Best hotels in South Africa

Tucked under the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru tree on the banks of the Marico River in the Madikwe Game Reserve, lies this perfectly decadent, ultra-luxurious home. Ideal for honeymooners, couples or a small family, Owner’s House has two huge en-suite bedrooms surrounded by decks and shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Your own private butler, chef, game ranger and nanny will ensure that your family’s every whim is catered for. Morukuru invites you to do whatever you want, whenever you want, making this the ultimate tailored safari holiday experience.

Relaxed King's Camp gives you a real sense that you've travelled not only to another place, but to a more elegant era. There are just a few bungalows, all beautifully furnished, and the books, old cameras, typewriters and silver that are used in the decor throughout give a Downton Abbey touch. The lodge overlooks a watering hole that draws a steady stream of animals, so you can breakfast while watching elephants and their skittish young at the water's edge below. Your surroundings? The famed Timbavati Private Game Reserve, home to the Big Five, the small creatures and much more.

Tuningi Safari Lodge is one of the few ultra luxurious camps created with families in mind. A maximum of sixteen guests can be accommodated in the wonderfully spacious rooms and suites, which are split between the main area and the smaller and totally private Little Tuningi for optimum exclusivity. Traditional safari style flows throughout the camps – the use of natural materials, chunky timber furnishings, thatched roofs and exposed beams blend perfectly with the rugged landscape. The lodge is situated in a private section of the vast Madikwe Game Reserve, and this region is renowned for its exciting game viewing.

Set in the Waterfall (Waterval) Valley, dramatically ringed by the flat-topped Waterberg escarpment, Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious, Scandinavian-sleek safari destination that sets the bar. There are just five elegant, modern suites, serviced by a small team of extremely capable staff and guides. With sweet savanna grasslands, sour veld, and riverine forests, the varied habitats sustain wildlife that ranges from all of the Big Five, to cheetah, bat-eared fox, hyena and giraffe, and the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures: around 800 breeding pairs. It's wild, it's super-stylish, and it's well worth a visit.

Ngala means 'lion' in Shangaan, the traditional language of the local people, and it's an apt name for this beautiful lodge set in the heart of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, known for sightings of the Big Five, wild dogs and a host more species. Decorated in chic minimalist style, Ngala Safari Lodge is an exclusive destination sheltered by spreading mopane and tamboti trees beside a well-frequented waterhole. The lodge and its sister tented camp are perfectly placed to explore this wild region adjacent to Kruger National Park. Experience excitement, Africa-style, on game drives and walking safaris.

The newly founded Leeu Collection is taking the Winelands by storm, and we can see why. Inside the walls of Leeu Estates, just outside Franschhoek, you'll find decadent accommodation in a selection of pretty cottages and elegant houses, top-notch fine-dining and an impressive art collection, all surrounded by stunning gardens and overlooked by the towering Dassenberg Mountains. And that's not all - there's an award-winning spa, heated infinity pool and contemporary wine tasting studio and, if you can drag yourself away, complimentary transfers into nearby Franschhoek village. We can't think of much else that would make it better...

This private lodge within the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers superb accommodation and fantastic year-round game viewing - it's not unusual to encounter all of the Big Five in one game drive. An easy blend of luxurious under-canvas and thatched suites set within lush gardens gives the feel of safaris of days gone by, with modern touches adding a contemporary edge throughout. Top notch hospitality and knowledgeable guides ensure that your safari experience will be remembered for all the right reasons. Whether you're planning a special family safari or a romantic breakaway, Savanna Lodge is a classy choice.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one of the best known private reserves in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, and tucked away in a secluded part of the rolling landscape is Riverdene Family Lodge. The elegantly-restored homestead is surrounded by manicured gardens, and views of the scenic Bushman’s River Valley are beautiful. As the name suggests, Riverdene is geared toward families and there's plenty of space for kids to play out on the (fully-fenced) lawns, and an epic "Kids on Safari" program. Game viewing is excellent, in particular cheetah and black and white rhino, and there’s the opportunity to visit the wildlife rehabilitation centre for something a bit different.

Keeping things simple, professional and classy, DaVinci Hotel & Suites offer travellers a consistent go-to in the greater Johannesburg metro area. Located in Nelson Mandela Square, a half-hour train ride from O.R. Tambo International, it's the perfect option for businessmen, travellers en route to region's more remote areas, or anyone in need of a good night's rest and reliable service. With excellent restaurants and exclusive shopping just an easy stroll from its front doors, there are several urban attractions nearby. Touted as four-star, the hotel's amiable staff and meticulous attention to detail push it all the way to the top.

To the west of Kruger National Park is a lovely, and world-famous, private reserve. Its landscape is dominated by undulating acacia scrub, several seasonal rivers and streams, and animals that roam freely across the unfenced border with Kruger. The reserve is Timbavati, of white lion fame, and home to Kambaku River Sands. This luxury lodge, named for a famous (now sadly dead) elephant known for its huge tusks, sprawls along a dry riverbed with superb views of the bushveld and its animals. You'll see the Big Five here, and much, much more besides. No wonder we love it so...

The Mount Nelson is an iconic landmark in the fashionable Gardens district, and is one of Cape Town’s favourite luxury hotels. The splendid entrance driveway lined with magnificent palm trees sets the scene for the colonial grandeur of the hotel itself, which oozes old-fashioned maritime style and traditional high society flair. With almost 200 rooms to choose from, this resort is a vintage gem with something for everyone, capturing the romance of days gone but sympathetically updated to include all the mod cons. A peaceful retreat just a short stroll from buzzing Kloof Street and the downtown city scene.