Summary
Discover South Africa’s exquisite natural splendor and varied landscapes with GoTravelDaily’s comprehensive guide to the Best Hotels in South Africa.
Regardless of whether your ideal escape involves a true safari experience, a coastal sanctuary, or a wine tasting journey through South Africa’s renowned wine region, you are sure to find accommodations on this list that fulfill your preferences. Commence your planning for an unforgettable African getaway with our expertly curated selection of the Best Hotels in South Africa.
CAPE TOWN
TINTSWALO ATLANTIC
Address: Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town (Location map)
Instagram: @tintswalo_atlantic
Located at Chapman’s Peak at the base of the iconic Table Mountain National Park, Tintswalo Atlantic is a five-star boutique lodge commanding magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Set against a pebbled beach with sweeping vistas of Hout Bay harbor and the impressive Sentinel peak, this accommodation promises both a coastal and mountainous retreat.
Each sumptuous suite echoes the awe-inspiring beauty of Cape Town’s natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. The Elba & Corsica suites are particularly suitable for families or groups travelling together, offering a spacious common living area. Each suite features distinct island-inspired decor along with luxurious king beds, ensuite bathrooms, and premium amenities, accompanied by a private lounge and deck ideal for evening gatherings.
Address: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (Location map)
Instagram: @thesilohotel_
Experience a seamless combination of luxurious accommodations and artistic expression at The Silo Hotel, Cape Town’s premier luxury establishment situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Integrated into the elevator section of the historic grain silo above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo Hotel itself is a stunning work of art. Globally recognized as one of the foremost art hotels, this venue showcases a significant collection of vibrant contemporary African art.
Each of its 28 rooms has been exquisitely designed by famed South African hotelier, Liz Biden. The Silo’s modern industrial architecture is beautifully complemented by vibrant and eclectic furnishings. For a truly luxurious experience, the Penthouse located on the top floor provides breathtaking views of Cape Town and Table Mountain, both from your suite’s interior and expansive 24sqm balcony.
Address: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town (Location map)
Instagram: @belmondmountnelsonhotel
Experience the essence of South Africa at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, a vibrant retreat with a storied past. Traverse the hotel’s iconic pink walls, embodying a symbol of peace from 1918. Stroll through John Lennon’s meditation gardens or sit at Nelson Mandela’s favorite table. Each guest room has been tastefully restored, seamlessly merging historical beauty with modern comforts.
Indulge your taste buds at Lord Nelson Restaurant, known for its impressive seasonal menu ranging from summer salads to winter beef wellingtons. Treat yourself with an exquisite high tea featuring delicious sandwiches and sweet delights, or relax poolside with snacks from Oasis Bistro. With a variety of options, Belmond Mount Nelson is a culinary haven for gastronomy enthusiasts.
Address: R36 Hoedspruit, Hoedspruit (Location map)
Instagram: @karongweportfolio
Surround yourself with nature at Karongwe River Lodge, where tranquil views of the Makhutsi River await. Choose from one of 11 spacious suites or opt for the Presidential Suite that features a private plunge pool. Situated within the expansive Karongwe Reserve, which is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants—this lodge offers a truly immersive wildlife experience. After a thrilling game drive, enjoy a captivating sunset viewed against the backdrop of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains, followed by relaxation in your suite.
The lodge excels in delivering authentic Pan African cuisine, best enjoyed under the stars in a rustic outdoor Boma or indoors in an elegantly appointed dining room. Complement your meal with top-shelf South African wines and imported beers and spirits. A visit to Karongwe River Lodge would not be complete without a rejuvenating treatment at Thera Naka Spa, inspired by Africa’s indigenous cultures and the natural beauty surrounding the lodge.
