Hotels in South Africa | Timbuktu Travel

Naledi Bush Lodge

Balule

From $480 per person/night

Naledi Bush Lodge is set in the terrain that epitomises the Greater Kruger National Park. From this lodge’s high viewing deck, you’ll gaze across rugged bushveld to an elephant-enticing waterhole, and onward to the rose-gold foothills of the Transvaal Drakensberg (part of Southern Africa’s largest mountain range). The Bush Lodge experience is also multi-sensory, encompassing the subtle fragrances of the bushveld, the sensation of dappled African sunlight on one’s skin, and moments of deep silence punctuated only by bird calls. Bush Lodge offers just three suites, each located for optimal privacy.

Gorgeous George

City Bowl, Cape Town

32 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

Design Hotels™ says #hellogorgeous to Cape Town with its first South African property

If you are looking for the place where Cape Town’s cool cats hang out these days, this is it. Design Hotels™ has a knack for converting heritage buildings into a hip mash-up of old and new, and they have worked their magic once again with their South African debut - artfully repurposing an Art Deco and an Edwardian building in the city’s CBD to create a thoroughly modern hotel. You won’t find any African design clichés here - instead Gorgeous George offers an exciting platform for established and emerging South African artists and designers. The feature that really makes the hotel buzz, however, is its spectacular rooftop space.

Londolozi Founders Camp

Sabi Sands, South & West Sabi Sands

10 Rooms

From $2.1K per person/night

Looking for leopards? You'll find them here, and much more

Londolozi (a Zulu word meaning "protector of living things") is a private game reserve in the heart of the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, and is run by the Varty family, well known in the field of conservation pioneering. Of its five camps, child-friendly and elegantly comfortable Londolozi Founders is tucked beneath ancient ebony and matumi trees on the banks of the Sand River. Imagine waking to the evocative call of the African fish eagle before setting off on a private game drive to explore this enormous wilderness filled with the Big Five, especially cats, antelope, zebra and hundreds of birds.

Last Word Madikwe Bush House

Madikwe

6 Rooms

From $570 per person/night

Private farmhouse now lovingly transformed into an inviting bush lodge

The Bush House is a private lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa's best private game reserves. Initially an old farmhouse, it has been transformed into an inviting and relaxing residence. The house overlooks a beautiful waterhole that attracts fantastic game and has an underground hide next to the waterhole which provides close-up views of the wildlife. The lodge is fenced making it ideal for families. As an owner- managed establishment, the informal style, intimate ambience and attentive staff will make you feel welcome, relaxed and part of the family.

Scallop Guest Lodge

Plettenberg Bay

5 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

Conran-inspired chic at this boutique guest house on the Garden Route

Scallop Lodge is a small bed and breakfast getaway in a peaceful part of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s most popular holiday spots along the Garden Route. Five individually decorated rooms provide a luxurious base from which to explore the beautiful beaches, nature reserves and lively village centre just a short distance away. With its comfortable homely feel, modern decor and relaxing holiday atmosphere, Scallop Lodge is perfect for couples, or a group of friends or family travelling together, as it can be booked exclusively as a sole-use villa.

Cavers Guest House

Cradock, Eastern Cape

4 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Old-school hospitality at this historic homestead in the Karoo

Sheathed in ivy and ringed by the loveliest of green gardens, Cavers Guest House is a monument to a very grand past. If these walls could talk, they would speak of cricket on the pitch, traditional Sunday lunches and lush afternoon teas – but they would also tell of drought and hardship. This fifth-generation family-owned farmhouse, lying outside the sleepy Karoo town of Bedford, has real historic charm. You'll find refinement in the 1840's stone manor house and thatched garden cottage, and the gardens, and have a chance to investigate this working farm, with merino sheep, angora goats and cattle.

Leobo Private Reserve

Waterberg

14 Rooms

From $1.8K per person/night

One of the most stunning private safari houses in Africa.

