Best hotels in South Africa

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.

When Singita's founder, Luke Bailes, started out, he might not have known that his own grandfather's family home will eventually be converted into a spectacular lodge. But because this beautiful, lived-in farmhouse now hosts paying guests, a small number of travellers get to experience this private game reserve as a 'member of the family'. The 45 000 acres are explored exclusively by Singita, and private game drives create the feeling of truly living here, and not just visiting. Visits to the community makes this a safari lodge entirely integrated with its surroundings.

Overlooking the thorn-thicketed and grassland valley in the western Madikwe Game Reserve, Buffalo Ridge is a pretty perch indeed. It is in fact the first wholly-owned, community-based lodge to be developed in South Africa and when you're back at base, there's a homely atmosphere that's hard to beat. More broadly, this region of northern South Africa represents an important transition zone between the Kalahari thronveld and lowveld bushveld and there's a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah, hyena and wild dog, to be spotted. It's also only a four-hour drive from Johannesburg (or a fifty-minute flight) and completely malaria-free, making it a great choice for an easy jaunt into the bush.

Perched at the top of its own little world in the Maseke Game Reserve, this intimate five-star lodge enjoys some of the most commanding views in the Greater Kruger. The unfenced borders with the national park mean that wildlife wanders freely across more than 11,000 hectares of wilderness, including a riverfront traverse along the Olifants River where big cats come to drink and hippos bask in the shallows. The motto here is I matutu vana va tavasi – Tsonga for 'it is plenty', and the emphasis is on quality over quantity – exceptional guiding, beautifully considered design, and the kind of personal attention that larger lodges struggle to replicate. Wildlife wanders freely through camp, and the elevated position means sundowners come with views that stretch all the way to the Drakensberg.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Nestled in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Amaya Safari Lodge is a sanctuary for those seeking the wild’s rhythm in quiet luxury. With just eight guests, enjoy an intimate experience with safari game drives and evening fireside chats amid Africa’s untamed beauty.

Nestled in the tranquil setting of Greater Kruger National Park, Tulani Boutique offers unbridled luxury to every stay. The Boutique lodge offers an all inclusive escape for up to 8 guests. Designed with both comfort and character in mind, the lodge combines contemporary finishes with warm, inviting areas to create a truly relaxing atmosphere.

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.

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 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.