Best hotels in South Africa

Sitting on a small baobab-studded ridge near the Luvuvhu River, the private Baobab Hill Bush House is the stuff wild dreams are made of. It's surrounded by the 24,000-hectare Makuleke Concession, arguably home to more animal and plant species than anywhere else in Kruger. And with five different vegetation types: acacia veld, mopane woodland, sandveld, flood plain, riverine forests, all intersected with meandering rivers, there's certainly plenty to see. The house, once the ranger's quarters, has been renovated to become a stylish and comfortable property that's ideal for private family getaways incorporating equal measures of leisure and adventure.

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.

Forming part of the Waterberg massif in Limpopo province, the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is home to reserves and settlements which work together to create an ecosystem that supports both wilderness and humans. One of the largest reserves in the biosphere is Welgevonden ("well found"), a 38,000-hectare swathe of malaria-free wilderness that supports the Big Five and a plethora of other creatures. On its eastern edge is Nungubane Game Lodge, one of the best of the dozen or so lodges in the reserve. Head here for good accommodation, rugged scenery, and great wildlife sightings – at a competitive price.

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.

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.

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 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.

If you're looking for a private reserve with fewer people in a private vehicle, off-road driving, really good accommodation and food and, of course, the best opportunities to see game, you won't go wrong at Lion Sands. Set within the larger Sabi Sand Reserve, Lion Sands is the only private reserve to have access to the perennial Sabie River, which it shares with Kruger National Park. And River Lodge is a tranquil haven, with lush riverine greenery, the winding waterway, wildlife everywhere and elegant yet homely accommodation.

Set on the banks of the Marico River in Madikwe, one of South Africa's largest malaria-free reserves, Jaci's Private Lodge has just been through a proper glow-up: earthy tones, sunken lounges and hides positioned to put you at eye level with whatever's come down for a drink. Children of all ages are actually welcome here, not merely tolerated, and with ten redesigned suites alongside three private villas, it flexes easily between a honeymoon for two and a reunion for twenty. This is Big Five country with the Kalahari's edge for a neighbour, and not a malaria pill in sight.

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.

This is one of four lodges situated within the 30,000-hectare Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Set on a bushy gorge overlooking the Great Fish River, the lodge has sweeping views of the river and the hills beyond it. It's a visually appealing retreat built in traditional safari style with thatched roofs, solid walls and foldaway glass doors that open on to expansive viewing decks. Explore the wilderness on a game drive or take a walking safari or a shorter bush walk to look for birds and other small creatures.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch wine country, Navarre Residence offers an exclusive farm stay experience where families can reconnect with nature and each other. Our working vineyard invites you to experience seasonal farm life, from grape harvesting to olive picking.

Just minutes from the charm of Stellenbosch yet offering complete privacy, Navarre Residence is where generations come together, naturally.

The Cliffside offers a secluded getaway for business or pleasure in the very heart of Johannesburg.

It is a sophisticated sanctuary nestled on the side of a cliff, boasting incomparable 180 degree views that stretch from the sprawling northern suburbs of Johannesburg to the Magaliesburg mountains on the distant horizon.

The facilities offer the ultimate in design, comfort, and functionality, whilst blending seamlessly into the rejuvenating calm and tranquillity of the surrounding natural beauty.

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.