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When it comes to the question of where to stay in South Africa, you’ll be surprised by the extraordinary variety. You’ll find anything from safari lodges and tented camps to vibey city hotels and scenic country stays. Style and design – as well as the setting – are important factors in any South Africa accommodation. Consequently, where you stay shapes the journey itself.
A lodge in the bush or a mountain retreat surrounded by dramatic landscapes connects you with nature. Along the coast, the sea becomes a part of everyday life, while in the Winelands, historic estates set the scene. In cities like Cape Town, meanwhile, you can expect stylish urban stays at the heart of the action.
Why Accommodation Is an Important Part of Your South Africa Experience
Where you stay can play a major role in how you experience South Africa – just like the places you visit. Location matters, but so do atmosphere, hospitality and the time you spend at the property.
Rather than simply providing somewhere to sleep, the right accommodation adds to the journey. Chosen well, the right safari camp or luxury accommodation in South Africa can become an important element of your trip. It can turn a night between destinations into an experience as memorable as a game drive or a cultural experience.
For that reason, we look for places with personality and a strong sense of place where- and whenever possible. We prefer owner-run guesthouses, characterful lodges and properties where the setting and people are part of the experience. Smaller, more personal stays often offer a connection to their surroundings that corporate-style or larger hotels simply cannot achieve.
What Types of Accommodation Are Available in South Africa?
From safari lodges and rest camps to tented camps, guesthouses, mountain retreats and Winelands estates: South Africa accommodation offers something for every budget and every style of traveller. Most journeys combine several types, reflecting the country’s remarkably varied landscapes and experiences.
What Is the Difference Between a Safari Lodge and a National Park Rest Camp?
On safari, a private lodge generally offers a more intimate and inclusive experience than a park-run camp. At most lodges, meals, guided game drives and other activities are included in the stay. Lodges often have relatively few rooms. This creates a quieter atmosphere and allows guests to spend more time with their guides and exploring their surroundings.
National park rest camps, such as Skukuza in Kruger National Park, tend to be simpler and more traditional. They offer a practical base for exploring the park, often with a wider range of accommodation and self-drive options. While neither is better or worse, a private lodge is ideal for those looking for comfort and a curated experience.
What Is a Tented Safari Camp Actually Like?
Tented camps in South Africa do not necessarily mean basic camping. AfriCamps White Elephant and other locations, for example, combine classic tents with modern comfort. While you are surrounded by nature, you get to sleep in a proper bed. In addition, you get a private bathroom and kitchen as well as a hot tub.
Elsewhere, tented camps can be remarkably luxurious, with spacious interiors, stylish furnishings and excellent service. In other words, staying under canvas is not necessarily a step down from a lodge. It is simply a different type of accommodation and an exciting new way of experiencing the landscape.
Why Are Guesthouses So Popular in South Africa?
Owner-managed guesthouses in South Africa are favoured by many travellers for good reason. With fewer rooms than classic hotels, they tend to offer more personal hospitality and a stronger sense of local character. Hosts can often share recommendations that go beyond the standard tourist itinerary, adding another personal touch.
Guesthouses are particularly well suited to touring routes, respectively self-drive tours. In Cape Town, Hermanus, Wilderness and many smaller towns along the coast, they offer an appealing alternative to larger hotels.
Mountain Lodges, Coastal Retreats and Winelands Stays
The different types of accommodation in South Africa are often shaped by their surroundings. In the Drakensberg mountains, log cabins and mountain lodges put dramatic peaks and hiking trails on the doorstep. Along the Garden Route, seaside guesthouses make the most of beaches, forests and ocean views.
In the Cape Winelands, meanwhile, historic country lodges and estates with an old-world charm sit among vineyards. Apart from beautiful landscapes they offer easy access to wine farms, restaurants and cellar doors.
Where Will You Stay on Our South Africa Tours?
Accommodation on our South Africa tours varies according to your route, destinations and preferred travel style. All properties in our portfolio are subject to availability, so the accommodation shown may occasionally change. In such cases we will arrange an alternative of a comparable standard and character.
Mountain Solitude in the Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is a place to slow down, spend time outdoors and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains. Here, the Greenfire Drakensberg Lodge sits in a remote setting surrounded by the mountain range’s dramatic peaks. Its comfortable log cabins make the most of the scenic vistas, and walking trails lead directly into the surrounding landscape.
Experience the Drakensberg’s majestic beauty – as well as Kruger and Hluhluwe – on our Jewels of the North and East tour.
From Tented Camps to Rest Camps Near Kruger
Our itineraries often combine very different types of South Africa accommodation. Take for instance AfriCamps White Elephant in Pongola Game Reserve: Its comfortable canvas accommodation combines an amazing natural setting with proper private facilities.
Further north, Skukuza Rest Camp puts you inside Kruger National Park, offering the freedom to explore the surrounding wilderness. Meanwhile, situated near the safari hub of Hazyview, Gecko Lodge provides yet another perspective. Here, you’ll find a peaceful bush setting combined with a more traditional lodge atmosphere, typical of classic safari lodges in South Africa.
Together, the different options of where to stay in South Africa demonstrate the variety on offer. From comfortable canvas tents to relaxing bush retreats, each option offers a different way to experience its magnificent surroundings.
