Best hotels in South Africa

The Sani Valley Early Mist Lodges are some of the most recent lodges built on the waters edge with beautiful views of the Southern Drakensberg. Each lodge includes one main bedroom and one second bedroom with two single beds, an open-plan kitchen, lounge area and a private veranda with jacuzzi overlooking over the lake. Ideal for couples, small families and groups.

If you are looking for a luxury private lodge in the most magnificent setting that also caters to your ideal level of seclusion, then this is the place for you! Sani Valley Sunset Lodges consists of 3 beautifully decorated semi-detached one-bedroom units. Each en-suite unit has magnificent lake and Drakensberg mountain views from lounge, bedroom and private deck. There are two accommodation units downstairs and one unit upstairs.

Inkungu Lodge celebrates the glorious views of the Central Drakensberg mountain ranges, melting into the natural flora with indigenous gardens and a rimflow pool that reflects the changing moods and seasons of the Champagne Valley region. Inkungu means mist or cloud in Zulu, and the ongoing play of both of these around the riverine valleys and craggy slopes contributes to the mountain’s moody mystique.

Sani Valley's Bushman Lodge is a large 2 bedroom en-suite lodge exquisitely decorated in African themes with original African artifacts & embroideries. This unit has magnificent elevated views of the lake and Drakensberg mountains, including the balancing rocks which are well known in the Sani Pass area for their distinct look.

Khotso has been offering horse riding in the Southern Drakensberg for well over a decade and making this most incredible activity accessible to all intrepid travellers visiting this beautiful mountain range. The largest horse trails specialist in the area, guests are invited to this perfect basecamp both to explore and to unwind. Khotso is the only operator running regular and bespoke multi-day cross-border horseback expeditions into the untouched wilds of Lesotho, and they offer a range of unique accommodations.

Nestled in a vally upon the picturesque escarpment of the southeastern Drakensberg. Oaklands offers a tranquil retreat focused on communion with friends and family, home away from home comfort, spectacular farm-to-table dining and lots of time connecting to the wonderful environment within which the farm is situated.

Sani Valley Rainbow Lodge is the largest chalet at Sani Valley. It has 3 luxurious en-suite bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate up to six people. Ideal for families and groups

The Lakeside Lodges at Sani Valley offer exquisitely decorated, double story stand-alone accommodation units. You will have magnificent lake and Southern Drakensberg mountain views from the living area, bedroom and bathroom. Each Lakeside lodge ideally sleeps 2 people but does have a small nook behind the main bedroom with a double stack bed suitable for 2 children. Each unit boasts a private jacuzzi overlooking the lake which provides a real luxury feel and brings the outside in. Ideal for couples, small families and groups.

Old Furth Estate is close to The Midlands Meander. You’ll love the location, the high ceilings, the views and the ambience. The property is good for families (with older kids) and big groups. Spectacular scenery, many fabulous walking trails, waterfalls and indigenous forests; this is a working farm with Nguni cattle, Shire horses and forestry, plus farmyard animals such as dogs, cats, chickens and ducks. It is completely off-grid, so you can also add up those carbon-friendly credits. Take time to breathe & relax! This luxurious accommodation can provide you with some much needed leisure time. Enjoy the splendours of the beautiful Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, tour the sites, walk in the forest, hike Nhlosane mountain, eat pizza, read a book, take a long nap, swim in the dam, listen to the birds, watch the sunset and indulge in some much needed chill time..

Nestled deep in the heart of the lush and serene KwaZulu Natal Midlands, you will find the charming Rawdons Hotel and Country Estate, a haven for those who seek the peace and tranquility of this famous country retreat. Rawdons Hotel is a welcome haven for tourists, businesses, brides and weekenders offering splendid a la Carte, Table d’Hote and pub menus. The recently refurbished rooms decorated with a combination of prize antiques & all the mod-cons one expects in the city. The hotel also offers lawn tennis and quiet walking trails around the property. Clay shoots, ideal for team-building, wedding groups and something-different birthdays, can be arranged on a distant section of our vast estate. A thriving independent brewery delights visitors with a range of naturally brewed ales and lagers of outstanding quality. These brews can be enjoyed in the famous “The Boars Head Pub”, situated at Rawdons Hotel.

De Denne Country Guesthouse in Oudtshoorn is the perfect stop over halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth travelling on the Route 62. The Country Guest House is situated on a working ostrich and Alfalfa farm and offers tranquility, spectacular views and soul touching moments. Sunsets you will never find elsewhere and hospitality to make you feel at home. At De Denne Country Guesthouse all the suites enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding farmlands, majestic mountains and the well-kept garden. There are many activities including bird watching, scenic walks, stargazing, environmental and farm tours where you can experience the ostrich chicks hatching. De Denne Country Guesthouse is perfectly situated for a day visit to the surrounding towns of Prince Albert, Mossel Bay, Calitzdorp (The Port Capital) and Knysna. Perfect for romantic getaways or family fun time, with modern amenities and olde-world charm.

At the base of the lovely Tsitsikamma Mountains, alongside ancient rivers that make their way towards the Indian Ocean, lies the picturesque Forest Ferns Estate. Occupying a magnificent position that borders onto the Tsitsikamma National Park, it has enchanting views of the rugged coastline, river gorge, and surrounding plantations… the perfect spot to reacquaint yourself with nature and renew the harmony of your soul.

Wilderness Manor is an elegant and refined guest house overlooking the beautiful Wilderness Lagoon in the scenic village of Wilderness. Step out of the front door and cross the road onto the boardwalk for an easy and safe stroll to golden beaches, restaurants and village shops. This exquisitely decorated home has an ambience of tranquillity, style and luxury. Relax in the spacious guest lounge or reading lounge decorated in an African colonial style with oriental rugs, art and antiques. Enjoy superb views from the balconies overlooking the lagoon.

Mirtehof Guest Farm Estate invites you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Karoo in a 5-star luxury accommodation. This establishment’s unique location allows guests spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and a “farm” feel practically in the quaint hamlet of Prince Albert.

The luxurious 31-roomed Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is a graceful landmark, built in 1846, overlooking Santos Bay and the harbor. 20 min drive to the airport and halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Nestling on the Mossel Bay shoreline with the majestic Outeniqua mountains as a backdrop, the Protea Hotel Mossel Bay is singled out from other establishments.The stone walls and Mediterranean-style out-buildings belie the fact that the main building is one of the oldest in Mossel Bay and forms part of the Dias Museum Complex. Previously The Old Post Office Tree Manor Hotel, the Protea Hotel Mossel Bay, situated off Santos beach, could best be described as a hotel complex. It comprises of a breakfast patio with sea view, the Cafe Gannet Seafood Restaurant - "Mossel Bay's Seafood House", overlooking the Bay and Outeniqua Mountains. The Blue Oyster cocktail bar, adjacent to the pool, overlooks Santos Bay.