Country Guide
South Africa
Accommodation

South Africa Accommodation

Zebra in Mokala National Park © 123rf.com/Nico Smit

Editor's Choice: National Parks/Game Reserves

Visitors to the national parks can stay in rest camps that usually have a restaurant and shop, and sometimes a swimming pool. Accommodation is typically in en suite rondavels (thatched huts) or cottages, some of which have kitchens and air conditioning. The private game reserves provide accommodation in luxury camps and lodges with top notch catering, hospitality and organised activities such as game drives. These are generally located in prime game-viewing areas and are often unfenced.

Hotels

South Africa's many hotel options include luxury establishments with a gym, spa and swimming pool, stylish boutique hotels, chain hotels and simple small-town places that double up as the local bar. Comprehensive accommodation guides are available from South African Tourism offices abroad and from regional tourist offices in South Africa. Confirm rates when you book; there may be a discount for booking online. Most hotels charge for extras such as laundry and phone calls but it is forbidden by law to levy service charges.

Grading: South Africa has a voluntary accommodation grading system, managed by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Establishments which opt to join the scheme are assigned 1 to 5 stars. The type of accommodation is taken into account, so there are five-star B&Bs and caravan parks as well as five-star hotels.

Bed and Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast accommodation is found everywhere from rural villages to urban townships. The hosts may provide dinner on request. Advance bookings during the summer season (October to April) are becoming essential, especially in the Western Cape. Local tourist offices are the best source of information for finding this type of accommodation.

Guest Houses

These have a bit more charm than standard Bed & Breakfasts. Some are housed in historical buildings decorated with antiques, while others may be on a working farm where guests can get involved.

Self Catering

Holiday flats and chalets are available in all the main tourist areas, notably the coast from Cape Town to Kosi Bay and in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Drakensberg. Some are located in resorts with spas and swimming pools. Self catering works out economically for a family or group, but must be booked well in advance, especially during the summer months.

Camping/Caravanning

Almost every town in the country has a municipal caravan and camping site (camping is not allowed outside of them) and they are found along all the tourist routes in South Africa. The standard is usually high with clean ablution and sometimes kitchen blocks and secure fencing. Many have additional simple self-catering chalets to rent, and a swimming pool. The national parks have campsites too. A number of car hire companies can arrange camper van hire, with a range of fully equipped vehicles.

Backpacker Hostels

Located all over the country, hostels are cheap, clean and well-run places to stay. They typically offer a choice of en suite private rooms or beds in dorms with shared shower rooms. Self-catering facilities are provided. Some rent out mountain bikes or surfboards. Most are listed in Coast to Coast, a free book available from hostels or online (www.coastingafrica.com). A backpacker bus service known as the Baz Bus offers a door-to-door service for hostellers.

Accommodation Information

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA)
PO Box 71517, Bryanston 2021, South Africa
Tel: 011 467 5009.
Website: www.fedhasa.co.za

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
Afrifocus House, 93 Protea Road, Chislehurston, Sandton 2146, South Africa
Tel: 011 384 7600.
Website: www.tourismgrading.co.za

Bed and Breakfast Association of South Africa
PO Box 1125, Wingate Park 0153, South Africa
Tel: 082 239 2111.
Website: www.babasa.co.za

Guesthouse Association of South Africa
PO Box 18416, Wynberg, Cape Town 7824, South Africa
Tel: 021 762 0880.
Website: www.ghasa.co.za
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