Best hotels in South Africa

Marataba Lodge offers a super-luxurious safari experience within an exclusive private concession in the Marakele National Park. This vast wilderness area spans a staggering 75,000 hectares of spectacular terrain at the far western range of the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province—an easy four-hour drive from Johannesburg. A private airstrip offers a fly-in option. Renowned for superb game viewing, this malaria-free Big 5 reserve covers some of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, with soaring mountain ranges, wide stretches of savanna, dense indigenous forests and permanent waterways.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse nestles in the beautiful Kamberg region of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, set on 202 hectares of rolling hills at the foot of the Drakensberg mountains. It is owned and run by Richard and Mouse Poynton, whose many years of experience, passion for cooking and flair for ingenuity have created a rare experience in this serene mountain setting. You'll be welcomed warmly, stay in idyllic accommodation, walk in the mountains, wallow in the silence far from traffic and meetings, enjoy seven-course dinners and be pampered in the spa. Just gaze at the view and feel the tension dissolve.

A hidden gem in the heart of Robertson town (located on South Africa's famous Route 62), the Robertson Small Hotel is fabulous in every sense of the word. Housed in a beautiful Victorian manor house straight from the pages of a storybook, there are various rooms scattered throughout the gardens, the majority of which overlook aquamarine swimming pools. Inside, the decor wonderfully personal and immaculately thought out - think fynbos-inspired linens, whacky artworks by Cape Townian artist Michael Taylor and stunning signature pieces that will make you want to unpack your suitcase and move right in.

Serondella Game Lodge, one of 12 lodges in the Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection, lies within the 14,000-hectare Thornybush Private Game Reserve. A mere four suites accommodating a maximum of eight guests give Serondella a highly exclusive edge, while the pool and boma make it a great destination for a small group or a family. There are other plusses too – the near-perfect climate year round means you can visit at any time; its proximity to Johannesburg (it's an easy five-hour drive); and now that the fences between Thornybush and neighbouring Kruger have been removed, great sightings are almost guaranteed!

Tintswalo Manor House on the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River is the perfect choice for families or a group of friends travelling together. Situated within the Manyeleti concession which borders the Greater Kruger Park, guests can look forward to world class game viewing in this exclusive private reserve. This home-style safari villa is fully catered for up to ten guests, with dedicated staff and its own game viewing vehicle, so you'll have total flexibility when planning your adventures. Understated luxury and plenty of space makes you feel completely at home, right from the start.

The Karongwe Game Reserve in Limpopo is blessed with a rich abundance of birds and wildlife, thanks to the four rivers that give life to its 21 000 acres of dense vegetation. A perfect habitat for Africa's big cat species, Chisomo Safari camp is tucked away in thick bush, with a series of spacious canvas tents overlooking the Makhutsi River. Warm and inviting Chisomo takes camping to another level, with charming tents on stilts and an atmospheric outdoor boma with a 'braai'. Its prime location near the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon is an added bonus.

A three-hour drive from Cape Town, through some of most picturesque winelands imaginable, the brand-new Morukuru Beach Lodge lies in the 36,000-hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve, a pristine coastal fynbos region with World Heritage Site status. Not only is this unique region near South Africa's southernmost tip of Cape Agulhas, it's also one of the best places to see southern right whales (from July to Sept). The artfully constructed ecolodge is a sprawl of glass and natural rocks, capitalising on the scenery: limestone cliffs, secluded bays, and fynbos-shrouded white dunes. Expect African wildlife (marine and terrestrial), and a private beach.

Perched atop terracotta cliffs in the tree-laden heart of Lapalala Game Reserve, the freshly-minted Noka Camp is a haven of conservation. The lodge is 100% solar-powered and has been built on small concrete pads to ensure no marks are left on their piece of the Waterberg. And bonus, this has had no effect on the aesthetics so expect gorgeous interiors and every comfort you could ask for. Noka Camp is bespoke in every sense of the word, and with an award-winning architect at the helm and hand-crafted items from the local community, every corner of the camp is a delight.

Stay at the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel and home is a classically beautiful Victorianised farmhouse that was declared a National Monument in 1984 – and for good reason. With a sweeping whitewashed façade, pretty tiled floor and grand Romeo-and-Juliet-style balconies, you can’t fail to be impressed as you meander up the pathway from the main street. Neighbourhood-wise, this is Cape Town at its trendiest best; kooky Kloof Street is around the corner while the bars and cafes of Tamboerskloof are just up the hill. If any hotel deserves the title of ‘best kept secret’ it’s the Cape Cadogan…