Home › Travel Guides › Africa Travel Guide › South Africa › Where to stay in South Africa
Image gallery

Zebra in Mokala National Park, South Africa

© 123rf.com / Nico Smit

Where to stay in South Africa

Hotels in South Africa

Hotels: 

The top end hotels are world class with excellent restaurants, and often a fitness room, spa and swimming pool. Stylish boutique hotels have become very prevalent in the last two years, and almost every town increased its accommodation options ready for the 2010 World Cup.

Grading: The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa runs a voluntary accommodation grading system. Establishments that join the scheme are awarded 1 to 5 stars. The type of accommodation is taken into account, so there are 5-star bed and breakfasts, and caravan parks, as well as 5-star hotels.

Bed and breakfast: 

These have a bit more charm than standard bed and breakfasts. Some are housed in historical buildings decorated with antiques, while others may be on a working farm where guests can get involved.
Bed and breakfast accommodation is found everywhere, from rural villages to urban townships. The hosts may provide dinner on request. Advance bookings in the high season of October to April are becoming essential, especially in the Western Cape. Local tourist offices are the best source of information.

Camping: 

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.

Other accommodation: 

Accommodation in the national parks ranges from luxurious to basic. Most have rondavels (thatched huts) or cottages clustered around facilities including a restaurant and shop, and sometimes, a swimming pool. Some have kitchens and air conditioning. Private reserves offer 5-star lodges with top notch catering and ranger-led game drives in prime game-viewing areas.
Located all over the country, hostels are cheap, clean and well-run places to stay. Some offer beds in dorms with shared showers, others have private en suite rooms. Self-catering facilities are provided. Some rent out mountain bikes or surfboards. Most are listed in backpackers guide Coast to Coast (www.coastingafrica.com). A bus service known as the Baz Bus offers a door-to-door service for hostellers.
Holiday flats and chalets are available in all the main tourist areas. Some are located in resorts with spas and swimming pools, and some upmarket hotels also offer cheaper self-catering units.

Partner hotels in South Africa

Sheraton

Star Rating: 5
Pretoria
643 Cnr Church & Wessel Streets, Arcadia
The Sheraton Pretoria Hotel and Towers is situated in a quiet residential area near the central...
Read more

Nguni River Lodge

Star Rating: 5
Port Elizabeth
Nyathi Concession Addo Elephant National Park
Built in 2006, this luxurious Lodge accommodation offers guests an eclectic range of forms,...
Read more

Gorah Elephant Camp

Star Rating: 5
Port Elizabeth
Addo Elephant National Park
In the heart of the Elefante Addo National Park. The hotel was the first private concession in a...
Read more

Hacklewood Hill Country House Port Elizabeth

Star Rating: 5
Port Elizabeth
152 Prospect Road Walmer
Built in 1898 and exuding colonial charm of a bygone era, the 5 star Hacklewood Hill Country House...
Read more

Kwantu Games Reserve Pollards

Star Rating: 5
Port Elizabeth
1 Sidbury Farm Sidbury Makana District Port Elizabeth South Africa
The Private Game Reserve is located on the legendary Sidbury Plains, in the heart of Frontier...
Read more

Radisson Blu Hotel Port Elizabeth

Star Rating: 5
Port Elizabeth
Corner Marine Drive & 9th Avenue, Summerstrand
5 star accommodations Contemporary style and décor Ideal accommodations for a vacation getaway...
Read more

Radisson Blu Waterfront

Star Rating: 5
Cape Town
Beach Road Granger Bay
Stay in a spectacular setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, a few minutes' walk from the V&A...
Read more

Table Bay

Star Rating: 5
Cape Town
QUAY 6, VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT
Situated right on the banks of the V & A Waterfront in an ideal location for shopping and as a base...
Read more

African Pride 15 On Orange

Star Rating: 5
Cape Town
Center of Greys Pass and Orange Street
5 star accommodations Close proximity to major attractions Elegant accommodations Elegant décor...
Read more

African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa

Star Rating: 5
Cape Town
CENTURY CITY, PO BOX 371
5 star accommodations Accessible to many local attractions Great combination for business and...
Read more
Show all hotels in South Africa

Recommended Sites:

Protect yourself from malaria
Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.
(An educational initiative organised and funded by GlaxoSmithKline Travel Health. UK/MARK/0173/10 September 2010)
Travel insurance
For residents of over 150 countries. High levels of medical, evacuation, emergency & most adventure activities covered.