Best hotels in South Africa

This luxurious lodge is located in the game-rich Sabi Sand Reserve in the northeastern corner of South Africa. Built around the enormous boulder for which it is named, the lodge lies on the banks of the Sand River. No expense has been spared here: the lodge has been sympathetically built of wood, stone and thatch to blend with the environment, and incorporates modern and traditional influences in its design. It's a wonderful place to enjoy excellent service, accommodation, food, views and, most of all, diverse wildlife. Meet the stars of the show, the Big Five, particularly leopard.

Morukuru River House, one of three exclusive-use lodges in the Morukuru collection, lies apart from its counterparts in a private area within the large Madikwe Game Reserve. It has its own distinctive style (read glamorous, chic and super-comfortable), own safari vehicles, staff and attractions. River House lies on the banks of the Marico River, and the sounds of the water bubbling past are soporific – you'll sleep like a baby. This is Big Five country, and your private ranger knows the bushveld and its occupants like the back of his hand.

A vlei is a natural pool of water, and this small and intimate lodge located centrally in the Phinda Private Game Reserve stands on the edge of a wetland. Nearby is a sand forest, an increasingly rare ecosystem. Animal viewing is constant, birding is varied and rewarding (look out for the pretty narina trogon), and the stilted lodge provides pampering comfort, good food, smiley staff, knowledgeable guides and lush accommodation. The wildlife ranges from the largest to the smallest, but the star of the show is definitely cheetah, which were reintroduced to the reserve after an absence of 50-odd years.

At Africa's southern tip, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet in a churning embrace, is a coastline edged with ancient mountains and rolling hills of fynbos. And that's the sight that greets visitors to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a 2500-hectare preserve of unsullied milkwood trees and indigenous flora, with sweeping views across Walker Bay. Grootbos Villa is one of three places to stay in the reserve. Completely private, its six elegant suites sleep up to 12 guests. So if you're looking for a family getaway that offers unadulterated luxury, with your own guide, chef and butler, you've found it!

Hamiltons Tented Camp overlooks the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River, within one of the original private concessions in the western Kruger Park. This unique camp harks back to turn-of-the-century colonial safaris, and gets the balance of vintage elegance and modern comforts just right. Predator sightings are a feature in this region, with excellent all-round game viewing across scenically diverse landscapes. Guided bush walks, plus special treats like champagne breakfasts, bush dinners and spa treatments offer a well rounded safari experience with fine hospitality and a generous helping of luxury.

A tranquil mountain hideaway with a colonial air, Camp Figtree lies the folds of the Zuurberg mountains and overlooks Addo Elephant National Park, home to the world's highest density of elephants. This pretty setting allows for a dynamic experience of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, with its highly underrated wilderness areas – and no concerns about malaria. With refined hospitality, great cuisine, rooms with every comfort, big views, and flawless attention to detail, Camp Fig Tree is a treat-yourself destination that will not disappoint.