South Africa Hotels

Kimkim recommends a selection of hotels across South Africa. Discover luxury and boutique options in Cape Town, with clear views of Table Mountain or in bustling neighborhoods. If you prefer to escape the city, check out the vineyard hotels in Franschhoek, perfect for exploring the region's celebrated wine culture, or head to Johannesburg, where you can pick from accommodations in the city center or the peaceful suburbs. Plan a seaside getaway in Hermanus, with hotels catered to relaxation with opportunities for whale watching. If you're interested in a safari, consider lodges and camps in Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and Timbavati Game Reserve, where you can partake in daily bush drives and observe African wildlife.
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
5.0
(7)
· Luxury
You'll find Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge in the Greater Kruger's Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This vast, unfenced wilderness sits along the Klaserie River and offers plenty of wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature with authentic walking trails,...
Photo courtesy of Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
5.0
(4)
· Luxury
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, located in the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The owners named the lodge Thabamati, which means "mountain and water," as the camp overlooks the nearby dam and the Drakensberg Mountains. The...
Photo courtesy Kapama River Lodge
Kapama Game Reserve
Kapama River Lodge
5.0
(4)
· Luxury
Kapama River Lodge is a large and vibrant camp within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. This property, known for its festive and social atmosphere, is near the renowned Kruger National Park, placing you right amid picturesque wildlife and landscapes. Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed seeing...
Photo courtesy of The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
4.7
(9)
· Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel—a remarkable blend of history and modern luxury, is nestled in Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront. This landmark hotel offers views of the harbor and Table Mountain, immersing you in the city's allure. Its prime location means you're mere steps away from the...
Photo courtesy of Tree House Boutique Hotel
Cape Town
Tree House Boutique Hotel
4.8
(5)
· Luxury
Located in the vibrant and trendy Green Point district, The Tree House Boutique Hotel is set in an appealing location that offers easy access to many of Cape Town's great attractions. This includes the fashionable V&A Waterfront, the lively Bo-Kaap, the Cape Quarter, and the famous Cape Town...
Photo courtesy of One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
Hermanus
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
5.0
(3)
· Luxury
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel is a charming establishment with a rich history. The hotel sits right on the Cliff Path, allowing you to enjoy an uninterrupted view of Walker Bay. You'll be within easy walking distance of the town's numerous attractions, including the Whale Museum and Village...
Photo courtesy of Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Umkumbe Bush Lodge
5.0
(3)
· Comfort
Partially hidden under a canopy of indigenous trees in the southern stretches of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Umkumbe Bush Lodge gives guests daily opportunities for game viewing, with spontaneous safaris departing when animal activity is high. This lodge is the first "glamping" experience in the...
Kruger National Park
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge
5.0
(3)
· Luxury
Simbavati Hilltop Lodge, a luxurious tented hideaway, is perched on a hilltop within the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, a secluded part of Kruger Park. Its strategic location offers panoramic views over the bush and the distant Drakensberg Mountains while allowing you to observe wildlife...
Photo courtesy of Peech Hotel
Sandton
The Peech Boutique Hotel
4.8
(4)
· Comfort
The Peech Hotel, located in the chic suburb of Melrose in Johannesburg, is a true boutique hotel with a rich history. Originally a private residence in the 1950s, this property was transformed into The Peech Hotel in 2004, retaining its original charm while offering modern comforts. The hotel...
Photo courtesy of Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
5.0
(2)
· Comfort
Located in the northern part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Elephant Plains Game Lodge allows for excellent viewing opportunities of the Big Five, allowing you to spot the African elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The lodge's convenient location lets you explore Mala Mala and...
Photo courtesy of La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
Franschhoek
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
5.0
(2)
· Comfort
Nestled in the tranquil Franschhoek Valley, La Fontaine Boutique Hotel is a charming retreat steeped in rich history and recognized as a heritage building. A complete refurbishment in 2018 has accentuated its luxurious finishes and rich colors, making it one of Franschhoek's favored accommodation...
Photo courtesy of Rickety Bridge Manor House
Franschhoek
Rickety Bridge Manor House
5.0
(2)
· Comfort
Built in 1797 and nestled within the striking landscapes of the Franschhoek Mountains, the Manor House at Rickety Bridge provides a captivating blend of history and luxury. This historic Cape Dutch manor house is surrounded by lush vineyards, offering a serene retreat. The location does require a...
Photo courtesy of Nkorho Bush Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Nkorho Bush Lodge
4.7
(3)
· Comfort
Located in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Nkorho Bush Lodge shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, providing guests with the opportunity to witness the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes). The lodge seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces...
Photo courtesy of Pineapple House
Cape Town
Pineapple House Boutique Hotel
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Pineapple House Boutique Hotel is a chic yet eccentric option located in Sea Point, Cape Town. From the light pink exterior and windows adorned with pineapples to the interior furnishings and decor that pop with color, many guests will find the environment fun and inviting. Enjoy views of the...
Photo courtesy of Royal Malewane
Kruger National Park
Royal Malewane
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
In Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane provides a luxurious yet authentic safari experience where you can enjoy animal watching from the comfort of the viewing decks and pools throughout the property. The hotel's location won't let you forget that you're out in the bush, as everywhere...
Photo courtesy of Abalone Guest Lodge
Hermanus
Abalone Guest Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Abalone Guest Lodge is a charming property perched on the oceanfront of Hermanus. This hotel exudes authenticity with its South African art-filled interiors and offers unbeatable views of the sea. Its exceptional location on Siever's Point is midway between the town center and Hermanus's gorgeous...
Photo courtesy of Hermanus Boutique Guest House
Hermanus
Hermanus Boutique Guest House
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Experience the grandeur of seaside living at Hermanus Boutique Guest House, perched right on the ocean's edge. This dazzling white building, with its bold interiors reflecting the elegance of the region, is just across the road from the scenic coastal path and the famous Fick's Pool. You'll be in...
Photo courtesy of NOAH House
Cape Town
NOAH House
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
The owners of NOAH House, a former farmhouse constructed in 1860, transformed the building into a boutique accommodation that blends modern elegance and Victorian charm. The all-white building invites you inside, with a front porch beneath a patio featuring charming cast iron decking. You'll stay...
Photos courtesy of Bateleur Safari Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve
Bateleur Safari Camp
5.0
(1)
· Mid-range
Bateleur Safari Camp, located in South Africa's Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, gives guests daily opportunities to encounter the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos), a diverse range of antelope species, smaller predators, and over 500 bird species. This simple,...
Photo courtesy of Lavender Farm Guest House
Franschhoek
Lavender Farm Guest House
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Lavender Farm Guest House is a special retreat located in the picturesque Winelands of Cape Town, specifically in Franschhoek, a destination known for its world-class comforts. This charming guesthouse, renowned as the only one situated on a lavender farm in Franschhoek, is encircled by a...
Photo courtesy of Arathusa Safari Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Arathusa Safari Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Arathusa Safari Lodge, part of the Sabi Sand Reserve and greater Kruger National Park, is a gateway to one of the world's most abundant natural wilderness areas, teeming with hundreds of animal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). Leopards, in particular,...
Photo courtesy of St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House
St Lucia
St Lucia Wetlands Guest House
5.0
(1)
· Mid-range
St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House is a bed-and-breakfast featuring a lush tropical garden and a large pool. Many guests will find the communal areas cozy and a great atmosphere for socializing with other guests. When you're ready to venture off the property, you can reach iSimangaliso Wetland Park...
Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Mandela
Sandton
Sanctuary Mandela
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Sanctuary Mandela, steeped in historical significance, was once the residence of the former South African president, Nelson Mandela (often referred to as Madiba). This boutique hotel, located in Houghton, served as Madiba's home between 1992 and 1998—a period marked by vital events in South...
Photo courtesy of Simbambili Game Lodge
Hoedspruit
Simbambili Game Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Simbambili Game Lodge, tucked away in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, offers world-class wildlife viewing opportunities. With a history spanning over a decade under the care of its dedicated managers, Mike and Tania, the lodge provides a comfortable yet sophisticated ambience. It's nestled...
Photo courtesy of Tintswalo Atlantic
Cape Town
Tintswalo Atlantic
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Tintswalo Atlantic is a 5-star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of the ocean-facing Table Mountain National Park. There are various spots to take in the scenery from the property, where you can view the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or the rugged mountainside. Located on the scenic...
Photo courtesy of The Silo Hotel
Cape Town
The Silo Hotel
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
The Silo Hotel is a testament to Cape Town's artistic and architectural prowess. This 5-star hotel, situated in the historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), has been creatively reimagined into a modern marvel. The exterior showcases the ingenuity of...
Photo courtesy of DaVinci Hotel & Suites
Sandton
DaVinci Hotel & Suites
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
DAVINCI Hotel & Suites is a modern property located within the Sandon City Mall that leads onto Nelson Mandela Square. Its private art collection adorns the ground floor entrance, and the sweeping staircase from the DAVINCI's reception leads down to the Maximillien Restaurant and Legacy...
Photo courtesy of Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Franschhoek
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Situated on the outskirts of the charming town of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a 5-star country house that offers a serene retreat surrounded by enchanting vineyards and the Huguenot Mountains. You're only a short 5-minute drive away from the...
Photo courtesy Chacma Bush Camp
Kruger National Park
Chacma Bush Camp
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Chacma Bush Camp is a stylish, family-friendly camp located in the Maseke Balule Game Reserve. This intimate safari experience is set within nearly 20,000 acres (8,000 hectares) of diverse landscapes, from undulating, rocky outcrops to deep caves and the coursing Olifants River. The camp's...
Kruger National Park
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is a serene sanctuary situated in the vast Balule Nature Reserve. This part of the Greater Kruger National Park is a timeless haven where nature rules. The lodge is easily accessible, yet once inside, you enter a different world where the rhythms of nature dictate life....

