South Africa Accommodation
South Africa Lodges & Camps
For a varied, diverse, exciting and fulfilling holiday, one would be hard pressed to find a country in Africa, or the world, which offers more. South Africa has it all, including wildlife, mountains, deserts, beaches, forests, numerous cultures, first world cities, untouched landscapes, casinos, amusement parks, exciting activities, excellent roads and infrastructure, off road 4 x 4 routes, fantastic food, good wine, great sports stadiums, incredible people and a triumphant history.
Browse by Destination
Cape Town
Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries. As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary. Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands District stretches from Stellenbosch to Paarl and through majestic mountain passes to Tulbagh, Ceres or Op-die-Berg, or via the Huguenot Tunnel to Worcester and into the Hex River Valley, along the N1 Touwsrivier. The district offers something for everyone, whether you are a family of thrill-seeking mountain bikers, a multi-generational group of foodies, birders, campers, glampers or wine connoisseurs, a bunch of festivegoers, a solo traveller interested in our history or a couple searching for that perfect wedding spot.
Cederberg
The Cederberg region is only two hours from Cape Town and yet the landscape is completely different: wilder, warmer with a raw, dramatic beauty. Clanwilliam and Citrusdal with its towering mountains, brilliant purple and orange sunsets, laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring. Enjoy the beauty of the Cederberg in your own way: walk in the mountains, enjoy bouldering and climbing at Rocklands, discover the beautiful bird life, swim in the clear mountain rock pools or marvel at the delicate Bushman rock art. The Cederberg has an exceptional botanical diversity, being part of the Cape Floral Kingdom of South Africa.
Drakensberg
"Ukahlamba", or "Barrier of Spears" is a 200 kilometre long mountain range, called the "Dragon Mountains" by the early Dutch voortrekkers. Made up of awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, which tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, the range forms a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho. Combining sheer natural beauty with a step back in time to the early tribes of Africa, the experience of exploring the Drakensberg is truly unforgettable.
Durban
There is no city in South Africa quite like Durban. Because of its subtropical coastal climate, warm seas, safe swimming beaches, its variety of restaurants and nightlife and many sporting facilities, Durban has always been a holiday city, popular with both domestic and international visitors. Durban's rich cultural diversity is what gives it a vibrancy enjoyed by few other South African cities.
Eastern Cape
Located in the south-eastern part of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is a destination of unmatched natural beauty — from the warm Indian Ocean to the vast plains of the Camdeboo. The Eastern Cape's boasting rights include over 800 km of incredible coastline with some of the most amazing beaches in all of South Africa, jaw-dropping rock formations and landscapes, and magnificently rich diversity of fauna and flora. Uniquely the Eastern Cape offers sightings of the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks). Most significantly, the Eastern Cape is the birthplace of several of South Africa's most celebrated leaders, notably the late global icon and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela.
Free State
The Free State, located in the heart of South Africa, is characterized by its vast plains, golden fields, and the dramatic Maluti Mountains in the east. Often overlooked by international tourists, it offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into rural South African life. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with its striking sandstone cliffs and vibrant colors, is a highlight, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, including eland, black wildebeest, and various bird species. The Free State's capital, Bloemfontein, is known as the 'City of Roses' and offers historical sites. It's an ideal destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration and scenic beauty.
Garden Route
Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with rugged mountain ranges separating the forested coastline from the harsh, vast landscapes of the Karoo, the Garden Route has a host of enchanting towns, bays and beaches. It is the ideal location for a family holiday, being simple to self-drive, and allowing pure relaxation. With 2 main airports servicing the Garden Route, it is easy to access, but once there, it is hard to leave!
Johannesburg
Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic significance, and a flourishing sporting culture. With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.
Kalahari
The Kalahari, a vast semi-arid sandy savanna, stretches across parts of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. In South Africa, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park offers a unique wilderness experience, characterized by its red dunes, sparse vegetation, and exceptional predator sightings. This park is renowned for its black-maned lions, cheetahs, leopards, and diverse antelope species like springbok and gemsbok. Birdlife is also prolific, especially raptors. The Kalahari provides a stark contrast to the lush savannas, offering a raw and authentic safari in a remote and unforgiving landscape. Accommodation typically ranges from rustic camps to comfortable wilderness lodges, emphasizing the natural surroundings.
Kruger Park & Surrounding Area
About a 6 hour drive, or a 1 hour flight, from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most famous national park. With nearly 2 million hectares, and an enormous variety of species (336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals), you can ensconce yourself in Africa's wilderness with ease. Bordering the park to the west is a number of private game reserves, with luxury lodges and exceptional game viewing.
KwaZulu-Natal - Battlefields
The battles fought in the rolling hills and valleys of northern KwaZulu-Natal some 120 years ago changed the course of South African history. The sites of famous skirmishes that rocked the British, weakened the Boers and broke the mighty Zulu nation continue to draw visitors. Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are two of the most famous battlefields in the country, and also perhaps in British history.
Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast
KwaZulu-Natal's Elephant Coast is an eco-tourism destination in every sense of the word. It's renowned for its wetland and wildlife conservation efforts. It offers Big 5 game viewing, hikes and walks, scuba diving, and sea turtle tracking. The Elephant Coast houses two of South Africa's greatest natural institutions, the World Heritage Site iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, made famous for its rhino preservation efforts.