Address: Pafuri/Makuleke Region, Kruger National Park (Location map)
Instagram: @theoutpostlodge
The Outpost Lodge in Pafuri provides an extraordinary getaway in the heart of Kruger National Park. Pafuri is distinguished for possessing nearly 80% of the park’s biodiversity, ensuring that your safari experience will be lively and engaging. The twelve open-plan luxury suites at The Outpost are situated on a hill, offering sweeping views of the Luvuvhu River. The lodge is seamlessly designed with understated, contemporary architecture that complements the surrounding wildlife, providing 180-degree uninterrupted views of this stunning area.
Discover the wonders of Kruger National Park through fully immersive guided walking safaris, or relax and observe during twice-daily game drives occurring at dawn and in the late afternoon. After a full day of adventure, return to The Outpost for dinner under the vast African sky, sharing stories by a crackling campfire.
Address: Mjejane Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park (Location map)
Instagram: @krugersunsetlodge
Awaken to the presence of wildlife at Kruger Sunset Lodge, nestled within an exclusive reserve of the Greater Kruger National Park. You will feel intimately connected to nature, as you witness unique animal encounters just beyond your luxurious room. The surrounding savanna is inhabited by majestic male lions that regal their sound mere meters from your accommodation. Each evening, marvel at breathtaking sunsets over the plains while seated around a warm fire.
With over 1200sqm on a single level, you will discover your new favorite spot daily, overlooking abundant wildlife and expansive plains. Shower beneath the stars, indulge in a stone bath, or cozy up with a good book on a large sofa. Refresh yourself in the uniquely designed swimming pool featuring a charcoal bottom, which subtly complements its natural surroundings, providing a tranquil oasis.
Address: Billy’s Lodge & River Lodge Olifants West Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park (Location map)
Instagram: @ezulwinigamelodges
Indulge in the essence of Ezulwini, which means “paradise” in Zulu; this lodge is a sanctuary in the heart of the African savanna. With a design that reflects Africa’s unique aesthetics, Ezulwini focuses on delivering authentic African experiences. Guests can choose between Billy’s Lodge, offering three private, ultra-luxurious suites equipped with lavish amenities including a super king-size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private plunge pool with unobstructed bush views.
Complementing their excellent offerings, with no more than 12 guests at any time, Billy’s Lodge ensures exceptional exclusivity and personalization. River Lodge offers a nature-immersed experience tucked away in the Riverine Forest adjacent to the Olifants River, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and ancient trees. Both lodges are designed for luxury while capturing an authentic ambiance, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.
Address: Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit (Location map)
Instagram: @pondoro_game_lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge within Kruger National Park offers more than mere accommodations; it is a lifestyle. The team at Pondoro has achieved the ideal blend of African adventure and romance, offering experiences that range from safari game drives to intimate picnics in exclusive treehouse hideaways. Nestled along the banks of the Olifants River, Pondoro Game Lodge is a magical retreat surrounded by pristine nature and an abundance of wildlife. Led by expert trackers, twice-daily game drives provide unique insight into the African safari experience, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Your experience is further enhanced by exquisite culinary offerings. Enjoy refreshment paired with light snacks as you bask in the mesmerizing African sunset, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the banks of the Olifants River, accompanied only by the sounds of nature. The menu synthesizes traditional African cuisine with modern European trends, complemented by an extensive wine selection from the lodge’s cellar.
Address: Kruger National Park, N4, Malelane (Location map)
Instagram: @buhalalodge
Positioned along the southern banks of the Crocodile River, under a charming thatched roof, Buhala Lodge provides an opportunity for relaxation amidst local wildlife from the comfort of your well-appointed room, complete with a private balcony offering views of the Kruger National Park and River. Each room is uniquely decorated to evoke a sense of an African getaway, serving as a perfect sanctuary after a day of adventure.
Guests at Buhala Lodge can test their golfing skills while surrounded by wildlife at the exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club, typically reserved for members. Golf enthusiasts at Buhala Lodge enjoy the rare opportunity to experience South Africa’s premier golf course. After a day filled with golfing or safari outings, unwind at the outdoor spa deck, selecting from a diverse range of treatments to rejuvenate body and mind.
