Best hotels in South Africa

If you've ever dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse surrounded by wild Africa, nThambo delivers on that fantasy without the premium price tag. Set on the open plains of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – one of the largest private reserves bordering Kruger – this unfenced camp puts you genuinely in the bush rather than observing it from a distance. The five chalets are raised on stilts among the trees, with the Drakensberg mountains shimmering on the horizon. It's simple rather than slick, and the experience is more rustic than refined, but for those happy to trade marble bathrooms for elephants drinking from the splash pool at breakfast, it offers something that fancier lodges can't replicate.

Safari lodges often promise family-friendly experiences, but few deliver quite like this newcomer on the Kruger fringe. Located at Elephant Point with sweeping views over the Sabie River toward the national park, Shiviko takes a refreshingly different approach – one where families actually do things together rather than being separated into adult and kids' programmes. Each of the four villas tells a different South African cultural story through its art and décor, while your dedicated butler, private chef and nature guide take care of everything from dawn game drives to candlelit dinners on your terrace. The clubhouse – complete with water slides and a soundproofed cinema – seals the deal for younger guests, though the adults-only bar upstairs has rather impressive sunset views to keep everyone happy.

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp is a serene bushveld retreat nestled within the expansive Selati Game Reserve. This exclusive tented camp, consciously designed to minimise environmental impact, offers a unique sanctuary beneath the majestic canopy of a Sycamore Fig Tree. With just four luxury ensuite safari tents, guests are ensured a personal and undisturbed experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of your surroundings for an authentic wilderness encounter.

We weren't at all surprised to hear that Kapama Karula actually means "place of peace." This ultra-luxurious lodge in one of South Africa's largest, privately-run game reserves, Kapama, is the definition of a relaxing and tranquil safari. So, what can you expect? Decadent accommodation and fine wining and dining both get big ticks, but even bigger ones for the wildlife experiences. Choose from elephant-back safaris through the bush, evocative hot air balloon rides, traditional Big Five game drives and walking safaris to complete a very memorable trip.

Built around a waterhole that attracts hundreds of animals daily, from elephant, cheetah, lion, wobbly-legged giraffe, antelopes (including kudu) and warthog to snakes and many birds, Phinda Zuka is a heavenly lodge. There are just four cottages tucked into the bush and densely wooded hills, so Zuka is the ideal getaway for a honeymoon party or family groups of up to eight. It's an exclusive-use lodge with a dedicated host and ranger, tracker, butler, chef, and private safari vehicle. This upmarket destination is not cheap, but a visit is worth every cent.

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mluwati River in the heart of the Kruger National Park. It is one of only three luxury lodges in the 10,000 hectare Mluwati Concession. The lodge celebrates local Tsonga culture, from its traditional round rooms to the splashes of tribal decor and earthy tones in its interiors. Hoyo Hoyo offers a uniquely African way of life and a perfect blend of earthy luxury and superb service. The world-class cuisine at Hoyo Hoyo is served with a delicate balance of traditional African and western dishes.

In the wild and sprawling Marataba Contractual National Park, a private sector of the Marakele National Park, conservation is king. Spread out under a leafy canopy of fever trees, it’s a small, exclusive-use camp with only four bright and beautiful suites and a main area overlooking the tranquil waters of the Matlabas. This is a family nature retreat where you set your own safari agenda, spend leisurely afternoons observing wildlife along the riverbank, and enjoy sundowners and memorable alfresco dinners.