Best hotels in South Africa

This modern yet bush-stylish lodge is a wilderness away, though easily accessible along South Africa's well traversed Garden Route. Tucked into a deep ravine in the rich Eastern Cape thicket, the lodge cultivates luxury and intimacy while capturing the best of African expansiveness. With a high likelihood of seeing free roaming Big Five and the rare brown hyena, the game viewing rivals any in the region. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres allow for close encounters and hands-on participation in conservation. Blending comfort, a big game experience and the highest of conservation ethics, this is truly one of the most well-rounded safari experiences.

Paternoster Dunes is the perfect antidote to modern city stresses. The Guest House & Spa is nestled amongst the dunes on the beachfront in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster in the Western Cape. The Atlantic Ocean is literally on its doorstep. Paternoster is one of the last traditional fishing villages on the West Coast, famous for its pristine beach, whitewashed village charm, laid back lifestyle and friendly inhabitants. The stylish guest house has five luxurious bedrooms, some opening directly onto the beach. It also has a guest lounge, a heated swimming pool and a spa.

Occupying a portion of one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots, the 7,400-hectare Mkambati Nature Reserve throws every expectation out of the window... with style! With a prime position on South Africa's Wild Coast, GweGwe Beach Lodge is the kind of place where you can soak up every ounce of nature. That could mean scanning the waves for whales from your private deck or kayaking along tranquil tributaries, stopping for a dip beneath one of over 21 waterfalls. With just 9 suites in total, it'll feel like you have this slice of wilderness all to yourselves – and your guide will craft the experience entirely to suit you

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, in the northern part of the mountain range known affectionately by locals as "The Berg", offers some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa. Far removed from the visions that spring to mind when you think of Africa, this is a region of snow-capped mountains (in winter) and lush green hills (in summer). It's the perfect setting for Montusi Mountain Lodge, an upmarket destination with uninterrupted views of the cliffs and peaks, and the iconic Amphitheatre. Montusi's 1000-hectare estate has been rehabilitated over the past 15 years to become a haven for indigenous birds and antelope.

Views Boutique Hotel could not be more aptly named: the outlook from its hilltop setting are simply breathtaking. And the service here is as elevated as the location – pure luxury, with a dash of glamour. The hotel lies just outside Wilderness, a quiet, pretty town on the Garden Route, South Africa's best-loved road-trip destination. The property is enormous, with several tiers and balconies and a design that combines contemporary style with an emphasis on privacy. Book here to spend some time on this beautiful stretch of pristine coastline, where you'll find plenty of natural treasures, good eateries, and markets.

Driving the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is normally all about exploring the coast, with a few stops in cute little dorpies (towns) en route. Now, Gondwana Game Reserve, just inland from Mossel Bay, offers travellers the chance to stop over and see some big game. Surrounded by the impressive Outeniqua and Langeberg ranges, and forming part of the world's richest plant kingdom (1000-plus species on the reserve alone), Gondwana is a nature-lover's treat. Ulubisi House is its newest and most exclusive offering. Booked on a sole-use basis, it has its own private guide, chef and butler.

Set at the foot of the 350-million-year-old Warmwaterberg Mountains in the heart of the Little Karoo, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a 54,000-hectare sprawl of dramatic rock formations and stark wilderness. San Bushmen once roamed this landscape, and their paintings can still be found in rocky fissures and shelters. Sanbona Dwyka Tented Lodge, one of various lodges here, lies in a particularly lovely setting on a horseshoe bend of a dry ravine dotted with thorn trees and surrounded by spectacular ancient rock formations. The service is splendid, the food is top-notch and the tranquil atmosphere is idyllic.

The seasonal Monwana River is a central artery for startling volumes of wildlife that inhabit the area. There's something indescribably special about this lodge: it could be the stellar service and attention to detail; it could be the understated indulgence found in the accommodation, or it could be the invitation to immerse yourself in nature at such a close proximity to abundant wildlife. We suggest you do yourself a favour and find out.

The thick, comforting smell of thatch welcomes you to your holiday home in the bush. This is the classic South African safari at its best, but with the distinct advantage of location. Found in the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, on a very frequented waterhole, you won't believe your luck for discovering such a homely spot in the midst of a prime wildlife viewing reserve where the abundant wildlife from the Kruger roam across freely.

Feel like you're the only people in the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve when you spend a few nights at Tintswalo Safari Lodge. Intimate and limited to only a handful of guests, the lodge is tucked under an ancient sycamore tree grove, fringed by a waterhole. Being open to the Greater Kruger National Park, incredible wildlife often wander through the camp to drink and play while guests look on, G&T in hand. Devoid of Big Five-chasing crowds, the lodge is also perfect for spotting an array of incredible bird species.

Set in the heart of the Klaserie, one of the largest privately-owned reserves in South Africa, Camp George couldn't be more in the centre of the action. Led by highly-experienced guides who know the landscape like their own backyard, game drives and bush walks will take you closer than ever to the Kruger wildlife - and even when you're in camp, there's a strong chance of an elephant wandering along the pathways! The camp has stayed true to its founder and namesake, George Huysamer, weaving together art, nature and heritage in one sublime package. Still in the family today, you'll feel well and truly taken care of, especially in one of the dapper suites, beautifully positioned along the dry riverbed.

Centred around a waterhole in the Kapama Game Reserve near Hoedspruit in Limpopo, Camp Jabulani is an exclusive safari lodge in this Big Five landscape. There may be many other camps of similar description in the Greater Kruger Park area, but Jabulani is different – it has a resident herd of trained elephants and is the only camp that offers night safaris on elephant back. Interacting with these intelligent and gracious mammals is a magical experience. The camp is small – there are just six suites – and the service is up there with the very best.