The award winning ‘Observatory Bush Villa’ is an architectural masterpiece and one of Africa's most stunning safari houses. Designed by inventive architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the villa and adjascent lodge are completely exclusive-use and ideal for couples, families or small groups. This remarkable house has breathtaking views and is the ultimate in luxury. It is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, an infinity pool and a Jacuzzi on the roof. A fireplace, braai area and a comfortable lounge make relaxing in luxury easy. The automated Observatory is perfect for stargazing. Thermal imaging equipment is provided to facilitate night-time game viewing.

Walkers Bush Villa

Timbavati

4 Rooms

From $1K per person/night

Experience exclusivity on a grand scale in the wilds of the Timbavati

The Timbavati (known for its rare white lions) is surely one of South Africa's most well-known and best-loved private game reserves. With unfenced boundaries linking it to neighbouring Kruger National Park and Thornybush Reserve, it provides some of the best game viewing in the country. Walkers Bush Villa is the latest addition to the reserve's 15 or so lodges – and it's possibly the smartest. Despite its proximity to the main gate, there's plenty of game around, including the Big Five. But really, it's the standard of luxury that sets this villa apart. This could be safari at its finest...

Royal Ingwe River Lodge

Balule

From $690 per person/night

As dawn crescendos with birdsong, the morning sun awakens Earth’s creatures – big and small – that await you on game drives, guided walking safaris and private bird hide excursions. As you immerse yourself in Africa’s wilderness, each moment becomes a life-defining experience. Come nightfall, nature serenades you beneath its celestial canopy.

Radisson RED Cape Town

Waterfront, Cape Town

252 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Art meets 21st-century technology at Cape Town's most vibrant hotel.

The owners of the Radisson RED chain of hotels don't believe in beige or bland. Instead, at their newest location on Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, you'll find a super-swish inn with bold colours, millennial-style customer satisfaction controlled via an app, and unique city chic. Modern rooms, a stunning rooftop terrace and jaw-dropping views are a given, and guests can expect excitement and unique, edgy luxuries during their stay. There's nothing stuffy about the location either. Here, you can explore the vibey Waterfront, the trendy Silo District and new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. And there's plenty more!

Avondrood Guest House

The Franschhoek Valley

8 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Charming Victorian Cape Dutch-style comfort in picturesque Franschhoek

Avondrood Guest House is nestled amidst the beautiful mountains and vineyards of the Cape Winelands, conveniently located within walking distance of the village centre of Franschhoek, one of South Africa’s oldest towns and a renowned gourmet capital. The charming, well-maintained Victorian Cape Dutch-style house was built in 1870 and is now a local heritage site. Many original details remain, but the building has been tastefully renovated to include modern-day comforts. It's a romantic and deeply comfortable getaway, with a lush, secluded 2,000-square-metre garden with a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Londolozi Tree Camp

Sabi Sands, South & West Sabi Sands

6 Rooms

From $3K per person/night

Elegant, sophisticated and dreamy bush escape in prime wildlife area

In the central region of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, spanning the western border of the Kruger National Park, well-known wildlife conservationist brothers Dave and John Varty have created Londolozi Tree Camp - a lodge oozing African bushveld romance amidst the thrill of Big Five encounters. The Londolozi name has become synonymous with sophistication, and Tree Camp, with its enchanting wooden platforms built into a leadwood tree canopy, is a refined sanctuary in the heart of the wilderness. With a prime site overlooking the Sand river, this camp's views are exceptional, with service to match.

Tamodi Lodge & Stables

Plettenberg Bay

4 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

Leafy trails and horseriding at this forest-surrounded Garden Route retreat

Tamodi Lodge is a small family-owned and -run bed-and-breakfast retreat on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s most popular Garden Route beauty spots. The lodge lies in a nature conservancy, and is surrounded by indigenous forests and lush valleys ringed by the ancient Outeniqua Mountains. The lodge is known for its horseriding (there are private stables on-site) and the network of trails that wind through the forests. It's an intimate guest lodge, well suited to couples looking for privacy and romance in a natural setting, with the buzz of Plettenberg Bay a few minutes' drive away.

Tomo Safari Lodge

Balule

9 Rooms

From $480 per person/night

Where traditional charm meets untamed wilderness on Kruger's doorstep.

