South Africa Travel Guide - Accommodation

Editor's Choice: National Parks/Game Reserves

Accommodation in national parks is in rest camps that usually have a restaurant and shop, and sometimes a swimming pool. Rooms are in thatched huts known as rondavels, or in small cottages. Some camps have air-conditioned accommodation. Most rondavels and cottages are self-contained, with private bathrooms, and sometimes kitchens. Accommodation in the private game reserves is usually in luxury air-conditioned camps, which are normally unfenced. These are often in a prime game-viewing area and have top notch facilities and services.

South Africa offers a wide range of hotels from luxury 5-star establishments with extras such as gym, beauty spa and swimming pool, to simple small-town hotels that double up as the local bar. There are several standard hotel chains, as well as individual boutique hotels with stylish interiors. Comprehensive accommodation guides are available at all SATOUR offices and from regional tourist offices. Rates should always be confirmed at time of booking. It is forbidden by law to levy service charges, although extras such as laundry or phone calls are charged for. Booking online sometimes attracts a 10% discount.

Grading: All accommodation is registered with South African Tourism and is graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, which controls standards. An establishment is given 1 to 5 stars according to the type of accommodation, the range of facilities on offer and the level of service and hospitality. A grade of 1 star implies acceptable/modest accommodation, while 5 stars reflect exceptional quality of an international standard.

There are very few towns that do not offer this type of accommodation. Advance bookings during the summer season (October to April) are becoming essential, especially in the Western Cape region. Local tourist offices are the best source of information for finding Bed & Breakfasts.

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.

Holiday flats, resorts and health spas are available along main routes, notably the KwaZulu-Natal/Western and Eastern Cape coasts and in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Drakensberg. Self catering works out economically for a family or group, but must be booked well in advance, especially during the summer months.

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.

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.

Located all over the country, hostels are cheap, clean and well-run places to stay. A backpacker bus service known as the Baz Bus offers a door-to-door service between hostels. Accommodation is available in both private rooms with en suite bathrooms or dorms with a shared shower. Self-catering facilities are provided. Some rent out mountain bikes or surfboards. Coast to Coast is a book that lists all the hostels and is available for free at any of them.

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA)
PO Box 71517, Bryanston, South Africa
Tel: 11 467 6317.
Website: www.fedhasa.co.za

Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
Bonjanala House, 90 Protea Road, Chislehurston, Sandton 2146, South Africa
Tel: 0861 472 333.
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: 21 762 0880.
Website: www.ghasa.co.za