South Africa Specialty lodgings | Places to Stay in South Africa

May 2, 2023 Kelli Reichel

From the verdant Garden Route to the sub-tropical coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s landscapes are as diverse as its attractions. There's something for everyone, whether you want to sip sauvignon blanc in Stellenbosch, explore Johannesburg, or spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park.
Things to do in South Africa

1. Clouds Wine & Guest Estate

Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch 7560 South Africa
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 679 reviews

Clouds Wine & Guest Estate

Situated on one of the world's most beautiful mountain passes, Clouds Wine and Guest Estate is one of the jewels of Helshoogte. The relatively small, private estate is a working farm that produces its own wines. It also offers premium guest accommodation that blends designer luxury with all the modcons. A stylish destination surrounded by incredible views, a stay at Clouds is difficult to forget.

Great and beautiful place to stay

Reviewed By Regina B

We stayed at this hotel for 3 nights. Well located, with stunning views of the mountains. Right next to the Delaire Graff Estate. Modern decoration. Our room, on the side, was very nice, and spacious, with underfloor heating. The hotel was empty. Just our room and one more. I did not like it because we had a feeling of a little bit of isolation. Very good breakfast. However, two points left to be desired: 1. The receptionists seemed a little inexperienced. Maybe because the hotel was empty, the main employees were off....I don´t know for sure ....They weren't very friendly. Any question I made the feeling I had is that I was bothering.... not usual in a luxury hotel. 2. Every night below our room it seems that a machine started to work. At first I thought it was some kind of maintenance that they were doing at the hotel at dawn, taking advantage of the fact that it was empty - which would be disrespectful to us who were there but then I think it was a boiler or something like that was activated in the middle of the night and It made a lot of noise in our room. As a light sleeper, I woke up every night. This is one point that would make me not recommend the hotel. However, overall the hotel is beautiful, in a prime location. We checked out at 4 am and they provided us with breakfast to take away, which was very nice of them.

2. Urban Glamping

81 McKenzie Street, St Lucia 3936 South Africa
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 761 reviews

Urban Glamping

Urban Glamping is an accommodation provider situated in St Lucia, the gateway to the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. We offer "glamping"style accommodation. We have luxury en-suite tents as well as budget dome tents with proper bedding. The property is situated on the main road of St Lucia and is surrounded by restaurants and within walking distance from supermarkets and bars. We have 2 swimming pools with gazebos and loungers and amazing self catering kitchens. Guests can book activities at our info office at reception.

Staff and location

Reviewed By Marietjieleroux

Very friendly staff make you feel at home. Always available to help. Kitchen very neat and clean. And you do not need to do the dishes. Tents are comfy with all you need. Safe and location is perfect.

3. AfriCamps Klein Karoo

Cango Caves Road, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 397 reviews

AfriCamps Klein Karoo

AfriCamps is all about glamping at the most beautiful working farms, estates, and reserves in South Africa. At each of our locations, you can get closer to nature without compromising on the creature comforts of home. Enjoy everything from hiking to hammocking, from seclusion in nature to romantic escapes, from family getaways to merry chaos with friends. The AfriCamps glamping concept offers guests the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive holiday, the closeness to nature of a camping trip, and the luxury and convenience of a beautiful self-catering unit. Set on one of the biggest working ostrich farms in South Africa, AfriCamps Klein Karoo is one to experience. Five self-catering boutique glamping tents are positioned around a big water dam that is surrounded by free-roaming game like zebra, springbok, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, eland, waterbuck, and nyala. Located only a 10-minute drive from Oudtshoorn centre, in the middle of a pristine Karoo landscape with direct views on the Swartberg Mountains, AfriCamps Klein Karoo offers you the perfect backdrop to relax in the tranquil surroundings of this serene majestic farm. Each AfriCamps tent consists of a spacious open plan lounge area with a comfortable couch, a dining area with a solid wooden table and seating for five guests, a fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms that comfortably sleeps five guests and a bathroom complete with a hot shower, flushing toilet and washbasin. Both bedrooms are furnished with a queen-size bed and have their own private entrance which allows maximum privacy. One of the bedrooms also contains a single bunk bed. Our tents are equipped with air-conditioning and an indoor fireplace. Enjoy a braai on our spacious wooden decks and take in the views from the comfortable deck loungers. Pull up the front covers and transform the tent into a large outdoor living area. Unwind and appreciate a festive family breakfast while taking in the serene natural beauty of the South African landscape.