Limpopo
Limpopo Province is a diverse region in South Africa, characterized by its varied landscapes, from the Waterberg Mountains to the Lowveld bushveld. It encompasses significant wilderness areas, including parts of the Kruger National Park and numerous private game reserves. The province is known for its rich biodiversity, offering opportunities to see the Big Five, as well as unique species like sable antelope and nyala. Limpopo also features significant cultural heritage, including ancient baobab trees and archaeological sites such as Mapungubwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once a thriving pre-colonial kingdom.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Right along the border with Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is a fantastic example of a successful conservation effort between government, private sectors and local communities. As a relatively young reserve, having been proclaimed in 1991, the area has been involved in a huge amount of conservation efforts, land reclamation, and relocation of wildlife. A host to all of the Big 5 as well as a huge variety of other species, and also in a malaria-free area, the game reserve is fantastic for a wildlife experience with the family.
Magaliesberg
The Magaliesberg Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, offer a tranquil escape within close proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria. This region is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its geological significance and diverse flora and fauna. While not a Big Five safari destination, it provides opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, and exploring ancient rock formations. The area is also home to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, offering insights into human origins through fossil discoveries at Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng.
Mpumalanga - Gert Sibande District
The Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga Province offers a lesser-known but historically rich and scenically diverse experience. While not a primary safari destination for the Big Five, the region features rolling grasslands, agricultural landscapes, and significant historical sites related to the Anglo-Boer War. It provides opportunities for exploring cultural heritage, including traditional Ndebele villages and art. The district serves as a gateway to other Mpumalanga attractions, offering a contrast to the more widely visited bushveld areas and a chance to experience rural South African life.
North West Province - Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region
The Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region of the North West Province is characterized by its agricultural landscapes, cultural heritage, and a focus on historical sites. While not a traditional Big Five safari destination, the region offers game farms and nature reserves with a variety of plains game and birdlife. It is known for its role in South African liberation history, with several memorials and museums. The region provides a glimpse into rural life and local communities, offering cultural experiences alongside opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is South Africa's largest province, with desert landscapes, wildlife and gemstones. With Botswana, it shares Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, whose red sand dunes shelter lions and falcons. Wild daisies and other springtime flowers carpet the typically arid plains of Namaqualand, a region stretching into Namibia. In Kimberley, the provincial capital, The Big Hole mine recalls the 1870s diamond rush.
Oudtshoorn
The ostrich capital of the world is an adventure, culture and environment destination in the Klein Karoo — the unique semi-arid landscape that lies between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges. Most visitors come to Oudtshoorn to see ostriches and to experience the Cango Caves, but the town itself is a treasure of interesting historical facts and buildings.
Overberg
Within driving distance of one of South Africa's busiest cities, lies a region of contrasts and wonder. The Overberg has rugged mountain ranges, fynbos, rolling wheat and canola fields, and splendid coastal vistas. Driving southeast on the N2 from Cape Town, visitors will climb the Hottentots Holland Mountains via Sir Lowry's Pass. The Overberg caters for sport enthusiasts and eco-adventurers alike, with diverse activities on offer: tackle a 4x4 trail, ride a horse, go on a sunset cruise, spot the whales or dare to go shark cage diving.
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is a scenic drive in South Africa's Mpumalanga province, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The route stretches between Nelspruit in the south and Hoedspruit in the north. It's a popular addition to trips to Kruger National Park, offering attractions such as the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and more.
Pretoria
Pretoria, one of South Africa's capital cities, is known as the 'Jacaranda City' due to its abundance of jacaranda trees that blossom in spring. It holds significant historical and cultural importance, featuring landmarks such as the Union Buildings, the Voortrekker Monument, and numerous museums. While not a traditional wildlife safari destination, Pretoria serves as a gateway to the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, offering convenient access to major game reserves. Its botanical gardens and nature reserves within the city provide opportunities for birdwatching and observing smaller, urban-adapted wildlife.
Route 62
Winding through the heart of the Western Cape, Route 62 is South Africa's answer to America's Route 66 — but with more wine, more charm, and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. This iconic road trip stretches from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn and beyond, taking travellers through picturesque towns like Montagu, Barrydale, and Calitzdorp. Expect rolling vineyards, dramatic mountain passes, quirky farm stalls, and warm Karoo hospitality along the way.
Sun City and Pilanesberg
Situated along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park and featuring The Valley of the Waves, Sun City Resort enjoys the fine distinction of being the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of landlocked Johannesburg. With an area of 550km², Pilanesberg is the fourth largest park in South Africa. The relatively small size of the park, and its unusual ecological richness, dramatically increase your chance of encountering the Big 5 in their natural environment.
Waterberg
The Waterberg region is located near the majestic Waterberg Mountain Range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Away from the concrete, streets and bustle, this region is known for its natural beauty, bushveld savannah and large animal population. The Waterberg is perfect for those looking for a malaria-free safari experience close to Johannesburg.
Whale Coast
The Whale Coast stretches along the southern Cape coastline, offering some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. From June to November, Southern Right whales migrate to these sheltered bays to calve. The charming town of Hermanus is the epicentre of whale watching activity, with an annual whale festival that draws visitors from around the globe.