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.
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....
Photo courtesy of Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel
Johannesburg
Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel at Emperors Palace
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Peermont D'oreale Grande Hotel is known for its facilities and location near O.R. Tambo International Airport. This award-winning establishment truly lives up to its reputation, but the ambience isn't for everyone. Its location is right next to the vibrant Emperors Palace Resort, the hotel's...
Photo courtesy of Parker Cottage
Cape Town
Parker Cottage
5.0
(1)
· Comfort
Built in 1895, Parker Cottage is a beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast tucked away on a quiet side street, only five minutes from the city center by car. If you're interested in visiting nearby attractions, V&A Waterfront is a 9-minute drive away, and you can arrive at Table Mountain by car...
Photo courtesy of Onyx Apartment Hotel
Cape Town
The Onyx Hotel
4.5
(2)
· Comfort
The Onyx Apartment Hotel is a blend of chic and urban sophistication. Located in Cape Town's City Centre neighborhood, this modern accommodation is set in the city's oldest thoroughfare, seamlessly merging past and present. You'll be just about 10 minutes by car from both the V&A Waterfront...
Photo courtesy of L'Ermitage Château & Villas
Franschhoek
L'Ermitage Franschhoek Château & Villas
4.5
(2)
· Comfort
L'Ermitage Château & Villas is a sanctuary nestled on the slopes of the prestigious Fransche Hoek Estate, adjacent to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and Haute Cabrière. The hotel's location is like no other. It's in close proximity to the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Huguenot Memorial...
Photo courtesy of Shindzela Tented Camp
Kruger National Park
Shindzela Tented Camp
4.3
(3)
· Mid-range
Since its establishment in 2009, Shindzela Tented Safari Camp has grown from a simple walking trails camp into an authentic African wildlife experience nestled in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The property in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive from...
Photo courtesy of Tangala Safari Camp
Hoedspruit
Tangala Safari Camp
4.3
(4)
· Mid-range
Tangala Safari Camp offers an authentic safari experience in the Thornybush Reserve bordering Greater Kruger Park, where you'll have daily opportunities to view the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards. rhinos, and buffaloes). Established in 1940, Tangala is known for its history and commitment...
Photo courtesy of Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
Hoedspruit
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
4.0
(2)
· Comfort
Nestled in the bush of Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa provides a cozy accommodation built around an array of indigenous trees and plants to help immerse you in the African bush experience. The property has a thriving wildlife population, so you'll likely encounter...
Photo courtesy of Tremisana Game Lodge
Kruger National Park
Tremisana Game Lodge
4.0
(1)
· Mid-range
Tremisana Game Lodge is part of the Balule Game Reserve, which the owners helped establish in the early 1990s. During your stay, you can spot all of the big five (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards), cheetahs, wild dogs, and vervet monkeys right on the property, as well as observe...
Photo courtesy of The Residence
Johannesburg
The Residence
Luxury
The Residence is a boutique hotel in the leafy suburb of Houghton in Johannesburg. Once a private home, this luxurious property maintains a warm ambience with Persian rugs, velvet drapes, and French crystal chandeliers. Outside, you'll discover tropical gardens, fountains, and a pool. If you...
Photo courtesy of Serondella Safari Lodge
Kruger National Park
Serondella Safari Lodge
Luxury
Serondella Game Lodge is a luxurious, family-oriented safari accommodation in Thornybush Game Reserve, part of Kruger National Park. You'll find well-kept, updated buildings with clean, contemporary interiors throughout the property. During your stay, enjoy being immersed in nature, whether...
Photo courtesy of Londolozi Game Reserve
Kruger National Park
Londolozi Game Reserve
Luxury
Perched on the banks of the Sand River, you'll discover Londolozi Game Reserve within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. When you stay at one of the five luxury camps on this private game reserve, you can access 34,000 acres (13,759 ha) of Big Five game viewing...
Photo courtesy of Simbavati River Lodge
Kruger National Park
Simbavati River Lodge
Comfort
Simbavati River Lodge is a charming safari accommodation on the banks of Kruger Park's Nhlaralumi River within Timbavati Private Game Reserve. While you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the bush looking for the Big Five (elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, and buffaloes), you can also...
