Best hotels in South Africa

Kapama River lodge is tucked away in the Kapama Private Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. A large scale, high-end affair, beautifully positioned for picturesque views across the seasonal waters of the Kapama River, it's a well-oiled machine, with the air of a city hotel yet all the benefits of its untouched wilderness setting. Enjoy relaxing at the spa, indulging in the wine cellar, or exploring the untamed surrounds either by open-top Land Cruiser or on foot. With a local guide and lady luck on your side, encountering numerous species and the Big Five is a real possibility, no matter what time of year you visit.

Set just metres from the sea, five-star Morukuru Ocean House is the perfect getaway retreat for a family wanting its own private slice of the wildly beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve itself is one of the Western Cape's most beloved wilderness areas, and the villa – well, it's five-star fabulous, with sleek accommodation (it sleeps 12), amazing views, outstanding service and top-class meals prepared by your private chef. There's plenty to do – take a guided, insightful marine walk, explore the dunes and rock pools and, between July and November, watch the whales and their calves.

Tintswalo Atlantic is tucked away by the ocean at the foot of a winding private driveway below the famous Chapman’s Peak. Sheltered in a pebbled cove in Table Mountain National Park, Tintswalo looks out across Hout Bay, just a few minutes’ drive from this lively harbour town, yet feels remote and secluded. This boutique hotel is an opulent tribute to its stunning natural surroundings, skilfully crafted from timber and glass to make the most of its spectacular coastal setting. Ten suites, plus a vast hillside double suite, offer lavish accommodation in a beautiful spot within easy reach of Cape Town and its endless attractions.

Tucked down a leafy cul-de-sac, just off Cape Town's famously buzzy Kloof Street, this collection of six beautifully-restored cottages and apartments is the kind of place you want to keep to yourself. With buildings dating back to the late 1870s, the décor is all about custom wallpapers, chandeliers and Cape Colonial colour palettes, with a good dollop of added South African warmth. There's no reception desk, no communal lobby and no fuss; just a dedicated concierge, impeccable finishing touches and a front door that opens onto one of the Mother City's best-fed neighbourhoods. Table Mountain looms above, Camps Bay's beaches are a quick drive away, and breakfast is a one-minute stroll to the end of the street.

Tucked within a boutique estate that's devoted entirely to the art of Cap Classique, this exclusive-use villa puts you in the heart of Franschhoek with your own chef, butler, and very generous pours of some of South Africa's finest bubbles. Award-winning designer Etienne Hanekom has worked his magic on the interiors, and the result is a refined sanctuary that feels every bit as polished as the wines in the cellar. Blending sessions, vineyard picnics, and helicopter flights are all on the cards – though simply sinking into the heated pool with a glass of Blanc de Blancs works too.

Poised on the crest of a mountain in Phinda Private Game Reserve is &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, a lovely construction of stone, thatch and wood tucked between the trees. You'll be lost in the views from both the communal areas and your private suite – the Zululand bushveld and Ubombo mountain range are wild and gorgeous. One of just six lodges in this 28 555-hectare reserve, Phinda Mountain Lodge is not cheap, but it's worth every cent for the lovely accommodation, attention to detail, great staff, exceptional rangers and the chance to see hundreds of animals in their natural environment.

As sleek, stylish and eminently cool as a James Bond villain’s hideaway, Birkenhead House is the ultimate Cape escape. Perched high on a cliff just outside Hermanus, the country’s whale-watching hotspot, this boutique bolthole is just the ticket if you’re looking for a tranquil escape away from Cape Town’s hustle. The view from the terrace will leave you speechless, and from June to November, breaching Southern right whales are thrown in for free. And if you can drag your eyes away from the scenery, feast them on Liz Biden’s stunning modern minimalist interiors, guaranteed to make you feel like the ultimate Bond girl….

Tucked into 140 hectares of undulating fynbos on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon, Perivoli is a sleek, ultra-modern villa that somehow feels entirely at home in one of South Africa's most biodiverse landscapes. Designed to hug the terrain with its wave-like roofline mirroring the distant mountains, the exclusive-use property accommodates up to eight guests across four individually styled bedrooms – ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a private slice of the Western Cape. With a dedicated chef, nature guide, butler and 4x4 safari vehicle at your disposal, days unfold at your own pace: kayaking on the lagoon, whale watching from the beach, or simply doing nothing at all.