Hotel Advice for South Africa

Lukimbi Safari Lodge, a high-end luxury lodge in Kruger National Park (photo courtesy of Lukimbi Safari Lodge)
The 5 Best Safari Lodges in Kruger National Park

Safari lodges in Kruger National Park offer everything from extravagant luxury to wilderness adventures, family holidays, and romantic seclusion. You may want to get back to nature, but there is no need to "rough it." Enjoy world-class game viewing along with beautiful and relaxing accommodation, delicious cuisine, and much more.

View from the deck of the Sindile Shamwari Camp (photo courtesy of Shamwari Private Game Reserve)
The 4 Best Safari Lodges in the Eastern Cape

When looking for a top safari lodge, the first step is to choose an excellent game reserve deep in the heart of the bush. Professional guides from the lodge will ensure excellent game-viewing with drives and bushwalks, birding, and tracking. Indulge in luxurious facilities with heated pools, spas, outdoor showers, king-sized beds, exquisite décor, excellent cuisine, and dining under the stars.

Sindile Shamwari Lodge (photo courtesy of Shamwari Lodge)
The 5 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa is home to world-famous national game reserves such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, recognized for rhino conservation, and the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in the country. Shamwari in the Eastern Cape and the Tswalu-Kalahari in the Northern Cape are among the biggest and best private game reserves. The best time to visit is during the dry winter season (May to October), when it is cooler, and the animals are more visible in the dry vegetation.