PARSONS HILLTOP SAFARI CAMP
Address: Balule Game Reserve, Plot 36, Balule (Location map)
Instagram: @parsonshilltop
Experience upgraded glamping at Parsons Hilltop Safari Camp, where a rustic-chic tented ambiance allows you to connect more intimately with nature. Luxury remains paramount, with each tent lavishly designed with elegant decor and plush bedding for restful nights. Located in an unfenced area within the Greater Kruger Area, expect to encounter wildlife as they roam freely, visible from your private balcony.
In addition to authentic African safari experiences while spotting captivating wildlife, guests may retreat with a book in hand from the cozy bush library, relax on the lounge deck, take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool, or gather around the crackling outdoor fire pit. Each meal is a culinary adventure, featuring delicious cuisine crafted with fresh local ingredients, concluded with fine South African wines.
Address: Kruger National Park Hamiltons Tented Rd Kruger Park (Location map)
Instagram: @hamiltons_safari_official
Often referred to as the “Gem of Kruger,” Hamiltons Tented Camp provides exclusive accommodations featuring six opulent luxury tents elevated to overlook the N’waswitsontso River. Each tent boasts teak floorboards, slipper baths, and outdoor showers, all linked to the main lodge via a charming wooden walkway that winds through ancient Jackalberry trees. Every tent is tastefully decorated with nostalgic charm, reflective of colonial history, complete with old brass light switches and sepia-toned photographs.
Your dining experience at Hamilton encapsulates an era gone by, complete with knowledgeable staff that cater to your every desire. Indulge in fine dining complemented by the enchanting backdrop of the African bushveld. Choose between outdoor dining on the deck or a simplistic bush picnic, while savoring the luxury of champagne breakfasts and sumptuous daily high teas featuring freshly baked pastries.
Address: Motswari Private Game Reserve (Location map)
Instagram: @motswari_private
Embrace a family legacy at Motswari Private Game Reserve, a luxurious safari lodge that has been family-owned and operated for four decades. In Tswana, Motswari means “to conserve and protect,” a principle that has guided the reserve’s mission since its inception. Spanning 18,000 hectares, with 15 bungalows and a capacity for no more than 30 guests, this ensures a feeling of seclusion from the outside world during your stay.
Attention to detail is paramount, with experiences tailored to meet each guest’s needs and expectations. Delight in traditional local artwork and authentic African design influences that make Motswari Private Game Reserve an extraordinary South African haven. Exceptional dining experiences await, with meals served in scenic locations alongside expert guides, in the open-air boma, under the stars in the bush, or within the comfort of the lodge.
Address: Cederberg Ridge Old Klawer Road, Clanwilliam (Location map)
Instagram: @cederberg_ridge
Become immersed in the unspoiled beauty of Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, a modern African farmhouse overlooking the breathtaking Cederberg Mountains. While seemingly isolated from civilization, Cederberg Ridge is conveniently situated just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, offering an intimate setting with only nine rooms and suites crafted from natural materials that evoke comfort and warmth.
A plethora of activities await at Cederberg Ridge, with options tailored to your adventure appetite. Choose from guided walks, mountain biking, rock art excursions, rooibos farm tours, and sunset boat cruises. Plunge into the mountains or venture out to the West Coast, known for rustic beachside eateries. Upon return to the lodge, engage in wine tasting, stargazing, and rejuvenating spa treatments.
Address: Agert Pakhuis Pass, Clanwilliam (Location map)
Instagram: @bushmanskloof
Tucked in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa’s picturesque west coast, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat is a diverse oasis encompassing open plains, majestic mountains, sandstone formations, and ancient bush art sites, dating back 10,000 years. This boutique luxury property accommodates a maximum of 34 guests, ensuring an exclusive and intimate retreat. For an elevated experience, the Koro Lodge provides a
