{"id":10183,"date":"2019-11-08T14:22:07","date_gmt":"2019-11-08T14:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=10183"},"modified":"2025-04-30T10:03:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T10:03:37","slug":"best-lodges-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/best-lodges-in-south-africa","title":{"rendered":"Best lodges in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

Depending on where you\u2019re travelling in Africa, it can sometimes be a struggle to find suitable accommodation – or any accommodation depending on how remote you are! – but you won\u2019t find that problem in South Africa<\/a>. From boutique boltholes and city slick hotels to luxury bush camps, this is not a country that\u2019s short on fabulous places to stay. There\u2019s also no shortage of exciting places to visit in South Africa and if you need any help deciding where you want to go then be sure to have a read of our country guide<\/a>. If you know where to go but don\u2019t know where to stay or you\u2019re just looking for a little inspiration, read on for our guide to the best lodges in South Africa.<\/p>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Marataba Mountain Lodge<\/h2>\n

Waterberg<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve talked about it a few times before and we really do love Waterberg<\/a> for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. It\u2019s easy to reach from Johannesburg<\/a>, either by plane or car, and is a veritable wildlife gem packed with more animals than you can shake a stick at as well as incredible landscapes. Marataba Mountain Lodge<\/a> will only heighten your experience. This chic eco-lodge houses just five suites complete with king-sized beds and floor to ceiling windows that make the most of those views. Add to that an absolute abundance of animal sightings including the always sought after Big Five (with both black and white rhino), cheetah, hyena and many, many more. Birders will also be in heaven with the myriad species found sweeping the skies above the lodges – not forgetting South Africa\u2019s<\/a> largest colony of endangered cape vultures. The beauty of this lodge is the way it seamlessly blends luxury design with the wilds that surround it – an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Marataba<\/figure>
Marataba Mountain Lodge<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge<\/h2>\n

Phinda<\/em><\/p>\n

Phinda Private Game Reserve<\/a> is a 28,555-hectare safari wonderland set in the wilds of South Africa\u2019s<\/a> KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve\u2019s placement and its seven distinct ecosystems, ranging from lush and fertile marshlands to an arid and rare sand forest, means it has an incredibly diverse range of wildlife. Explore on game drives, walking safaris or by boat and spot everything from the Big Five and large game such as elephant and giraffe, to much smaller species such as bush babies and the red duiker. You\u2019ll even have the chance to take night time turtle drives in the right season! There are only a handful of lodges in Phinda (excellent for ensuring no overcrowding of vehicles), and whilst we don\u2019t like to play favourites, we do love the &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge<\/a>. Built high into a cliff face, with six chic suites offering unbeatable views across the bushveld, this is accommodation like you\u2019ve never seen it before. As well as offering incredible views, each romantic suite also features a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. With designer decor, delicious cuisine, al fresco dining, bush banquets and a rooftop terrace for viewing stars, this is lodge is romance squared.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Phinda<\/figure>
Phinda Rock Lodge<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2060Babylonstoren<\/h2>\n

Cape Winelands<\/em><\/p>\n

Easily one of the top stars of the Cape Winelands<\/a> and the one we\u2019re almost certain you\u2019ll have heard of before, we absolutely couldn\u2019t leave this off our list of best lodges in South Africa<\/a>! Sitting between the famous towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, Babylonstoren<\/a> is like nowhere else in South Africa. No corner of this incredibly stylish wine farm has been overlooked, and every single detail has not only been thought of but executed to the highest level. Here you\u2019ll find award-winning wine, farm to table dining like you\u2019ve never seen before, undeniably chic farm cottages, a spa with an incredible list of relaxing and beautifying treatments, and gardens you could only dream of. We sound like we\u2019re gushing (and we are) but we strongly urge you visit this dreamy spot if you\u2019re in the area. Stay a night so you can enjoy more of that delicious wine, but if that\u2019s not an option, there are still lots of activities to enjoy: take a tour of the gardens and learn about the produce and plants, eat in the casual (but beautiful) Greenhouse or the award-winning Babel, wander through the prickly pear maze or take a lie down in the chamomile meadow\u2026 like we said, dreamy.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Babylonstoren<\/figure>
Babylonstoren<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