Photo courtesy of Whale Rock Luxury Lodge
Hermanus
Whale Rock Lodge
Comfort
Whale Rock Luxury Lodge, a 4-star property, underwent a complete makeover in 2014 to create a warm, contemporary atmosphere. In 2017, a stylish Villa was added to the property, further enhancing its appeal. Conveniently located across from the New Harbour and the start of the cliff path, the...
Photo courtesy of The Thatch House Boutique Hotel
Hermanus
The Thatch House Boutique Hotel
Luxury
The Thatch House is a premier boutique hotel idyllically situated overlooking the Hermanus Lagoon. This tranquil sanctuary offers guests the chance to bask in the expansive views of the water and the ancient Cape Fold Mountains. You'll be just outside the town of Hermanus, about a 10-minute...
Photo courtesy of Rock Fig Safari Lodge
Kruger National Park
RockFig Safari Lodge
Luxury
RockFig Safari Lodge, located in Timbavati Game Reserve, is a luxurious safari accommodation for guests seeking a lavish experience while taking daily explorations into the bush to catch a glimpse of the Big Five (elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, and lions). When designing the lodge, the...
Photo courtesy of Idube Game Reserve
Kruger National Park
Idube Game Reserve
Comfort
Within the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, you can stay in the Idube Game Reserve. Idube spans 24,710 acres (10,000 ha) and is an excellent location for encountering the Big Five species (elephants, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, leopards) and other captivating creatures. Guests have even had...
Photo courtesy of Inyati Private Game Reserve
Mpumalanga
Inyati Game Lodge
Comfort
Inyati Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve sits on the banks of the Sand River in one of the world's largest and most prestigious private conservation areas, adjoining the renowned Kruger National Park. From the covered lounges or private decks, you can hear the sounds of lions roaring,...
Photo courtesy of Saseka Tented Camp
Thornybush Game Reserve
Saseka Tented Camp
Luxury
Located in a national park in Hoedspruit, Saseka Tented Camp is a luxurious lodge that blends the nostalgic South African safari style with contemporary 21st-century design. Situated on a bend of the seasonal Monwana River, you can reach the Mafunyani Cultural Village by car in 40 minutes and the...
Photo courtesy of African Rock Hotel & Spa
Johannesburg
African Rock Hotel & Spa
Comfort
Tucked away in the tranquil suburb of Kempton Park, African Rock Hotel & Spa is an exclusive boutique accommodation just a 25-minute drive from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport. The hotel's architecture, a fusion of African, Western, and Eastern design trends, creates a warm,...
Photo courtesy of Thornybush Game Lodge
Kruger National Park
Thornybush Game Lodge
Comfort
Thornybush Game Lodge has long been a pioneering force in South Africa's safari industry, playing a crucial role in the rise of the Thornybush Nature Reserve as a globally acclaimed wildlife haven within Greater Kruger Park. Recently, the owners updated the lodge, stylishly blending elements like...
Photo courtesy of Cape Riviera Guest House
Cape Town
Cape Riviera Guest House
Comfort
Located near Table Mountain in the upscale suburb of Oranjezicht, Cape Riviera Guest House is a historic property on a quiet residential street. Guests can enjoy excellent views of the Molteno Reservoir, the city skyline, and Table Bay from the well-kept grounds and covered balconies. If you want...
Photo courtesy of Hoëveld House
Johannesburg
Hoëveld House Boutique Hotel
Luxury
Hoëveld House is a stylish boutique hotel and guesthouse situated on an iconic property where ancient trees tower over sprawling gardens and a stately manor. Despite the busy city life, the hotel offers a peaceful refuge within its two-acre grounds, complete with a tennis court and a large,...
Photo courtesy of Protea Hotel by Marriott
Johannesburg
Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton
Comfort
In the midst of bustling Sandton, you'll stay in the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton—an oasis of country-style architecture that offers a refreshing departure from the surrounding modern high rises. This heritage hotel is centrally located, placing you steps away from The...
Photo courtesy of The Giglio Boutique Hotel
Johannesburg
The Giglio Boutique Hotel
Luxury
The Giglio Boutique Hotel is in the scenic Bedfordview area and is a 15-minute walk to numerous restaurants, bars, and pubs and a 15-minute drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Before you arrive, an avenue of giant pin oak trees welcomes you as you approach the tall, crested gate...

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.