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 Chacma Bush Camp
Kruger National Park
Chacma Bush Camp
5.0
(1)
· Upscale
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...
Photo courtesy of Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
Kapama Game Reserve
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is a private property located in Kruger National Park, near Manyeleti Game Reserve and within the region of the Djuma Game Reserve. During your stay, you'll be immersed in the area's rich biodiversity, home to the Big Five, and be part of the lodge's mission to preserve the...
Photo courtesy of Lion Sands River Valley Lodge
Skukuza
Lion Sands River Lodge
5.0
(1)
· Luxury
Lion Sands River Lodge, located within the renowned Kruger National Park, brings you face-to-face with the splendor of Africa's wilderness. The lodge is connected to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, while the Mala Mala Game Reserve and Londolozi Game Reserve are also close by, making it a prime spot for...
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 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)
· Upscale
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 Onyx Apartment Hotel
Cape Town
The Onyx Hotel
4.5
(2)
· Upscale
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 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)
· Upscale
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 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 Protea Hotel by Marriott
Johannesburg
Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton
Upscale
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...
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 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
Upscale
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
Upscale
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 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 Cape Riviera Guest House
Cape Town
Cape Riviera Guest House
Upscale
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 Thornybush Game Lodge
Kruger National Park
Thornybush Game Lodge
Upscale
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 African Rock Hotel & Spa
Johannesburg
African Rock Hotel & Spa
Upscale
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 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 Inyati Private Game Reserve
Mpumalanga
Inyati Game Lodge
Upscale
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 Idube Game Reserve
Kruger National Park
Idube Game Reserve
Upscale
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...

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.