La Cotte<\/h2>\n

Cape Winelands<\/em><\/p>\n

If Babylonstoren<\/a> is the Cape Winelands<\/a> bells-and-whistles stop, La Cotte<\/a> is the place to relax and escape the hubbub. With rooms that look as though they\u2019ve jumped off the pages of Conde Nast Traveller and a choice of cottages to suit all types of travellers, we are absolutely in love with this spot. This Franschhoek bolthole has eight traditional \u2018Forest\u2019<\/a> cottages, perfect for families, and a selection of one, two and three bedroom \u2018Orchard<\/a>\u2019 cottages that are style personified, each with its own private pool. If you\u2019re travelling in a big group there\u2019s also the unbelievably tasteful manor house<\/a>. Here you can enjoy the beautiful French town of Franschhoek in your own time – wander down the hill and explore the shops, markets and restaurants or take a trip on the famous wine tram and sample some of the area\u2019s famous vino! As well as being an excellent jumping-off point for the winelands, these beautiful cottages are the perfect place for those who just want to escape the world and hunker down. Spend long sunny days relaxing by the pool, try your hand at a traditional South African braai in your cottage and watch the sun set as you sip on some locally grown and produced wine, what could be better?<\/p>\n

\n
\"La<\/figure>
La Cotte Orchard Cottages<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Emily Moon River Lodge<\/h2>\n

Garden Route <\/em><\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s Garden Route<\/a> is arguably one of the best known trips to take in the country. The coastal road from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay (although you\u2019ll likely start in Cape Town<\/a> and we\u2019d definitely recommend making a stop in Hermanus<\/a> or the Overberg<\/a> region to kick things off) is famous for a reason and its winding corners, incredible topography and ocean views rival any in the world. If you\u2019re going to hire a car and take this road trip (which we strongly recommend you do!), then consider hanging your hat for a night or two at the quirky Emily Moon River Lodge<\/a>. The 14 luxury suites and two family suites are decorated with beautiful pieces and rare artefacts from across the continent, meaning each is utterly unique. As well as its stunning suites, the lodge is also home to an excellent restaurant serving hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners made from locally sourced produce and a bar that not only makes delicious pizzas but also offers an incredible sundowner spot overlooking the Bitou River.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Emily<\/figure>
Emily Moon<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\"South\"South<\/figure>
South Africa<\/span>
Design your own trip<\/div>\n Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n
Design a trip<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Tintswalo Atlantic<\/h2>\n

Cape Town<\/em><\/p>\n

Tintswalo Atlantic<\/a> has long been one of our favourite Cape Town<\/a> hotspots. Set just outside of the city in peaceful Hout Bay, this boutique hotel has it all. To get to this waterside wonder, you\u2019ll travel all the way down a twisting, winding road until you\u2019ll finally spot the secluded property, tucked well away from the world. Tintswalo has just ten boutique suites, all nudged along the pebbly beach, and with unparalleled privacy and views for days. It\u2019s worth mentioning those views too, for not only do they offer an incredible mountain and sea vista, but they also face to the west meaning you\u2019ll see an absolute stonker of a sunset each evening. As well as the beautifully appointed suites, Tintswalo also has a striking lounge and dining area where you can feast on delectable meals and enjoy a sundowner like no other on the deck. You\u2019ll even find a private pool with plenty of sun loungers for heat-loving lizards to get their fill of vitamin D, whilst bibliophiles will always find a secret nook to settle down with their latest read. This is Cape Town luxury at it\u2019s finest.<\/p>\n

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\"Tintswalo<\/figure>
Tintswalo Atlantic<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Londolozi Tree Camp<\/h2>\n

Londolozi, Kruger <\/em><\/p>\n

Onto the Kruger<\/a> area now, South Africa\u2019s<\/a> oldest and most famous game reserve. We\u2019ve talked a lot about our love for this spot and its incredible array of wildlife, and if you need any help with planning a Kruger safari then have a little read of the section in our South Africa Country Guide<\/a>. Due to its huge size (it has a footprint equal to Switzerland!) it\u2019s no surprise that there are myriad options when it comes to safari lodges and camps, so trying to pick our favourites has been hard. Saying that, you can\u2019t go wrong with some of the excellent private game reserves such as Timbavati and Sabi Sands. And hidden within Sabi Sands you\u2019ll find the wonderful Londolozi, itself a private game reserve (we know it can be a little confusing but stick with us) and one of our favourites in the region. It has just five lodges to choose from meaning you\u2019ll enjoy the exquisite combination of both privacy and luxury. We love Londolozi\u2019s Tree Camp<\/a>. Set high above the ground with an expansive viewing deck overlooking the Sand River, the location is almost unbeatable. It\u2019s also an excellent camp for families, which is sometimes a rarity in the luxury market.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Londolozi<\/figure>
Londolozi Tree Camp<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel<\/h2>\n