Nestled within the open system of one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife havens, this charming lodge offers an unexpectedly accessible wilderness experience. Despite being a stone's throw from civilization, you'll feel worlds away from the artificial glow and bustle of modern life. With 7,000 hectares of diverse terrain to explore—from lush bushveld and expansive dams to dry riverbeds and sweeping plains—the stage is perfectly set for extraordinary wildlife encounters. The twice-daily game drives, led by rangers who know every inch of this wild paradise, reveal the magic of the African bush in all its untamed glory.

Biyela Lodge

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

From $540 per person/night

Biyela Lodge is named after local chief, Phlwayinkesi Biyela, a descendent of King Shaka. It is built into the hillside, perfectly positioned to maximise the sweeping views of the imposing plain of the White iMfolozi River below. Biyela Lodge consists of 12 luxury standalone suites all with their own private deck and most with their own private pool. Each suite provides unmatched views of the wildlife that traverse daily down to the river. The lodge is an oasis of privacy and eco-luxury. mFulaWozi and surrounds are home to a rich diversity of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Black & Southern White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Other intriguing species you can encounter, include skilled hunting packs of African Wild Dog, curious Honey Badgers, cheeky and daring Spotted Hyena, graceful Giraffe, Nile Crocodiles faking somnambulance in the sun, and scurrying mongooses. As one of the last havens of large numbers of ungulates and the predators they support, this Big 5 game reserve is one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa.

Lawhill Luxury Apartments

Waterfront, Cape Town

30 Rooms

From $230 per person/night

Glossy and packed with style, Lawhill makes for a worthy abode in the Mother City.

Just a stone's throw from the gleaming V&A Waterfront, Lawhill Luxury Apartments are seated along the canal of a private estate. There are 30 pristine apartments to choose from starting with one-bedrooms and going up to top-tier penthouses - and each has a balcony with a view. The property is well-attended and has plenty of features to make your stay a breeze including a 24-hour concierge, laundry facilities and secure basement parking. From the estate's central location, it's more than easy to head out on a day of exploring to nearby gems like the Two Oceans Aquarium and Cape Town's many 5-star restaurants.

Farm Stay at Rickety Bridge

The Franschhoek Valley

10 Rooms

From $90 per person/night

Dreaming of a Cape Dutch getaway in Franschhoek's emerald winelands?

Rickety Bridge Estate sits where the Franschhoek River meets the slopes of Dassenberg Mountain, a place shaped by centuries of careful hands and quiet dedication. Dating back to 1855, the building's original Huguenot style has been faithfully restored, with a blend of traditional Cape country living and modern facilities offering the sort of comfort you dream about. The Farm Stay consist of Homestead, Jonkershuis, and Cottage which are three beautifully restored heritage buildings with ten elegant guest rooms. This beautiful estate has rolling lawns dotted with centuries-old oak trees overlooking the vineyards, with the dramatic ridge of the Franschhoek Mountains as the backdrop.

Mala Mala Rattray's

Sabi Sands, South & West Sabi Sands

8 Rooms

From $2.7K per person/night

A safari stalwart in the action-packed Sabi Sands that's refined inside and wild outside.

Mala Mala Private Game Reserve is sandwiched between two of South Africa's most revered big game protected areas—the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. There may be borders, but they are fluid to say the least and wildlife roams freely between the Big Five hotspots. Rattray's Mala Mala is a beautiful safari lodge where the wilderness meets a sense of refinement. The subtle colonial theme nods to the days of the early explorers in Africa and whilst it has the feel, comfort and structure of a hotel, the views and wildlife unmistakably belong to one of the top safari spots on the continent.

Molori Safari Lodge

Madikwe

5 Rooms

From $1.6K per person/night

Modern luxury and an all-round fabulous safari experience on the Eastern side of Madikwe.

