Must-see hotels in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)

  • Protea

    South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)

    A nationwide network of three- to five-star hotels. Protea's Prokard Explorer loyalty club offers discounts of up to 10% and VIP privileges. Owned by…

  • Beverley Hills Sun Intercontinental

    KwaZulu-Natal

    They didn’t pull out all the stops on the exterior, but this top-notch classic is deliciously stylish on the inside. It’s the perfect place for a platinum…

  • Black Forest Mountain Lodge

    Limpopo

    You want privacy? You can have privacy. Set among a gorgeous forested landscape, this lodge is 4km from town along a dirt road of varying quality, and is…

  • Lilydale Rest Camp

    Northern Cape

    Lilydale is on the banks of the Riet River, which has good fly-fishing. Its self-catering units, especially the thatched chalets, are perfect for getting…

  • Makarios

    Garden Route

    Luxury sea-facing apartments a stone’s throw from the sand with self-catering facilities. Prices rise in school holidays and everything gets booked months…

  • Sun International

    South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Runs top-end, resort-style hotels in the former homelands, plus Swaziland, usually with casinos attached. Standards are generally high and package deals…

  • Knysna Log Inn

    Knysna

    This inn is said to be the largest log structure in the southern hemisphere. The rooms are comfortable, many with balconies, and there’s a lovely pool in…

  • Mountain View

    Northern Cape

    Perched in a tranquil location up against the hills, this guesthouse has pleasant, cool rooms. Some open onto a garden leading to the pool, which has…

  • New Central Hotel

    Lesotho

    Rooms have mountains of pillows and facilities in this smart hotel at the northern entrance to town. Lunch and dinner (two courses M140) should be ordered…

  • Garden Court

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Rooms here are spacious, with attention to detail and no-nonsense comforts. The hotel's restaurant isn't spectacular but it does serve meals throughout…

  • Mbuluzi Camping

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Campsites are available near the Mbuluzi River on the reserve’s northern side. Facilities include ablution blocks with hot showers and firewood is…

  • Namaqua Flowers Beach Camp

    Northern Cape

    This tented camp is open from mid-August to mid-September. Bookings open 11 months in advance and you need to be pretty quick on the draw to secure a spot.

  • Chamonix Guest Cottages

    Franschhoek

    There are various lodges and self-catering cottages at this wine farm-cum-game reserve. You can walk to town (though it's a long slog uphill to get back).

  • Kliprand Guesthouse

    Northern Cape

    A friendly place in a quiet side street close to Springbok's top restaurant. Rooms are bright and cosy and there's a large swimming pool in the garden.

  • Meerlin Guesthouse

    Eastern Cape

    This popular guesthouse has a combination of friendly staff, good food (dinner costs R170) and quiet, well-tended rooms in a pleasing environment.

  • La Cabrière Country House

    Franschhoek

    The sumptuously decorated rooms at this boutique guesthouse have underfloor heating and sweeping views to the mountains. You can stroll into town.

  • Island Vibe

    Knysna

    A funky backpackers with excellent communal areas, cheery staff and nicely decorated rooms. There’s a lively bar and a small pool on the deck.

  • Durban Hilton International

    Durban

    Glitzy and chic, this modern behemoth offers a predictable hotel experience and attracts mainly business travellers. Ask about the specials.

  • Karoo National Park Campsites

    Western Cape

    A short walk from the restaurant and shop (in a fenced area), the sites here all have electricity points. Ablutions and kitchens are shared.

  • And The Cow Jumped Over The Moon

    Eastern Cape

    Just north of the 'centre' you'll find this cosy venture in a proudly maintained property; the three rooms are spotless, with simple decor.

  • Hotel Savoy

    The Wild Coast

    Mthatha's swankiest hotel, the professionnally-run Savoy has shiny-clean standard and superior rooms with a contemporary colour scheme.

  • Skilpad Rest Camp

    Northern Cape

    There are pleasant and well-equipped chalets here, sleeping up to three people. Rates are considerably lower outside of flower season.

  • Garden Court Marine Parade

    Durban

    A superb beachfront option, Garden Court was given a snazzy overhaul in 2014 and now boasts sleek, modern rooms, all with ocean views.

  • Old Mill Lodge

    Northern Cape

    In a peaceful garden on a quiet side street near the town museum, this place has pleasant rooms that are decorated with modern art.

  • Periwinkle Guest Lodge

    Plettenberg Bay

    This bright beachfront guesthouse offers airy rooms, all with great views – you might even be able to spot whales and dolphins.

  • Nylsvley Wildlife Resort

    Limpopo

    Simple but tidy and well-maintained chalets make this a perfect spot for birders to base themselves while exploring the reserve.

  • Zoete Inval Travellers Lodge

    Hermanus

    A budget option in suburbia, this is a quiet place with good amenities (including a spa bath) and neatly furnished rooms.

  • Tropical Eden Villas

    Eastern Cape

    A lovely property with four spacious and comfortable self-catering villas overlooking citrus orchards. Excellent value.

  • La Fontaine

    Franschhoek

    A stylishly appointed, very comfortable family home featuring 14 spacious rooms with wooden floors and mountain views.

  • Motswedi Campsite

    Northern Cape

    A superb campground with just six sites, all overlooking a water hole. Each site has its own ablutions and kitchen.

  • Cultural Village

    Lesotho

    The Cultural Village tourist complex has comfortable chalets and an appealing restaurant (mains M60 to M160).

  • Braeside B&B

    Western Cape

    This quiet, gracious Cape Edwardian home boasts a lovely garden, fantastic views and an excellent breakfast.

  • Baleia de Hermanus

    Hermanus

    The smart, comfortable rooms are set around a swimming pool. Owner-run, it's a friendly and welcoming spot.

  • National Park Accommodation

    Western Cape

    There is charming self-catering accommodation dotted about the national park, some of which has sea views.

  • Avkhom Hotel

    Limpopo

    In a central Thohoyandou location and with bucket-loads of accommodation, this place has decent rooms.

  • Ikhaya Le Langa

    Cape Town

    You can book township homestays and B&Bs though this community tourism organisation in Langa.

  • Le Ballon Rouge

    Franschhoek

    A small, friendly guesthouse with good-quality rooms and stylish suites with stunning bathrooms.

  • Campsites

    Western Cape

    There are pleasant campsites alongside the Breede River, some with electricity.