Where to Stay in South Africa
From spectacular coastal hideaways to naturally inspired river lodges in private game reserves, where you stay is key to your enjoyment and as such we have chosen accommodation of the highest standard and setting to maximise your safari. Below you will find our selected camps and lodges, but as we are not able to feature all options, if you do not see what you are looking for please contact us today to discuss in greater detail. Known worldwide for its luxurious lodges and camps, South Africa offers a range of accommodation, much of which blends European and African styles with contemporary decor.
La Residence
La Residence is a luxury boutique hotel located in the Franschhoek Valley, Western Cape province of South Africa. The hotel is situated on a 30-acre private estate surrounded by vineyards and orchards, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.The hotel features 16 individually decorated suites, each with its own unique design and style. The suites are elegantly furnished with antique and contemporary pieces and are equipped with all modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi. La Residence offers various activities for guests, including wine tasting tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides. The hotel also has a spa that offers a range of treatments to help guests unwind and relax. The hotel's restaurant serves a variety of gourmet dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the stunning views of the Franschhoek Valley. La Residence is known for its excellent service, luxurious amenities, and picturesque location. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, couples, and anyone looking for a luxurious countryside retreat in South Africa.
Babylonstoren
Based in one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa, Babylonstoren Farm Hotel is nestled amidst the vineyards and orchards of the Drakenstein Valley. The hotel's renovated farm cottages are minimalistic in style, with whitewashed walls and cozy fireplaces, and are surrounded by 8 acres of working farmland. The original farmhouse has also been converted into nine comfortable suites with a modern, botanical-themed design. 13 traditional Cape Dutch farm cottages line the avenue leading to the restaurant, comprising six one bedroom suites, three one bedroom cottages and four two bedroom cottages. Cottages are traditional in appearance, with whitewashed walls, thatched roofs and wooden gables, but the interiors are modern and minimalist in design. The renovated farmhouse contains nine suites, including a honeymoon loft suite, as well as a private spa and swimming pool. There are plenty of opportunities to explore this authentic working farm, from guided vineyard and garden walks, harvesting with the farmers and wine tasting sessions. Guests can also go canoeing on the farms dam or hiking up the Babylonstoren koppie, or simply relax in the hotel spa. Other activities in the area include horse riding, golf and hot air ballooning.
The Silo
The Silo Hotel is set in South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, and is an art-lovers paradise. It is built above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and has an incredible architectural design. Each of the rooms within The Silo Hotel are designed by the talented Liz Biden with colourful designs meeting modern additions. Within The Silo Hotel, there are 28 rooms, including one penthouse suite. There are 7 different room categories including; The Penthouse, Royal Suites, Family Suites, Deluxe Superior Suites, Superior Suites, Luxury Rooms and The Silo Rooms. All are spacious and have a private balcony allowing you to take in the breath-taking views of the surrounding landmarks. The facilities include a number of cafes and restaurants, a sky terrace with a large pool, a rooftop bar, a gym and a spa.
Kensington Place
Kensington Place is a trendy boutique Hotel situated in a quiet, leafy suburb of Cape Town on the slopes of Table Mountain, close to the hotspots yet perfectly removed. An ideal hotel from where to commence or finish your South African holiday. Kensington Place offers chic in the heart of Cape Town. It is situated in a quiet leafy suburb on the slopes of Table Mountain, yet is close enough to all the hotspots the Mother City has to offer. Each of the 8 suites is individually decorated with art works from mostly South African artists. 8 contemporary and tastefully decorated rooms are all spacious and clean with twin or king sized beds. All rooms are air conditioned and have a lap top, skype phone, electric safe and a nice terrace. The Hotel has a great restaurant, comfortable lounge with plush sofas and a 24 hour bar which is fantastic for cocktails. The hotel has a very vibrant city feel, but feels away from the noise of the ‘real’ city. Other facilities include a nice peaceful garden, plunge pool, library, off site parking and exercise facilities (such as tennis, aerobics and squash). From Kensington Place there is a massively wide range of activities available and some fantastic places to visit. Take a trip down Long Street and check out the local architecture, visit the Green Market for some African Memorabilia, or Church Street Antique Market. Visit Table Mountain, go diving at Cape Point, climb Lions Head and Signal Hill or explore Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens. There is also wine tasting, an aquarium, trips to Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was once held in the maximum security prison), Helicopter Trips, stunning beaches, horse riding, seasonal whale watching and some great shopping!