Guesthouses and Heritage Hotels Along the Coast
Along the coast, smaller guesthouses and historic properties add plenty of character to South Africa accommodation – and to your journey. Overlooking Wilderness Beach, and putting the Indian Ocean and scenery centre stage, Mes Amis Guesthouse is a good example. Further along the Garden Route, properties such as Tsitsikamma Village Inn offer a taste of the area’s heritage.
Other distinctive options for tours that Experience the South include Bamboo Guest House and Auberge Burgundy, both in Hermanus. These smaller stays are particularly suited to a journey where coastal scenery and charming towns shape the experience.
From Cape Town Guesthouses to Winelands Retreats
The different types of places to stay in South Africa can also reflect the changing character of a journey. In Cape Town, an intimate guesthouse such as Bayflowers offers a great base for exploring the city and coast. In Stellenbosch, Cultivar Guest Lodge provides a very different setting, surrounded by vineyards and backed by mountain scenery. Moving between the two illustrates the transition from urban life to the slower pace of the Cape Winelands.
Rather than choosing accommodation at random, we look for properties that complement each destination. This not only gives you a sense of where you are but also adds variety to your journey.
Which Type of South Africa Accommodation Is Right for You?
The right South Africa accommodation depends on how you like to travel. Do you prefer intimate guesthouses, time in the wilderness or the comforts of a luxury lodge? Your route, interests and pace can all help our travel experts determine which stays suit you best.
Accommodation on a Small-Group Guided Tour
On a small-group guided tour, route and accommodation are arranged in advance, so you can concentrate on enjoying the journey. By organising everything ahead, we take the need to compare properties, check availability or coordinate reservations out of the equation.
Your itinerary may include several different styles of South Africa accommodation. Depending on the chosen tour or route, these range from mountain lodges and coastal guesthouses to rest- and safari camps. This variety is deliberate – it allows you to discover different sides of South Africa in a single journey.
Can You Choose Your Accommodation on a Self-Drive Tour?
Self-drive tours give you the freedom to explore South Africa at your own pace – and according to your personal preferences. Leaving nothing to chance, our Travel Experts take care of the practical details. They arrange your rental vehicle, plan the route and select accommodation that fits your journey and travel style.
If you opt for a private self-drive tour, you can adapt the itinerary to suit your interests. Have a specific accommodation in mind? Want more time in the Winelands, extra nights on safari or a slower pace along the coast? Explore our customisable Classic Self-Drive Tours.
Private, Tailor-Made and Luxury Accommodation
A tailor-made journey gives you even greater flexibility – both in terms of itinerary and where you’ll stay. From private lodges in Sabi Sands and Madikwe to stylish stays in Cape Town or the surrounding Cape Winelands: Our travel experts can recommend and arrange luxury accommodation in South Africa, taking into consideration budget, interests and the occasion.
Whether you are planning to spend your honeymoon or come on a family holiday, they’ll design the trip accordingly. Discover our Luxury South Africa Tours from the Winelands to the bush – and everywhere in between.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where To Stay in South Africa
Are Safari Lodges in South Africa Fenced?
Some safari lodges in South Africa are fenced, while others are unfenced to allow wildlife to move freely. At unfenced lodges, guests need to follow staff instructions at all times. After dark, you will be escorted between your accommodation and the main lodge by a member of staff. For safety reasons, you may be asked to remain indoors at night.
Are Meals Included at South African Safari Lodges?
Meal arrangements usually depend on the property and your itinerary. Many private safari lodges and tented camps in South Africa operate on a full-board basis, with meals included alongside other services. By contrast, city and coastal guesthouses frequently include breakfast only. This leaves you free to explore the wealth of local restaurants and cafés for lunch and dinner.
Are Game Drives Included in the Accommodation Price?
Private safari accommodation in South Africa often includes scheduled game drives and other activities in the rate. The range of services and activities varies between properties. If you stay in or near a national park, game drives may need to be arranged and paid for separately. Always check what is included when booking your lodge or tented camp.
How Far in Advance Should You Book South Africa Accommodation?
Popular South Africa accommodation, from safari lodges to sought-after coastal properties and Cape Town hotels, can fill quickly. This is particularly true during peak travel periods. Therefore, if you have a specific property, room type or travel date in mind, we recommend planning well in advance. Early booking also gives you a better choice of accommodation and room categories.
Favourite Tours:
Fascinating South Africa
Places Pretoria, Drakensberg Mountains, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St. Lucia Estuary, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Pongola Game Reserve, Swaziland, Kruger National Park, Garden Route, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
from getting current exchange rate… per person sharing
South Africa and the Garden Route
Places Cape Town, the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Cape Winelands
from getting current exchange rate… per person sharing
Let Us Find Your Home Away from Home in South Africa
The right places to stay can transform the way you experience South Africa. From watching the sun set over the ocean or vineyards to falling asleep to the sounds of the bush: Accommodation can become one of the most memorable parts of your journey.
Rather than simply providing a head over a roof and a place to sleep, well-chosen properties complement the destination. They give you a deeper sense of place and – with personalised service – make the journey even more individual.
From intimate guesthouses, remote mountain lodges, safari camps or luxury retreats, our experienced travel experts will find the right fit. Get in touch and tell us how you like to travel, where you’d like to go and what interests you. We will help create the perfect South Africa itinerary – with accommodation to match.
Author: Christina Leitner
