Our 20 favorite hotels & lodges in South Africa
When traveling through South Africa, the most impressive experiences await you every day. However, such a journey can be tiring, which is why it's essential to stay in good hotels. A comfortable bed, a nice shower, or a refreshing pool are things we always enjoy during our travels. We have searched for the finest hotels in South Africa, each with something unique to offer. These are often boutique hotels where you are guaranteed a pleasant stay. Many of these hotels are very popular, so it's advisable to book in advance.
Note: We mention 'starting from prices.' Hotel prices vary greatly depending on your travel period and how far in advance you book. The starting price can differ significantly when booking late or during the high season.
Where do you want to go in South Africa?
Plettenberg Bay Swellendam Cape Town St. Lucia Graskop Kruger National Park Swaziland Addo Durban Johannesburg
Charming Hotels in and around Plettenberg Bay
Ocean Watch
Located in a fantastic location in Plettenberg Bay, Ocean Watch offers a delightful rooftop terrace with lounge areas, a lovely pool, and breathtaking bay views. It's a wonderful place to stay! Good restaurants are within walking distance, and you can enjoy a delicious breakfast without leaving the property.
Low season double room starting at $75 High season double room starting at $130
Howberry Hills
Peace, nature, and affordable luxury await you at Howberry Hills. This lodge is located on an 11-hectare estate on a hill, offering magnificent views. A cook is available to prepare delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Howberry Hills is a 15-minute drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay.
Low season double room starting at $50 High season double room starting at $60
Charming Hotels in Swellendam
A Hilltop Country Retreat
This wonderful hotel scores a 9.3 on Booking.com for a reason. The apartments are spacious and stylishly decorated. There are plenty of cozy spots to relax, and a small pool to cool off on hot days. The location is also beautiful, offering mountain views.
Low season double room starting at $60 High season double room starting at $70
Cypress Cottage
Cypress Cottage is a charming guesthouse located in Swellendam. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and the property has a beautiful garden where you can relax. The hosts are friendly and welcoming, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Low season double room starting at $40 High season double room starting at $50
Best accomodations in Kaapstad
Villa Viva
For a cozy stay, Villa Viva in the Gardens district is the place to be. This lovely guesthouse is run by super friendly people who go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. There is a swimming pool, and you'll be treated to a delicious breakfast in the morning. Villa Viva is part of an organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water for everyone. By staying here, you're supporting this cause!
Low season double room starting at $45 | Dorm $25 High season double room starting at $50 | Dorm $25
Urban Oasis Aparthotel
If you're looking for luxury at an affordable price, Urban Oasis Aparthotel is the perfect choice. It's located in the heart of Cape Town, just a few streets away from Long Street. You'll stay in a modern loft, studio, or apartment equipped with a washing machine, air conditioning, a kitchen, and a comfortable bed. The rooftop terrace features a lovely swimming pool.
Low season double room starting at $50 High season double room starting at $75
Best accomodations in St. Lucia
Luxury Tented Village
At Luxury Tented Village, you'll stay in a luxurious tent with a veranda and a spacious bathroom. There is a large swimming pool with sun loungers, and the location couldn't be better as it's right in the heart of St. Lucia, within walking distance of all the restaurants. This unique accommodation understands the concept of glamping.
Low season luxury double tent starting at $80 High season luxury double tent starting at $85
Lodge Afrique
Looking for some more luxury? Then Lodge Afrique is the place for you! Tucked away in a beautiful green garden are several typical African-style cottages. There is also a lovely swimming pool, and the staff is super friendly. It's the perfect place to relax in the charming town of St. Lucia.
Low season double room starting at $125 High season double room starting at $135
Best accomodations in Graskop
Rustique
Rustique is a cozy hotel and an excellent choice for your stay in Graskop. The owner is incredibly kind and loves to provide you with many tips about the Panorama Route. The rooms have been meticulously decorated, and for chilly nights, there is a heater and an electric blanket. It is centrally located in the town, so you'll find plenty of good restaurants, supermarkets, and cafés within walking distance.