Amazing Glamping Experience

Reviewed By Deanventer

We spent 4 nights in the Africamps in Klein Karoo and it was a blast. We explored the area and visit the marble wagyu restaurant, the Swartberg pass, Kobus se Gat, Cango Wildlife ranch. We had ana amazing time when we got back to the tents. It had everything we needed. The fishing in the dam infront of the tents was exhilarating (a tip: use the corn kernels dipped in curry powder from the shop, nothing else seemed to work). We ended the stay off with a delicious potjie cooked by some friends that stayed with us. We really enjoyed our stay and already considering visiting the one in Wilderness

4. Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodges

Eastgate Airport Road, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Excellent
77%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 493 reviews

Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodges

Elandela Lodge is an owner managed Private Game Lodge adjacent to Kruger National Park.This is big 5 country and we offer you opportunities to view African wild life and bird life from up close! Very Private Elandela Game Reserve has no incursions from other game drive vehicles and this makes for undisturbed game viewing! The Elandela free roaming White Lion prides - in the area from whence all White Lions originate - as well as our project to care for young Rhino orphans, allow our visitors an unique opportunity to experience an environment where animals are all important. Elandela is fast becoming famous for incredibly relaxed Leopard sightings! Elandela Lake View and Elandela River View Lodges are sculptured on the game rich banks of the Klaserie River and offers spectacular sunset views of the nearby Blyde River Canyon! Our 20 different rooms cater for all different tastes, demands and pockets. The purpose designed River View Family Rooms, with more beds per room and huge lawns, confirm our child friendly reputation! For the discerning adult visitor Elandela Lake View Lodge offers immaculate and luxurious Honeymoon Suites with five star quality and comfort. The Deluxe Suites are priced in between the Honeymoon and Standard Suites but all rooms receive the same warm, friendly, Elandela service! The mouthwatering fine dining cuisine and traditional Boma barbecues are prepared from the freshest local in-season produce! Included in your stay of two days or longer is one free afternoon visit to adjacent world famous Kruger National Park. Elandela Lodge is the right choice for those visitors who have game viewing and a love for nature as deciding factor to determine their South African photo safari destination!

Honeymoon of dreams

Reviewed By blonderach93

Wow, what an amazing place Elandela is! It is better in real life than the pictures on booking.com which look a little dated. In reality it was so clean, with modern fixtures despite retaining a classic colonial style which we loved. There are 2 separate lodges - an adults one and a family one. We had a honeymoon suite in the adults part of the lodge so didn’t see anything of the other part of the site. The experience was amazing from being greeted at the airport as soon as we were off the plane and seeing lots of animals on the transfer to when we were leaving and wished we’d stayed longer than 3 days. Francisco the hotel manager is brilliant and an expert in 5 star service, he went out of his way with personal touches to make our honeymoon extra special. Then the game drive safari’s - wow! We had Suni boy as our guide for half the time and Leonardo for the other half. They were both so knowledgable and really tried to find the animals you wanted to see and wanted you to see as much as possible and consulted you on which kind of areas you wanted to go to. We had amazing close up experiences with lots of animals and were very lucky that we visited at a quiet time and our drives were personal with just us and the driver, a luxury that usually costs more. The food was delicious at every meal, you chose your evening meal at lunch time with options like fresh catch of the day, impala steak, beef steak (and always pizza if you’re feeling a little less adventurous). The pool area overlooking the lake was lovely and the perfect place to relax in between safaris watching the hippo. All in all, an amazing place and stay which we found very good value against some of the other lodges we looked at online. Definitely do not regret booking Elandela, better in real life than the photos and marketing do it justice! A once in a lifetime amazing trip - thanks Francisco, Suni Boy and Leonardo!

5. Tulbagh Mountain Manor

Winterhoek Wes Road, Tulbagh, Witzenberg Municipality 6820 South Africa
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 110 reviews

Tulbagh Mountain Manor

Tulbagh Mountain Manor is a warm, owner run B&B, with the added option of a self catering cottage. Situated in a fabulous elevated position, in the heart of the Tulbagh orchards and vineyards, it is a prime location for a country getaway. Expect a Country Manor House like no other! Available for whole rent for celebrations as well.

