Best hotels in South Africa

A sublime Winelands sanctuary with jaw-dropping interiors and more than a touch of French grandeur, La Residence is an ideal getaway for wine buffs in search of some seclusion (and a whole lot of luxury). Overlooking the spectacular Franschhoek valley with its rows of perfectly tended vines and towering mountains, the chateau-style estate wins every prize for an Instagram-worthy location – there’s even peacocks strutting around the exquisite grounds! And with Franschhoek village, South Africa’s gastronomical capital, only a 5 minute drive away, there’s a host of mouth-watering delights on the doorstep. We dare you to drag yourself away…

Leadwood Lodge sits in the fork of the Sand and Mabrak Rivers, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve, famous for outstanding game viewing (particularly leopards!). Just four private suites make this lodge an excellent choice for a secluded safari, and perfect for small groups of up to eight guests travelling together. The suites are well placed along the granite-strewn river banks for complete privacy. Classy design incorporates smooth stone interiors, chunky wooden décor, classic thatch and wide expanses of glass to blend and flow with the natural surroundings. Expect the best hospitality and plenty of decadent touches all round.

This lodge is currently closed due to recent flooding Madikwe River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Groot Marico River in the heart of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Game Reserve. Located between Sun City and Botswana, and only 350 km from OR Tambo International Airport, this is an easily accessible safari experience that is certainly easily enjoyable. Choose one of 16 split-level river front chalets, all with incredible views of the surrounding landscape and snuffling wildlife, add fine-dining, superior service and excellent safari drives in the Big Five reserve, and this is an all-round wonderful safari for families, couples or small groups.

All of &Beyond's Phinda lodges are in different locations, and Phinda Rock Lodge is no exception. Here, six Mexican adobe-style buildings perch dramatically on a rocky cliff, each completely private with world-class accommodation. Guests have exclusive views across the lush bushveld vegetation in the valley below and the wildlife that roams the untamed surrounding slopes. This is Big Five country, with lots to see, from the largest mammals to the smallest antelope, and good birding. Explore on game drives, foot safaris or seasonally by boat, track black rhino or see Africa's wild cats up close at a rehabilitation centre.

Fynbos gardens fringe stylish Garden Lodge, whose stone, timber and thatch buildings blend beautifully with their surroundings. Once inside, you're struck by the warmth of the staff and drawn to the views across the fynbos to the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a niche in the upmarket eco-lodge sector by specialising in the Cape's fynbos and faunal biodiversity. There are 760-plus species of plants here, along with a large variety of birds, and the nearby marine life includes dolphins, whales and sharks. Take peaceful strolls, visit pretty villages and taste local wines and farm produce. Pure pleasure!

Perched high on a ridge overlooking the Buffalo River Gorge and the historic Rorke’s Drift, with Isandlwana glinting in the distance, Fugitives’ Drift is nothing short of spectacular. It was on these lands that the Zulu war was fought in 1879 and the property is dedicated to sharing the fascinating history of both the battles and the people of the area. Established by David and Nicky Rattray who pioneered Heritage Tourism in South Africa and have extensive experience in the hospitality industry, the lodge itself is tranquil and intimate, and after an emotionally-charged day on the battlefields, you’ll feel like you’ve come home.

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.