Best hotels in South Africa

The first of the Singita lodges, Ebony lies beneath spreading jackalberry trees on the banks of the Sand River, the perennial waterway that flows through Singita Private Game Reserve within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve. The lodge has recently been revamped, but the welcoming atmosphere of a place where people have a real love of Africa's wild spaces remains. Here, colonial comfort meets Afro-chic to create a super-comfortable wilderness sanctuary. The reserve area is a game-lover's paradise, with excellent Big Five sightings and a pack of 20-odd rare wild dogs. There are regular birding tours.

21 Nettleton is undoubtedly one of the city’s most luxurious abodes. Set high on the slopes of Clifton, a glitzy, residential beach suburb, it's an intimate private mansion with just five opulent suites and a stunning Presidential Penthouse. The setting is absolutely breath-taking: the beautiful gardens have a towering backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, and the views at the front look out over palm-fringed beaches and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The owner also lives here, so personal attention is guaranteed, yet it offers absolute privacy and seclusion - and all the attractions of Cape Town are on your doorstep.

Ulusaba Rock Lodge will be closed for an exciting refurbishment from 26 January 2026 and reopening on 31 March 2027.

Ulusaba Rock Lodge is situated in the exclusive Sabi Sand Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park. It is owned by Sir Richard Branson, so you can be assured that you are in for a special experience. Built high on a hilltop, this extra-ordinary child-friendly lodge offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the bushveld and the roaming wildlife below. Ulusaba offers great hospitality and amazing cuisine. There are just ten rooms, ensuring an intimate experience. The lodge's design reflects African tribal influences and style. There are two game drives a day where you can enjoy Sabi Sabi's incredible game-viewing experiences.

Impodimo Game Lodge is perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the stunning bushveld landscape of Madikwe Private Game Reserve. The property, which traces Botswana's southern border, boasts diverse terrain, from expansive grasslands, to sloping mountains and rocky outcrops. The wildlife is similarly diverse with all of the Big Five, plus cheetah and good numbers of wild dogs. Impodimo's homely grounds offer supreme privacy and luxury; it is also uniquely equipped for families traveling with young children (it also happens to be malaria-free), with a menu of child-centered activities to keep the kiddies busy.

The famous Mala Mala Game Reserve is connected to two of South Africa's most game-rich reserves by unfenced borders. The wildlife in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve roams freely between these great wilderness areas. The lodge itself is smaller and more intimate compared to other nearby Mala Mala camps. Its elevated position grants views across the lazy Sand River and game viewing is often done from the comfort of the deck—G&T in hand. Unless it's a private group, there will never be more than 14 guests at the camp at one time. Guests are therefore free to simply take in the wilderness around them.

Built around a 200-year-old Jackalberry tree, right on the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Tinga Lodge is tucked away in the Lion Sands Game Reserve in the infamous Greater Kruger National Park - an area known for its breathtaking bushveld flora and fauna. Falling inside the bounds of the Greater Kruger National Park, the reserve is one of the oldest private reserves in South Africa, and a pristine natural environment known for its spectacular wildlife sightings. Slow down and unwind in a romantic bubble of bush and natural beauty; a perfect escape.

Tucked away in Franschhoek, just off the main road, is La Rive, a tranquil haven in this fair heart of the Cape Winelands. The thatched villa marries colonial English and traditional Dutch/Afrikaans heritage beautifully in its design, with all mod cons for convenience. The warm and homely atmosphere, large and lovely interiors – and 5 bedrooms – make this the perfect retreat for a family or group of friends. For the duration of your stay, the villa, its gardens and pool (perfect for lazy dips after wine-tasting tours) and staff are for your sole use. Welcome to the Winelands!

Quatermain’s 1920s Safari Camp is a delightfully authentic recreation of the adventurous safaris made famous by the fictitious and intrepid explorer, Allan Quatermain, more than a century ago. The camp itself has just three tents, so it’s an intimate setting, and a good choice if you’re looking for a true bush experience far from present day intrusions. Situated within the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, Quatermain’s is a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot just like the olden-day explorers would have done, with the welcome modern option of guided game drives.

The stylish, intimate and comfortable Akademie Street Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse is situated on a leafy road in Franschhoek, one of the most stunning valleys in the world, and the food and wine capital of South Africa. With just six unique cottages and suites set on a beautiful property, you can be assured of personalised service from the family-owned and managed, five-star, luxury guest house and boutique hotel, rated the best small hotel and the best luxury hotel in the world on Tripadvisor.com. This is the ideal place to relax in luxury, while still enjoying the home-away-from home feeling.

The southern Sabi Sand is leopard country, and very little stands between it and the Kruger (the borders here are unfenced, so the animals wander as they please). On the banks of the seasonal Sand River sits Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside, an owner-run camp that does something rare: it keeps the price sensible without skimping on the game. Elephants, buffalo and hippo amble past camp between drives, often while you're mid-length in the pool. Although, a tripwire keeps the larger visitors at a polite distance so parents can rest easy. It's honest, unshowy, and right in the thick of it.