. It…

  • Imbali Safari Lodge

    Kruger National Park

    The largest lodge in the Mluwati concession, Imbali is fenced and welcomes children three years and over. There are 12 large suites (each with private…

  • Protea Hotel Zambezi Lodge

    Namibia

    This stunning riverside lodge is perched on the banks of the Zambezi and features a floating bar where you can watch the crocs and hippos below. The…

  • Langholm Hotel

    Walvis Bay

    Getting consistently good reviews from travellers, the excellent Langholm sits on a quiet street a couple of blocks back from the water. It satisfies both…

  • Luwi Bush Camp

    Zambia

    One of Norman Carr Safari's original remote luxury wilderness camps in South Luangwa, Luwi nails the rustic:luxury ratio with each of its open-plan thatch…

  • Hadassa Guest House

    Namibia

    Overseen by the welcoming French owners Orlane and Emmanuel, this fine little guesthouse has the intimate feel of a B&B and the quality of a small,…

  • Kaia Tani

    Limpopo

    This ‘exclusive guesthouse’ delivers a lot of style for your money. The six rooms with traditional African furniture have flourishes such as rope-lined…

  • Glen Boutique Hotel

    Sea Point to Hout Bay

    This gorgeous, gay-friendly boutique hotel occupies an elegant old house and a newer block behind. Spacious rooms are decorated in natural tones of stone…

  • Atlantic Villa

    Swakopmund

    Styling itself as a boutique guesthouse, Atlantic Villa is a stylish place. Expect clean-lined rooms decked all in white with Nespresso coffee machines;…

  • Kings Walden

    Limpopo

    The sizeable rooms here are as dreamy as the gardens and mountains they overlook, with fireplaces, antiquated prints everywhere, and bathrooms you could…

  • Baines' Baobabs

    Botswana

    Just three sites sit close to the famed baobabs, and it's a wonderfully evocative site once the daytrippers go home – this is the best place to camp in…

  • Camp Elephant

    Namibia

    In the heart of Erindi, Camp Elephant has 15 excellent self-catering chalets that overlook a water hole that's floodlit at night. The 30 campsites have…

  • Oudebosch Eco Cabins

    Western Cape

    These modern, glass-fronted cabins were designed to meld with the natural surrounds and be as ecofriendly as possible. Delightful and well equipped, they…

  • Funky Cichlid

    Malawi

    With its cheeky logo of a cichlid clad in sunglasses, this backpacker beach resort is Cape Mac's top spot to chill by day and party by night. Cool…

  • Sondzela Backpackers

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Sondzela is a top choice for budgeteers, located in the southern part of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It boasts fine, breezy dorms, clean private…

  • Cool Runnings

    Malawi

    The smiley yellow faces leading to this excellent-value beachside guesthouse say it all. Like a home away from home and run by warm host Sam, Cool…

  • Maguga Dam Lodge

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Scenically positioned on the southern shore of Maguga Dam, this laid-back venture is blessed with commanding views of the dam and surrounding hills. It…

  • Lidwala Backpacker Lodge

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    What a magical setting! This comfortable, well-run spot is nestled in a splendid garden with a pool, among big boulders and a chuckling stream. Rooms have…

  • Aloes Guest House

    Lesotho

    The reception area is situated within an old sandstone trading post, and these charming, old-fashioned bungalows vary in size and decor, with some family…

  • Satara Rest Camp

    Kruger National Park

    Satara – the second-largest option after Skukuza – may lack the riverside views of other camps, but it's optimally situated in the heart of 'big cat'…

  • Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor

    Eastern Cape

    The 'homely home' consists of 31 beautifully restored and handsomely furnished Karoo houses, their stoeps (porches) opening onto one of Cradock's oldest…

  • Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge & Nature Reserve

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    This little morsel of paradise about 14km north of Piggs Peak is a dream come true for those seeking to get well and truly off the beaten track. It lies…

  • Lebo's Soweto Backpackers

    Gauteng

    For a real township experience, this well-established hostel set by lovely parklands is your answer. It’s a healthy walk from the Vilakazi St action, but…

  • Tuckaways Lodge

    Malawi

    Affiliated with the neighbouring Gecko Lounge, this neat and well-maintained compound offers a family room and five twin or double bamboo cabins with walk…

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