Four-hour's drive north of Johannesburg on the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest Big Five reserves that also offers a chance to see wild dog and cheetah. Molori Safari Lodge is set on thorn-scrub hillside with views across the valley toward the Dwarsberg Mountains, and the landscape is as beautiful and dynamic as the wildlife. But what really sets Molori apart is the fantastic attention to detail. From the wakeup calls by your private butler, to creative, personally-tailored meals, and star-gazing safaris in the evening, Molori has artfully integrated high-end hospitality with traditional touches to create the creme de la creme of safari.

Fairview The Crags

Plettenberg Bay

3 Rooms

From $140 per person/night

A homely, family cottage with views to die for

Nestled between Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley is Fairview at the Crags. Owned and run by the historic Rattray family, the quaint house and cottage are located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Keurbooms indigenous forest as well as several mountain ranges. It's the ideal coastal getaway for families and small groups, and there are whale watching opportunities and lovely forest walks a mere 10 minute drive away. Make a day of it and spend a few hours doing both. There's also a couple of spectacular golf courses if you want to practice your swing and become a pro. Or simply relax in the beautiful fynbos garden and enjoy this magnificent part of South Africa.

Inzolo Lodge

Sidbury, Eastern Cape

4 Rooms

From $860 per person/night

A clifftop refuge where dramatic landscapes backdrop sophisticated lounging.

Tucked into a secluded valley and surrounded by imposing rock formations that look like they've been carved by particularly artistic giants, this intimate lodge proves that sometimes the best seats in the house are the ones with the most dramatic views. With just four suites positioned to capture every nuance of the valley's natural theatre, Inzolo offers the kind of exclusivity that makes you feel rather like you've discovered your own private corner of Africa. The stone-clad architecture pays proper homage to the rugged cliffs that frame the property, whilst the thatched roofs add a touch of traditional elegance that somehow makes the whole ensemble look like it's grown naturally from the landscape itself.

Jamila Game Lodge

Waterberg

5 Rooms

From $450 per person/night

Diverse wilderness in South Africa's northern reaches.

This lodge is currently closed until further notice Set on the diverse Waterberg plateau, Jamila Game Lodge is in the northern section of the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. The area, with its rugged ravines and wooded mountains, is beautiful and home to a rich variety of species, including 50 different mammals. Its proximity to Johannesburg (a mere three and a half hour drive) makes it particularly attractive to guests budgeting their time, but despite its relatively easy access, the region, as well as the lodge, have an authentic bush feel. And, with a total capacity of ten guests, you'll feel perfectly private and incredibly well looked after. Magic.

Walkersons Hotel & Spa

Dullstroom

27 Rooms

From $290 per person/night

Cozy living and casual country pursuits.

If life's been frenzied and you're desperate for some downtime, Walkersons is the ideal spot to recover your mojo. Set among South Africa's misty highlands east of Johannesburg, this rambling country manor has for decades offered a rural refuge for travellers, anglers and hikers, or lovers of the slow lane. The mood is calm, the estate is large and intriguing, and the fireside armchairs are deep and inviting. The rooms are well-furnished, the menu is indulgent (there's nothing quite like fresh-caught trout, cooked to perfection), and there's an extensive cellar of South African wines. Come here to catch your breath.

Khanya Conservation Camp

Balule

From $330 per person/night

Nestled within the heart of the Balule North Reserve, Khanya Conservation Camp epitomizes the enduring charm of an authentic safari experience. Surrounded by the Greater Kruger’s Big 5 territory, this rustic-tented retreat beckons those seeking the essence of a classic safari amidst the untamed beauty of the African wilderness. Crafted for friends, families, and wilderness conservation enthusiasts, Khanya Conservation Camp strategically positions itself amid dense mopane woodlands, offering an immersive and genuine safari adventure. Embrace a rugged outdoor lifestyle beneath the sprawling African skies, revelling in uncompromised comfort.

Zulu Nyala Game Lodge

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi

Relax in the comfort of your beautifully appointed room, bask by the poolside in the African sun or enjoy a game-drive on the Reserve, then top off the day with refreshing cocktails from the comfort of the lodge’s balcony as a legendary African sunset unfolds. The spa and gym face onto the Reserve offering further relaxation and the opportunity to exercise during your stay.