Tswalu
Tswalu is a luxury safari lodge and game reserve located in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It is the largest private game reserve in South Africa and covers over 100,000 hectares of land. The lodge features two lodges, Tswalu Motse and Tswalu Tarkuni, each with its own unique design and style. Tswalu Motse has 9 suites, while Tswalu Tarkuni has 5 suites, each with its own private deck and en-suite bathroom. The suites are equipped with all modern amenities, including air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and a minibar. Tswalu offers various safari activities for guests, including morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles, guided walks, and horseback riding. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the black rhino, wild dog, and pangolin. The lodge has a swimming pool, a spa that offers a range of treatments, and a fitness centre. The lodge's restaurant serves a variety of gourmet dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients, and guests can also enjoy outdoor dining under the stars. Tswalu is known for its excellent service, luxurious amenities, and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. It is a popular destination for safari enthusiasts, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a unique and exclusive safari experience in South Africa.
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House is a luxurious seaside hotel located in the coastal town of Hermanus, Western Cape province of South Africa. The hotel is situated on a cliff overlooking Walker Bay, which is known for whale watching. The hotel features 11 individually decorated suites with ocean views, each with its own unique design and style. The rooms are equipped with all modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and Wi-Fi.Birkenhead House offers various activities for guests, including whale watching, shark cage diving, hiking, and wine tours. The hotel also has a spa that offers a range of treatments to help guests unwind and relax. The hotel's restaurant serves a variety of gourmet dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the stunning ocean views. Birkenhead House is known for its excellent service, luxurious amenities, and picturesque location. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, couples, and anyone looking for a luxurious seaside getaway in South Africa.
Fugatives Drift
Fugitives' Drift is a historic guest lodge located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The lodge is set on a 2,000 hectare private game reserve overlooking the historic battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. The lodge offers a range of guided tours and excursions, with a focus on the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars. Guests can explore the battlefields and learn about the history and culture of the region through lectures, guided walks and horseback rides. Accommodation at Fugitives' Drift consists of 10 luxury en-suite rooms, each with a private veranda overlooking the reserve. The rooms are decorated in a traditional African style with modern amenities. The lodge also has an outdoor swimming pool, library, and dining room that serves delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Fugitives' Drift is committed to sustainability and community development, with a number of programs aimed at supporting the local community and promoting conservation efforts.
Cheetah Plains
Cheetah Plains is a luxury safari lodge located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The lodge offers a unique and authentic safari experience, with exceptional game viewing opportunities and luxurious accommodation. The lodge features three exclusive-use private bush villas, each with its own pool, lounge and outdoor dining area. The villas are elegantly decorated and offer stunning views of the surrounding bushveld. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, bird watching, stargazing, and photographic safaris.
Cheetah Plains is renowned for its excellent game viewing opportunities, with a high concentration of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as cheetah, wild dog, and a variety of antelope and bird species. In addition to its wildlife experiences, Cheetah Plains is committed to sustainable tourism practices and supporting the local community. The lodge has implemented a number of eco-friendly initiatives such as solar-powered energy and water conservation measures. The lodge also supports a number of local community projects, including education and conservation programs.
Kwandwe
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a luxurious safari destination located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The reserve is known for its vast wilderness areas, diverse wildlife, and commitment to conservation and community development. Kwandwe offers a variety of luxury accommodation options, including five exclusive-use safari villas, which are perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. The villas feature spacious en-suite bedrooms, private plunge pools, and outdoor dining areas. There are also four smaller lodges, each with their own unique style and atmosphere. Guests at Kwandwe can enjoy a wide range of safari activities, including game drives, guided walks, bird watching, fishing, and visits to local communities. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).