Limpopo
Though looking a bit worn around the edges these days, Daan & Zena’s is brought to life by lashings of colour and a friendly atmosphere, and it still…
Must-see hotels in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)
The Wild Coast
At the Qhorha River mouth, this family-focused resort offers accommodation in 46 thatched units, 14 of which have sweeping ocean views. There are…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Ndlovu Camp is a delightfully mellow spot, with spacious grounds and an atmospheric restaurant that serves outstanding food. Accommodation is in rondavels…
Eastern Cape
Reflecting the spirit of its nature-loving owner – who might arrive with a rescued horse, hang from the rafters and lead a drum circle, all in the space…
Kruger National Park
This rustic, compact camp has lost none of its charm, despite some of its eight reed and thatch rondavels being replaced with modern versions, complete…
Sunshine Coast
Slightly ramshackle but reasonably clean, the Orange Elephant is a good budget base for Addo, offering a shuttle from Port Elizabeth (R250 return) and…
Mpumalanga
Stoep is a pretty colonial-style house with a small garden, pool, lapa (circular area with a fire pit) and braai (barbecue) in the heart of town. There…
Eastern Cape
This camp offers accommodation ranging from rustic forest huts to chalets, family cottages and waterfront ‘oceanette' cottages with top ocean views. Most…
Mpumalanga
This sprawling, well-equipped lodge's 23 en-suite rooms have vaulted bamboo ceilings, comfy beds and animal-themed decor. The recently renovated hostel, a…
Molumong Eco Lodge & Pony Trekking Centre
Lesotho
About 15km southwest of Mokhotlong, off the road to Thaba-Tseka, is this former colonial trading post, offering basic (electricity-free) self-catering…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This sprawling inn is a bit bland and its decor feels dated, but it's friendly, unpretentious and a safe bet. It comprises three wings linked by a covered…
Winelands
Far from towns and paved roads, this is the perfect place to recharge. There are wildlife drives exploring the Karoo landscape, hikes to see San rock art…
Durban
At the northern end of the beachfront, away from the promenade crowd, Blue Waters is a classic hotel that has recently undergone an extensive renovation…
Johannesburg
Comfort, charm and atmosphere: this superb venture has it all. It offers the chance to unplug in a series of separate, narrow, self-contained buildings…
Kruger National Park
The oldest and smallest of the bushveld camps, Bateleur has loads of wilderness ambience. The seven thatched-roof self-catering cottages with their 1930s…
Johannesburg
This 1935 villa on the outskirts of Melville is just the ticket for those seeking a stylish ‘home away from home’ experience. The eight rooms are…
Cape Town
This Gone with the Wind–style, heritage-listed villa presents a very classy boutique operation, with some rooms opening onto the secluded courtyard…
KwaZulu-Natal
Just like something out of a BBC TV production with its verandas, trimmed lawns and stunning garden, this mansion has a range of neat, sophisticated rooms…
Johannesburg
This lovely, small guesthouse in the heart of Jewish Johannesburg has all the hallmarks of a great deal: seven tasteful, immaculate rooms complete with…
Mpumalanga
This rustic hillside eyrie has rooms in the main cottage and two chalets. With a fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burner and book exchange in the comfy…
Cape Town
Rooms are smart (and, naturally, decorated in shades of grey), but most are very small, especially at the lower end of the price range when the bed…
Garden Route
This country inn oozes old-world charm and boasts a lovely mountain setting at the foot of the Robinson Pass. Its large grounds feature tennis and squash…
Sunshine Coast
A suburban home transformed into an intimate and colourful backpackers by its passionate surfer owner. It has compact six- to 10-bed dorms and seven…
Port Elizabeth
Uphill from Kings Beach in a suburban neighbourhood, this well-run A-frame home’s large entertainment area rocks most nights, and the six- and 12-bed…
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Main Camp
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This homey camp is set in a scenic wooded location about 3.5km from the entry gate, complete with well-appointed rondavels and simple huts – including…
Durban
This hostel (a tastefully converted 1950s Tuscan-style home) gets lots of good reports from travellers, including those travelling by themselves…
Limpopo
The sweeping views of the Limpopo River Valley into Zimbabwe at this old country lodge are something special. And there are few better places in Limpopo…
Eastern Cape
The whitewashed Karoo facade conceals a home with old-fashioned character, funky nooks and crannies, and a sizeable back garden. For more privacy, try the…
Eastern Cape
This well-run complex with a laid-back vibe features excellent facilities and amenities, including a restaurant and a superb children's playground. With…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This great option offers 20 enticing chalets in southern Mlawula, on the edge of the Lebombo escarpment, with magnificent views of the valley below. There…
Sunshine Coast
The various chalets and units at this sprawling oceanfront resort are attractive and well-equipped, with self-catering and B&B options available. In the…
Sunshine Coast
This handsome guesthouse is set around a manicured lawn down a tree-shaded country lane. Rooms in the main building have solid wood floors and artistic…
The Wild Coast
This local landmark perched directly over the beachfront provides an excellent level of comfort and service. The sun-filled rooms boast pristine bathrooms…
Mpumalanga
This quiet backpackers, 10km from Kruger's Crocodile Bridge gate, has a spacious lounge, terrace and watchtower gazing at the park across the river, where…
Northern Cape
Set in a pretty garden, this is a peaceful place on the edge of town with just three rooms. Each is decked out in calming, neutral shades with paintings…
Johannesburg
This is a stylish small hotel with a red-roped lobby entrance, a sumptuous bar, and friendly management. The sense of affordable prestige suits the suburb…
Cape Town
This pleasant B&B, in a renovated Cape Georgian house, comes with a tiny plunge pool for hot summers and a lounge fireplace for chilly winters.
Kruger National Park
In the north of Sabi Sand, Elephant Plains has some of the lowest prices in the reserve. The rondavels and suites are handsomely turned out and more than…
The Historic Pig & Whistle Inn
Sunshine Coast
The charmingly old-world hotel, dating from 1832, offers excellent rooms, some with free-standing bath, honey-coloured parquet flooring and period…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
With a palatial facade and grounds to match, the Royal Swazi certainly looks the part, though the rooms are in need of a revamp. Still, they have the…