Low season double room starting at $60 | High season double room starting at $60
Zur Alten Mine
Zur Alten Mine is also a fantastic place to stay. Here, you can enjoy your overnight stay in a chalet equipped with all the amenities, including a heater, a kitchen, a comfortable bed, and a BBQ. The chalets offer a high level of privacy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. It is located slightly outside the village of Graskop, so it is recommended to stay here only if you have a rental car.
Low season double chalet starting at $40 | High season double chalet starting at $40
Beautiful Lodges in Kruger National Park
Bushriver Lodge
This affordable lodge is located on the Olifants River, where crocodiles swim, elephants come to drink, and hippos stroll around in the evening. It's an incredibly beautiful place with both budget rooms and affordable villas. From the balcony, you can overlook the river, so you'll get the true African experience. It's good to know that the entrance to Kruger Park is a 45-minute drive away.
Low-season double room starting at $80 High-season double room starting at $90
Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp is a fantastic lodge to stay in at Kruger Park. You can choose between a luxurious safari tent with a view of the river or the bush. Both options are truly fantastic! There's an amazing pool to cool off in after a morning safari, and you can also enjoy a beautiful view from the pool. In short, this is the perfect lodge to treat yourself to a luxurious stay.
Low-season luxury safari tent starting at $190 High-season luxury safari tent starting at $190
Charming Accommodations in Swaziland
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This is not just an ordinary lodge but something truly unique. It is situated in the heart of a national park and offers accommodations in traditional huts as well as more luxurious houses with fantastic views. Zebras and warthogs (Pumba) roam around your cottage. In the evening, you can relax by the campfire, and during the day, you can engage in activities such as cycling through the national park.
Low-season double room starting at $65 High-season double room starting at $70
Mantenga Lodge
Mantenga Lodge is perfect if you're looking for a bit more luxury and a unique overnight experience. You'll stay in a spacious room equipped with air conditioning and a modern bathroom. There's a delightful swimming pool for warm days, and the lodge features a superb restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From the terrace, you'll enjoy a beautiful view of Swaziland's nature!
Low-season double room starting at $60 High-season double room starting at $60
Charming Accommodations in Addo
Addo Wildlife
Addo Wildlife lodge is a delightful base for visiting Addo Elephant Park. You'll stay in cozy cottages that are beautifully furnished and offer a lot of privacy. Around the cottages, you'll find animals like impalas. Addo Wildlife also has an animal sanctuary, which is definitely worth a visit!
Low-season double room starting at $120 High-season double room starting at $145
Gerald's Gift Guest House
Gerald's Gift is a beautiful B&B where you can also enjoy delicious dinners. The chef, Ramon, prepares the most delightful dishes, so you won't need to search for a restaurant. You'll sleep in a stylish double room and can relax in the beautiful flower-filled garden and swimming pool.
Low-season double room starting at $55 High-season double room starting at $55
Charming Accommodations in Durban
Ocean Vista Boutique
Ocean Vista Boutique hotel is a fantastic place to stay. From your room, you'll have a view of the ocean. What a wonderful way to wake up! Additionally, there's a beautiful rooftop terrace where you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning, and the pool is perfect for ultimate relaxation.
Low-season double room starting at $105 High-season double room starting at $115
Goble Palms
Situated on the hills of Durban, you'll find this incredibly stylish and unique B&B. The interior design is in a colonial English style that will surely capture your attention! In the morning, you'll enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh croissants, cheese, and orange juice.
Low-season double room starting at $55 High-season double room starting at $65
Staying in Johannesburg
Do you have an early or late flight? Then it is nice to stay close to the airport. Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo is the best hotel located right next to the airport. Here you sleep in a comfortable room, there is a swimming pool and in the morning you can sit down for a delicious, extensive breakfast buffet. This is perfect if you want to travel straight through the next day and don't feel like going all the way to Johannesburg.
Low-season double room starting at $88 High-season double room starting at $93