Must-see hotels in Southern Africa

  • Chitabe Camp

    Okavango Delta

    Near the Santandadibe River, at the southern edge of Moremi Game Reserve, Chitabe is an island oasis (only accessible by boat or plane). Accommodation at…

  • King’s Pool Camp

    Chobe National Park

    Occupying a magical setting on a Linyanti River oxbow overlooking a lagoon, this nine-room camp, part of Wilderness Safaris' Premier collection, is one of…

  • Pelo Camp

    Okavango Delta

    Billed as an 'adventure' camp in the Wilderness Safaris portfolio, Pelo was rebuilt in 2015 to fit a more classic mould, though prices remain as low as…

  • Nkwali

    Zambia

    A long-standing, classic Luangwa lodge, Nkwali has just six small cottages with delightful open-air bathrooms. They’re all very comfortable but with no…

  • Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Promoted as ‘quaintly colonial’, this is an oh-so-delightfully tranquil, old-world, nonfussy luxury experience at its best. The main house is in an…

  • Le Mirage Desert Lodge

    Namibia

    Some places like to blend in with their surroundings. Then there's La Mirage... This extravagent stone mock-castle does indeed rise like a mirage out of…

  • Nanzhila Plains Camp

    Zambia

    In the very southern section of the park, this isolated camp is beautifully situated on a large dambo. Four thatch- and two Meru-style safari tents are…

  • Motopi Campsites

    Botswana

    In the northwestern corner of the reserve, these three campsites are wonderfully isolated from the rest of the reserve. Nearby Motopi Pan is great for…

  • Grassland Safari Lodge

    Botswana

    Highly recommended by readers, Grassland Safari Lodge is well off the beaten track, about 70km from the main Ghanzi–Maun road. This admirable lodge, with…

  • Rose Rabbit Zambezi River Bushcamp

    Livingstone

    This riverside beach camp is one for independent travellers looking for a different scene. Right on rapid 21 of the Lower Zambezi, it will suit not only…

  • Norma Jeane's Lakeview Resort

    Zimbabwe

    Located 8km from Great Zimbabwe is this wonderful hilltop lodge overlooking Lake Mutirikwi (Lake Kyle). It's set on a sprawling garden property with rooms…

  • Mackaya Bella Guest House

    Durban

    Located near the university, this pretty spot has a lovely indigenous garden (featuring the Mackaya Bella plant) and stylish rooms in a relaxed home-style…

  • Planet Baobab

    Botswana

    About 4km east of Gweta, a huge concrete aardvark marks the turn-off for Planet Baobab. This inventive lodge forsakes masks and wildlife photos, replaced…

  • Savuti Camp

    Chobe National Park

    Part of Wilderness Safaris' classic portfolio, Savuti has all the hallmarks of the Wilderness camps: friendly staff, luxurious tents (with soaring…

  • Onguma Etosha Aoba Lodge

    Etosha National Park

    Part of the 70 sq km private Onguma Game Reserve, 10km east of the Von Lindequist Gate, this tranquil lodge is located in tamboti forest next to a dry…

  • Kunene River Lodge

    Namibia

    The very friendly Kunene River Lodge, approximately 5km east of Swartbooi’s Drift, makes an idyllic riverside stop. Campsites are sheltered beneath…

  • Kasabushi Camp

    Zambia

    Run by husband-and-wife team Andy and Libby, Kasabushi gets great reviews for both its tranquil riverside campsite and luxury chalets. Separated from the…

  • Gecko Lounge

    Malawi

    A firm family favourite and with good reason, Gecko's self-catering chalets are right on the manicured beach. Each has a double and a bunk bed, fridge,…

  • Chamilandu Bushcamp

    Zambia

    Built along the banks of the Luangwa River, Chamilandu Bushcamp's stilted thatch-and-reed chalets are utterly exposed to the elements; they have no fourth…

