Best hotels in South Africa

The pretty town of Knysna is a highlight of any Garden Route trip, and, if you're looking for somewhere to stay that isn't quite in the hubbub of the town, try Belvidere Manor Hotel. Situated in a quiet, upmarket suburb on the outskirts of Knysna, the 28 pretty cottages are surrounded by lush gardens and the most beautiful views of the lagoon. It's a laid-back sort of place, and the historic manor house (dating back to 1834), has kept its gracious Georgian style and luxurious yet homely feel, whilst the cottages are modern and stylish. The perfect combination, really.

The Marine Hotel is a fabulous landmark on the clifftops of Hermanus, a popular coastal holiday town about an hour and a half’s scenic drive from Cape Town. Hermanus is renowned for being one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the world, and The Marine, in its spectacular setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, puts you right in the heart of the action during the winter season. Its origins date back to 1902, and since its modest beginnings, the hotel has blossomed into an elegant boutique hotel renowned for its classy design and excellent hospitality, and definitely the best views in town.

Set in Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the western edge of the Kruger Park, family-run Tangala Safari Camp's rustic charms have been augmented by the addition of a solar farm, which powers the lodge. It's an intimate camp that focuses on solid game viewing (great Big Five sightings!) and good hosting. And, despite the fact that Tangala is one of 12 lodges on this mid-sized (14,000-hectare) reserve, the landscape feels satisfyingly uncrowded and authentically wild. Just a five-hour drive from Johannesburg, Tangala is an easy weekend getaway for locals, or a good option for international travellers looking for a well-rounded safari experience.

RockFig Safari Lodge is the product of a long romance, conceived over two decades. It is the expression of family's love affair with South Africa's Lowveld region, specifically the 530-square-kilometre Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on Kruger Park's western edge. The absence of fences separating this reserve from the national park means that wildlife roams freely between them, and that guests reap the rich rewards. You'll see all the Big Five here, including Timbavati's famed white lions. Round it all off with exceptional guides and superb staff to care for you in camp, and you have a thoroughly good safari.

It may take pride of place in Cape Town's Church Square, surrounded by the views that make the city famous, but it's the attention to detail that will make you fall in love with Labotessa. Beyond the hotel's 17th century facade, it has history woven into its design and you'll find a space infused with elegance, comfort and a feeling of homeliness quite unexpected in a hotel with such an aristocratic flair. Feature walls and intriguing artworks join forces with plush furniture and a tour-de-force of hospitality to create a hotel that leaves the word 'immaculate' hanging in the air - along with the scent of their fabulous all-day breakfast.

The award-winning Londolozi Private Granite Suites are the most exclusive suites in the prestigious Londolozi Collection and are part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio. They can be booked individually or as a private camp for six guests. Children under 16 are not allowed unless the camp is booked for exclusive use. The elegant suites incorporate Feng Shui in their decor and integrate seamlessly with the surroundings. They have large French doors and huge windows which open directly onto the Sand River, and private heated plunge pools. Game drives, bush walks and birdwatching will provide you with incredible wildlife experiences in this renowned game reserve that borders the Kruger National Park.

Morukuru Farm House is one of three luxury, exclusive-use lodges on a private property within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Marico River runs through the reserve, and super-stylish Farm House lies on its banks. The lodge's property is fenced, although non-threatening game species roam here, so it's the perfect destination if you're travelling with children. Indoors all is modern African contemporary – very chic but wonderfully homely. The owners and staff are extraordinarly friendly, and Madikwe, which can be explored at your leisure, is home to the Big Five and a host of other wildlife. You'll be back!

Thornybush Nature Reserve is an exclusive private reserve in one of South Africa’s finest game viewing regions. This part of the country has a number of conservation areas and private concessions alongside the famous Kruger National Park, which provides a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of wildlife. Waterbuck Game Lodge is tucked away in the southern part of Thornybush, and with just four lavish guest suites, it offers an intimate safari experience, and excellent game viewing. A highlight here is its position overlooking a permanent waterhole, which attracts a constant stream of wildlife, particularly during the dry winter months.

For a really romantic experience in the wild, book a night at Tinyeleti Treehouse. Set high up in the indigenous woodland overlooking the Sabie River in Lion Sands Reserve, this getaway sets the bar high. Lion Sands lies on the unfenced southern boundary of Kruger National Park, and the treehouse perches in an area known as one the busiest and most wildlife-dense in the country. Predators are especially prolific, with frequent leopard and lion sightings. But the real treat is the chance to break away from the clutter with your loved one, and to interact with nature at its purest.

Chalkley Treehouse is named for Guy Aubrey Chalkley, the early 20th-century hunter and African explorer who founded Lion Sands Game Reserve and famously climbed a leadwood to escape attack by predators. Built to echo the spirit of adventure shown by the reserve's founder, the treehouse is a private bush escape like no other. Not only is it on a level with the highest tier of trees, it's extremely luxurious and well-appointed. Lion Sands lies in the game-prolific Sabi Sand game reserve (which borders southern Kruger National Park), which means a truly wonderful setting for your wild and wonderful escape.

This intimate and service-focused lodge is set in a group of leadwood trees in the southeastern corner of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Overlooking the plains and a bustling waterhole frequented by elephants, zebra, giraffes and rhinos, Jamala Madikwe will indulge you with safari drives that bring you face to face with wild dogs, lion, cheetah, buffalo and a host of other species, excellent birdwatching and award-winning cuisine.

Leopard Mountain is a 5 Star, Multiple Award winning, Big 5, Family Run Safari Lodge situated in the 58 000 acre Manyoni Private Game Reserve. It is located high up in the hills and has spectacular views overlooking a vast area of unspoilt bush veld and riverine forests, from the river meandering below to the distant mountains. The sought after chef will prepare tantalizing meals for you while the picture perfect backdrop makes an intimate setting for a romantic wedding, honeymoon or a well deserved break. The lodge offers peace and tranquility with friendly hospitality.