Spontaneous night away!

Reviewed By Vicky_Hill123

What a gem! Views for days and the most amazing hostess. We had an amazing time with such great wine farms to visit in area! Definitely will be back! Rooms have a great vintage feel with a breakfast to die for!

6. OR Tambo Guest House

177 East Road Pomona, Kempton Park 1619 South Africa
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 322 reviews

OR Tambo Guest House

Unhappy time

Reviewed By plandm412642

The ceilings have black mould growing on them. The towels are thread bear and have holes. The tiling behind the sink is covered in tooth paste spatter. When the power goes out they have mounted a torch they forgot to charge in the 3 days I was there. They don't have a generator which I am sorry is essential in this time. You will sit in a cold dark room they won't even offer to boil you water to have a cup of tea. The bed and bedding is decent . The bath being in the bedroom is not nice if you have a child with you and it's definitely not nice when it's so cold and there is no door of a formal bathroom to keep some warmth in.

7. The Junction Boutique Hotel

17 Main Street, Plettenberg Bay 6600 South Africa 011 27 44 150 0032
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 53 reviews

The Junction Boutique Hotel

The Junction Boutique Hotel. Situated Smack bang in the middle of Plettenberg Bay Main street . Walking distance from central beach, most restaurants & boutique shopping experiences. Our rooms are spacious with contemporary and bespoke design finishes.

BEAUTIFUL, TRANQUAL, AMAZING!

Reviewed By 643carenem

Junction Boutique hotel was utterly AMAZING! Most stylish interior, great service. Would LOVE to go back. Perfect for honeymoon!10 out of 10! The units were furnished with JUST the BEST of the best. What a treat! Centrally located & attention to detail.

8. @ Greys Guesthouse

32 Jock Meiring Street Park West, Bloemfontein 9301 South Africa
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 59 reviews

@ Greys Guesthouse

@ Greys Guesthouse boast 8 modern, classy and luxurious rooms. Each room can be arranged as either a king-size or two single beds to suit each guests’ individual needs and preferences. Each room has an allocated secure parking area. The modern, chic open-plan lounge and dining area is situated centrally close to reception for convenience.

electricity

Reviewed By jmkwanazi

please have a generator for load shedding, we had to sleep early due to load shedding. breakfast was good, but you need to have change the menu. rooms excellent bathrooms clean and smell fresh staff friendly

9. Moya Safari Villa

321 Acacia Street Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit 1380 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 40 reviews

Moya Safari Villa

Moya Luxury Bush Villa is located on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, close to the center of the lovely little town of Hoedspruit in the heart of South Africa's Limpopo lowveld, surrounded by pristine African wilderness of the Greater Kruger National Park. Moya is a place where the soul soars, where you arrive as a stranger and leave as a beloved member of a vibrant, extended African family.

Excellent

Reviewed By lnkosi841486

We enjoyed our stay, the staff was friendly and food was great! I wouldn't mind to book that place again. We were served that kings and queens. I would like to come with the group of our friends to experience the place.

10. Ridgeworth Boutique Guesthouse

5 Greenway Drive Ridgeworth, Bellville 7530 South Africa
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 45 reviews

Ridgeworth Boutique Guesthouse

Ridgeworth Boutique Guesthouse is a upmarket 4 star graded guesthouse, conveniently located in Ridgeworth, a peaceful and tranquil suburb of Bellville, in Cape town, the Mother City of South Africa. Our private, spacious and luxurious rooms and Suites are named after semi-precious stones and designed to make your stay pleasurable and memorable.

Home away from Home

Reviewed By Heihachi85

Robert and Gert are phenomenal hosts. When you are taken care of by the owners of the establishment it shows their dedication and passion in creating a wonderful experience for their guests. I was warm greeted by Robert on my arrival and pleasantly surprised to be informed I had been upgraded to 1 of their luxurious suites where every amenity that I could have need was provided. Wonderfully decorated room, comfortable bed and lekker hot showers. I was amazed to Hear that Gert would also be preparing my meals and he did not dissapoint! Conscious of my dietary preferences he knocked it out the park with restaurant quality meals and presentation. Gentlemen thank you for a wonderful few days where u really made me feel at home. FANTASTIES!

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