Hog Hollow Country Lodge and Villa is set on the edge of an indigenous forest, with breathtaking views of Natures Valley and the Tsitsikamma Mountains. It's also just 18 kilometres away from the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, making it a perfect place to experience the best of both worlds. At the lodge, expect soft green lawns, flower-covered cottages, turquoise pools, wooded valleys and wonderful views. It's also an excellent destination for families with many activities available in the vicinity, as well as the amazing hiking trails and nature walks in Natures Valley.

Perched in the riverine firest overlooking the meandering Sweni River in the secluded eastern Kruger Park, Singita Sweni is the smaller, intimate version of adjacent big brother Singita Lebombo. The surroundings are lush, the wildlife viewing is really good (this is Big Five paradise and the nearby Lebombo Mountains are renowned for their prides of lion) and the lodge itself is a wonderfully luxurious retreat. Explore the wilderness and its animals, admire the rock formations, watch the river and the bountiful birdlife from your personal glass-boxed treehouse, and enjoy five-star cuisine. Singita Sweni is hard to beat.

Lanzerac Wine Estate was established in 1692 in the gorgeous Jonkershoek Valley, just outside of Stellenbosch. The 155-hectare working farm was one of the Cape's first vineyards and boasts a magnificent example of original Cape Dutch architecture, immediately impressive as you approach through the Oak-lined driveway. While the estate exudes old, colonial charm, it offers an enchanting 5-star experience complete with every modern convenience. Its principal offerings are world-class wines and gourmet food, with luxurious accommodation to match. It is a mid-sized hotel with several restaurants and bars, expansive gardens, three pools, a renowned spa and a conference center.

AtholPlace Hotel is a smart boutique hotel in one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious suburbs, just a short distance from Sandton Centre and conveniently close to the Gautrain railway station. The hotel has an understated elegance throughout, with nine spacious suites set within sprawling gardens – a calm sanctuary in the heart of this fast-paced city. Décor is a cosmopolitan African style, with gentle natural tones and splashes of ethnic-inspired bold designs. The atmosphere is very much one of modern comfort and contemporary design which one might expect of a large private residence. A great choice for a short city break.

Gondwana Game Reserve sits on South Africa's southern coast in the topographically blessed Western Cape. Located within the Cape Floral Kingdom and edged by the spectacular Outeniqua and Langeberg Mountain Ranges, the natural beauty of this place is brought to life with the storybook wildlife and you'll find most of the major mammal species ambling around. Kwena Lodge's uniquely domed and thatched architecture is a nod to the region's original inhabitants, the Khoi-San, but the accommodation has come on leaps and bounds since then! Think plenty of modern comforts with a touch of understated class.

From Sanbona's main gate, drive for just over an hour across the Little Karoo plains and you'll reach Bellair Dam and, on its shoreline, the thatched, Karoo-homestead-style Gondwana Lodge. This family destination has 12 generously proportioned luxury suites, never-ending views and plenty for everyone to do. Stay in super-comfortable style, see the Big Five on game drives, watch out for the reserve's impressive white lions, get close to hippos on a boat safari and enjoy the silence, the smiles and the starry moonlit skies. Children will have fun on the action-packed Kids on Safari programme.

A charming manor nestled at the foot of the world-renowned Swartberg Mountain Pass is perfect for anyone that wants to get away from it all and soak up the peace of its tranquil surroundings. The extraordinary panoramic views of the Swartberg Mountains from the veranda of the original farmhouse inspired the creation of the manor and its grounds, which you'll find is a peaceful getaway beauty and relaxation. But this isn't just an endearing home-away from-home. The world-renowned Cango Caves are nearby, and it’s only a 15km drive to the top of the Swartberg Pass for unparalleled views of the Cango Valley.

Situated at the heart of Sun City Resort, this hotel is a hub of excitement and luxury, offering direct access to the resort’s myriad attractions. With its lively atmosphere and proximity to the Pilanesberg National Park, it combines the thrill of adventure with the comfort of modern amenities. Its vibrant design, featuring a bustling casino and vivid interiors, makes it perfect for those seeking an energetic stay. Catering to families, couples, and adventure-seekers alike, the Sun City Hotel provides various room options, ensuring you experience the essence of Sun City’s dynamic spirit.