Best hotels in South Africa

Luxurious and perfectly intimate, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge might be small, but it certainly packs a punch. Positioned right on the banks of the Sabie River (it’s one of the few in the area with direct river access) in the private Lion Sands Reserve, the views stretch all the way to the Kruger, and its inhabitants can often be seen trotting past the glass-walled suites and ambling alongside the pool. Interiors are modern, contemporary and elegant (think soothing colour palettes and the highest-spec finishing touches), but most importantly, the lodge is in an area with particularly high numbers of game and birds, including the Big Five – the animals that top everyone’s safari bucket list.

Rhino Plains Camp is a small, pioneer-style bush camp in a 12,000-hectare private concession within the central Kruger National Park. Nestled in an acacia thicket overlooking the broad Timbitene plain and a waterhole that attracts numerous wild animals such as rhino, buffalo, giraffe, elephant and lion. This is the camp to visit if you're interested in exploring the bush on foot. It has a charming atmosphere of a early naturalist’s rest base, with elegant furnishings consisting of family heirlooms, polished brass and silver. For the environmentally conscious you'll be pleased to know that it's also eco-friendly.

If tree-lined streets and sunshine-dappled gardens are your cup of tea, then the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg's affluent suburb of Sandhurst is for you. Every bit of your stay will exude indulgence, from the delectable meals and scrumptious afternoon teas to the relaxing spa and comfortable suites and villas. Enjoy evening or morning walks around the 10 acres of beautiful gardens and, when you've had about as much relaxation as you can handle, head to the stylish Olive Bar for sundowner cocktails and a laugh with friends.

Thanda Tented Camp will be closed from January 2021 for the foreseeable future At Thanda Tented Camp, it’s nature all the way and a truly authentic safari experience. After the sun sets in a red glow, you’ll wine and dine around a crackling bonfire. Then, once night falls and you fall asleep to the distant cries of howling jackals, the only thing separating you from a galaxy of shining stars is the canvas of your safari tent. Wake to the dawn chorus of a thousand birds as you enjoy a steaming coffee, before heading into the reserve to watch South Africa’s wildlife in action – and of course, to fall in love with the bush.

The Farmstead at Royal Malewane is an exceptional new addition to the eclectic collection of lodges and hotels that fly the Royal Portfolio Collection banner. It occupies an elevated perch in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary that shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, across which animals spill in great numbers. Just 12 kilometres away is Royal Malewane, one of the most prestigious lodges in the country. The Farmstead offers the very best in accommodation – perfect for honeymooners and visitors who can afford its exclusivity. Once you're there, expect five-star accommodation, cuisine, guiding and wildlife.

Kambaku Safari Lodge lies within the Timbavati Game Reserve on the western, unfenced border of South Africa's much-loved Kruger National Park. The 540-square-mile amalgamation of private reserves offers an exclusive game-viewing experience that is far less-crowded than the adjacent National Park. It is also home to the infamous white lion population, thanks to a naturally-occuring recessive gene which gives the lions their pale, pearly coat. Besides the spectacular, undulating terrain, ranging from savanna bushveld to various kinds of woodland, the region offers potential sightings of the Big Five, as well as wild dog, cheetah, and plenty of other animals.

Africa on Foot is an unfenced wildlife camp specialising in walking safaris - one of the most unique and exciting activities Africa has to offer. Guests are taken deep into the bushveld where they will encounter big game on foot. It is based in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with Kruger National Park. This allows predators and other wildlife to roam freely throughout the reserves. To ensure that guests are truly immersed in the rustic bush experience and to keep things natural and eco-friendly, the camp is run on solar power, and lanterns decorate the camp.

Tucked away under a canopy of trees and overlooking the Sand River below, Londolozi Varty Camp offers visitors something unique: an authentic, luxury safari experience for the whole family. Its prime location in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and its unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park make for some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Considered one of the prime spots to view the elusive leopard, here guests will have the opportunity to explore the best the area has to offer, in five-star luxury.