Paternoster<\/em><\/p>\n

Found just two hours north of Cape Town<\/a>, the fishing village of Paternoster<\/a> is an utter delight. This beach haven has made a name for itself in recent years by attracting some of the best restaurateurs in South Africa<\/a>. If you\u2019re a foodie then this seaside spot is the place for you, with everything from high-end dining to toes-in-the-sand casual. And if you\u2019re visiting the area you might want to stay a night or two to sample a little bit of everything! The Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel<\/a> is everything you\u2019d picture when imagining a boutique seaside bolthole. Think whitewashed, windswept cottages, high ceilings, lounger spots for sunny days and warming fires for winter, rain showers and massive tubs\u2026 aka heaven! Add to that the property\u2019s star location, just moments from the sand and the sweeping heathlands of wild fynbos, and this is just the place for your Paternoster foodie adventure.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Strandloper<\/figure>
Strandloper Ocean<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge<\/h2>\n

Kwandwe, Eastern Cape <\/em><\/p>\n

Set in South Africa\u2019s<\/a> often unexplored Eastern Cape<\/a>, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is 22,000-hectares of safari perfection. Think Big Five safari spotting, pristine wilderness, sweeping river vistas, game drives, walking safaris and rhino conservation – truly something for everyone. Situated just outside of Port Elizabeth, it\u2019s an excellent addition if you\u2019re driving the Garden Route<\/a> but you can easily connect via PE\u2019s airport as well. And, as we said, we don\u2019t love to play favourites (but sometimes you have to!) and Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge<\/a> makes it a slightly easier choice. Set high on the hills of Kwandwe, overlooking the magnificent river, this thatched lodge is exactly what your safari dreams are made of. The lodge perfectly blends a classic safari feel with modern luxuries: think squishy armchairs, roaring fires and shared dining to swap stories of your day\u2019s adventure, paired with suites that feature their own viewing decks and plunge pools, the best of both worlds! If the accommodation wasn\u2019t enough (and we really think it is) imagine a day spent out in the bush, tracking rhino on foot. Safari doesn\u2019t get much better than that.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Kwandwe<\/figure>
Kwandwe River<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

\"Best<\/a><\/p>\n

Pafuri Walking Trails<\/h2>\n

Pafuri, Kruger<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve talked luxury lodges, we\u2019ve told you about slick city boltholes, and now it\u2019s time for something wild and wonderful. The Pafuri region is known to safari insiders as the creme de la creme of walking safaris in the Kruger<\/a> and probably the whole of South Africa<\/a> (you might say they Pafuri the area to anywhere else! Sorry, we couldn\u2019t resist). This area is an incredible anomaly making up a tiny 1% of the total size of the Kruger but containing an astonishing 75% of the total biodiversity. So whilst there isn\u2019t as much big game in this region (although there are large numbers of buffalo and elephant, with rare sightings of lion and leopard thrown in), it\u2019s the perfect place to get back to nature and explore the bush on foot. Where do you stay in this nature rich spot? Well, that\u2019s where Pafuri Walking Trails<\/a> come in. Expect a real African adventure here – simple yet comfortable camping, bucket showers, evenings lit by kerosene lamps and, of course, daily walking adventures with expert guides. If you\u2019re looking to get away from everything, this is your spot.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Pafuri<\/figure>
Pafuri Walking Trails<\/div>
Learn more<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\"Wizard\"Wizard<\/figure>
Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n
Start the wizard<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Top spots to stay from the Kruger to the Cape<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":10198,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[4829,2139,40,2273,42,3156,1241,3985,134,1239,3848,4832,536,2546,3314,3991,4341,4831,147,4833,4828,3781,3810,4835,3584,3764,4830,1519,3290,87,4827,93,4834,3335,3715,102,156,3233,3551,1312,9001],"class_list":["post-10183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-beyond-phinda-rock-lodge","tag-adventure","tag-africa","tag-africa-travel","tag-african-safari","tag-african-travel","tag-babylonstoren","tag-big-five-safari","tag-cape-town","tag-cape-winelands","tag-emily-moon-river-lodge","tag-franchhoek","tag-garden-route","tag-hermanus","tag-johannesburg","tag-kwandwe-great-fish-river-lodge","tag-kwandwe-private-game-reserve","tag-la-cotte","tag-londolozi","tag-londolozi-tree-camp","tag-marataba-mountain-lodge","tag-overberg","tag-pafuri","tag-pafuri-walking-trails","tag-paternoster","tag-phinda","tag-phinda-rock-lodge","tag-planning-guides","tag-sabi-sands","tag-safari","tag-safari-travel","tag-south-africa","tag-strandloper-ocean-boutique-hotel","tag-timbavati","tag-tintswalo-atlantic","tag-travel","tag-walking-safari","tag-waterberg","tag-western-cape","tag-wildlife","tag-wine-vineyards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nOur 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