Sunshine Coast
This sleek boutique-style hotel on the Kowie River is operated and staffed by a hotel management school, so service is especially conscientious. Avoid the…
Must-see hotels in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)
Johannesburg
One of the few full-service hotels in downtown Jo'burg, the Reef offers comfortable, almost luxurious rooms at very affordable prices. Located on a safe,…
Kruger National Park
This very friendly former farmstead has seven green-brick thatched-roof chalets, a petite deck and an infinity pool, most of which overlook lawns and…
Cape Town
This long-running backpackers, split between four houses, remains a popular alternative to the city-centre hostels. The en-suite rooms in the houses…
Cape Town
Occupying a grand Arts and Crafts–style home, built in 1905 for a shipping magnate, the interiors of this luxury guesthouse marry fine linen and antique…
Winelands
These cottages set in spacious gardens aren't just for those on retreat. This is a peaceful place, with a decent lap pool, health treatments and a popular…
The Wild Coast
One of a few riverside lodges north of town, this well-run complex in a verdant property in has comfortable rooms, self-catering chalets and a restaurant …
Garden Route
It might not be close enough to smell the ocean, but Surfari is highly recommended. A family-run boutique backpacker lodge, it has bright, beautifully…
Port Elizabeth
This flashpackers in a nondescript suburban house makes a comfortable base with numerous facilities. The bar, pool table and outdoor hot tub liven up the …
Limpopo
Set amid the greenery on the shores of Albasini Dam, this lodge is immersed in the local culture and countryside. Thatched chalets, standard rooms and a…
Sunshine Coast
A decorative African theme pervades this friendly inn's rooms and self-catering garden cottages that have been refurbished and modernised. The bar…
Kruger National Park
Quaintly residing up a forested slope in far northern Kruger, this petite camp has plenty of old-world charm, with picturesque thatched-roof bungalows…
KwaZulu-Natal
Accommodation here is in four pleasant chalets, although it’s the vista that’s the winner. The dining deck boasts a superb view of the uMzumkulu Gorge…
Limpopo
This good-value hotel has some pleasant touches such as marula-based shower gel in the smart rooms. Cheaper on the weekends (but with no breakfast…
Lesotho
With its gazebo, braai (barbecue), resident rooster and bird pond, the Black Swan is a calm suburban refuge. The spartan but spacious rooms have satellite…
Limpopo
Part of a complex containing antiques, junk, a museum and secondhand books, this old-world place run by charming older women is hot property, especially…
Lesotho
Owned by the Dutch ambassador, this popular central business hotel has renovated rooms with satellite TV and open bathroom, while garden paths meander to…
Cape Town
With a wrap-around balcony overlooking the heart of Obs, this is one for backpackers who want to soak up all the comings and goings of Lower Main Rd. It's…
Sunshine Coast
Just steps away from the beach and Supertubes, this upmarket and friendly guesthouse offers an assortment of tidy, light-filled rooms – most of which come…
Durban
This hotel, adjacent to the casino, is a safe if businesslike bet. It has over 100 sleek and contemporary rooms with flash trimmings. Be aware that the …
Sunshine Coast
Addo Wildlife is a dynamic enterprise that has six great-value, well-equipped rooms, 14 plush villas, a wildlife centre with an aviary, monkeys and snakes…
Johannesburg
There's no sign for this characterful guesthouse, which offers six generally spacious rooms all differently decorated, most featuring quirky prints of…
Sunshine Coast
On an organic citrus farm, Rosedale offers eight simple yet neat cottages with stoeps (porches) overlooking the freshwater swimming pool and tropical…
Sunshine Coast
This quaint venture that stands in a dreamy garden has loads of charm. The rondavel is light and immaculate, while the cosy safari tent has twin beds and…
KwaZulu-Natal
This is the park’s main resort, located at the foot of Ngotshe Mountain, with superb views of the reserve below. It’s warthog heaven, and home to the red…
Garden Route
Mvubu is a large, wooden chalet set amid milkwood trees and with views of Groenvlei lake. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it also has an expansive deck and…
Johannesburg
In the leafy streets of Emmarentia, this pleasant, plainly decorated hostel is clean, safe and well run. The en-suite rooms are terrific value and open…
Sunshine Coast
Close to the Matyholweni gate at the southern entrance of the park, Parkview offers three comfy rooms in the main building (the upstairs room has the best…
Cape Town
Adheena and Yoann are the very welcoming South African–French couple running this charming B&B, which has been so successful it has expanded into nearby…
Eastern Cape
This family-owned and -run complex with a retro feel is a good base, with a restaurant serving South African specialities, a bar and a tour company, all…
The Wild Coast
This early 20th-century mansion in a leafy garden has stylish rooms with African decor. The restaurant (mains from R80) is one of Mthatha's best, serving…
Cape Town
This attractive and well-appointed modern guesthouse offers light, contemporary rooms and self-catering cottages. Its balconies, lawn and pool are…
Mpumalanga
These 30 rooms around an inviting outdoor pool are pitched somewhere between business and rustic, with protea lampshades, coffee machine, fridge and…
Sunshine Coast
An attractive, secure property in a residential area, this efficiently run haven of peace is a solid option, with four rooms that are well appointed and…
Cape Town
Little has changed at this backpackers since it opened in 1993 (making it the longest-running of the many that dot Long St). In a block of 14 small flats,…
Sunshine Coast
A fine choice in the centre. The three adjoining rooms in a revamped old house are on the small side (try for room 2, which is marginally larger) but well…
Johannesburg
If you're after stumbling access to Braamfontein's bars and restaurants then the Bannister is a no-brainer. Its rooms are modern, cleanly decorated,…
Sunshine Coast
The seven rooms here are all brightly decorated with original art hanging on the walls. There's also a penthouse apartment with kitchen and sitting area…
Pretoria
Character and charm – this enchanting thatched-roof abode is an oasis of tranquillity in a wonderfully quiet neighbourhood. It has 10 spacious, well…
Sunshine Coast
Bargain! A great bet if funds are short, this unpretentious venture about 4km west of the centre has simple self-catering beach cottages and Vermont-style…