  • Buccaneers Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Offering an accessible taste of the Wild Coast, fabulous ‘Buccs’ is a sort of all-inclusive holiday resort for backpackers and beach bums. Sleeping…

  • Chobe Game Lodge

    Chobe National Park

    This highly praised safari lodge is one of the best in the Chobe area. The lodge is constructed in the Moorish style and flaunts high arches, barrel…

  • Seba Camp

    Okavango Delta

    Seba, a lovely Setswana word meaning 'Whisper', is set in an equally lovely riverine forest. While it offers many of the same aristocratic offerings as…

  • Dolomite Camp

    Etosha National Park

    Recently opened in a previously restricted area in western Etosha, Dolomite Camp is beautifully carved into its rocky surrounds. Accommodation is in…

  • Nhoma Safari Camp

    Namibia

    The former owners of the Tsumkwe Country Lodge, Arno and Estelle, have lived in the area for much of their lives and are well respected by the local San…

  • Bloedkoppie

    Namibia

    These spots are among the most beautiful and popular sites in the park. If you’re coming from Swakopmund, they lie 55km northeast of the C28, along a…

  • Brandberg White Lady Lodge

    Damaraland

    The Brandberg White Lady has something for just about every kind of traveller. Campers can pitch a tent along the riverine valley, all the while taking…

  • San Camp

    Botswana

    This outpost of sophistication is an utterly lovely place to stay. The pristine white tents, which appear like perfectly spaced pavillions on tongues of…

  • Chobe Chilwero Lodge

    Chobe National Park

    Chilwero means ‘place of high view’ in Setswana, and indeed this exclusive lodge boasts panoramic views. Accommodation is in one of 15 elegant bungalows…

  • Kalahari Bush Breaks

    Namibia

    Some 26km into Namibia west of the Mamuno border post, and 85km east of Gobabis, Kalahari Bush Breaks is a lovely spot run by Elsabe and Ronnie who bring…

  • Protea Hotel Ryalls

    Malawi

    This stately monolith is Malawi's oldest established hotel; opened in 1921, it was a legendary stop for travellers on the Cape-to-Cairo route. With its…

  • Monkey Bay Backpackers

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Calling all surf-rats. This casual place – made from recycled materials, and painted in funky colours inside – has a pleasantly hippie vibe and a friendly…

  • Meno a Kwena

    Botswana

    The name means 'Teeth of the Crocodile', and you can indeed see some down by the river from Meno a Kwena's riverbank perch. There are nine luxury tents…

  • Sossus Dune Lodge

    Namibia

    Splash out at this ultraexclusive lodge, which is administered by NWR, and is one of only two properties located inside the park gates. Constructed…

  • Mwaleshi Camp

    Zambia

    A top-notch operation – at once luxurious, in terms of care from the staff, and relaxed. It's a bush camp with accommodation in four charmingly simple…

  • Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

    Sunshine Coast

    No, you're not hallucinating, the view is real. Poised on a greenery-shrouded hillside, the four tastefully appointed Ocean Suites overlook the beach –…

  • Buffalo Camp

    Zambia

    Located in the south of the park, Buffalo Camp is a quiet, secluded place. It’s good value (and unusually welcomes children) and the six traditional-style…

  • Khulu Ivory

    Zimbabwe

    A sister property to Ivory Safari Lodge, just down the road, Khulu is both a more wild and luxurious offering. Its spectacular open-air thatched lounge…

  • Track & Trail River Camp

    Zambia

    Set on a riverfront property about 400m east of Mfuwe Gate, Track & Trail offers varying levels of luxurious chalets and lovely camping grounds shaded by…

  • Frog & Fern

    Zimbabwe

    On a hill above town, backing on to the Pork Pie Eland sanctuary, Frog & Fern is Chimanimani's nicest place to stay. There's a choice of stone cabins or…

  • Three Tree Hill Lodge

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This upmarket eco-friendly house with plush contemporary-meets-colonial creature comforts is a treat for those who want to explore the Spioenkop area…

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