33 Unique Hotels in South Africa

Malori means "dreamer" in Tswana, and there couldn't be a more appropriate name for this luxurious accommodation. The beautiful sleep-out deck in the middle of the Kalahari desert is so delightful it will make for the sweetest dreams. The deck is covered with thatch and open on all sides, letting …

Ideally situated in the chic neighborhood of Oranjezicht, 2Inn1 Kensington provides extravagant accommodation that allows you to escape the downtown hustle and bustle of Cape Town yet still have easy access to the city center. In addition to the quiet atmosphere, the prestigious location also allows you to enjoy spectacular …

Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa, nicknamed the French Corner. Its settlers named their farms after the areas in France they came from. Soon this part of the world became known for its excellent wineries. This is where Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is …

A short drive from Africa's southernmost tip, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a charming getaway along the Garden Route. This 300-kilometer (190 miles) long stretch of scenic route is a must if you plan a road trip in South Africa. The name comes from the beautifully diverse vegetation and the estuaries …

This is the way to honor an abandoned but not forgotten historical structure properly. The heritage site is located in the Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves. Nearly 100 years ago, trains had been passing through here and stopped overnight at the Selati Bridge. Now, a sizeable …

The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a premier hotel situated on Thesen Island in Knysna, South Africa, often considered among the most prestigious locales of the Garden Route. This picturesque boutique was once a power station, but it has been meticulously renovated in a luxury hotel integrating the old machinery …

Great location, gorgeous views, spacious rooms... sounds pretty good already? Well, that’s just the beginning because the Silo went above and beyond in making every inch of their hotel as delightful as possible. This is a hotel that, once you enter, you will not want to leave again. Housed in …

Naries Namakwa is a retreat in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, that really stands out for its beautiful, secluded location. For most of the year, the area is a semi-desert featuring mainly drought-resistant plants such as succulents and aloes. Between August and October, however, the unwelcoming landscape is completely …

Have you ever been on a train as it passes along a stunning landscape? You think if only the train would stop right here so I could explore and take in the sights some more... That dream can now become a reality by hopping on The Santos Express! This stationary …

Located in Cape Town, South Africa, The Ellerman House is a boutique hotel home to just 11 rooms, 2 suites, and 2 three-bedroom Villas. Perched on the cliffside of Africa’s majestic Lion’s Head mountain, this masterpiece of a mansion offers unreal views of the Atlantic and spectacular accommodations. South African …

The Bulungula Lodge (pronounced boo-lun-GOO-lah) is part backpacker’s roadtrip, part cultural immersion, and part package holiday. It was set up in 2005 as an experiment to see if eco-tourism could help the local economy, and it has been a resounding success. Getting there is part of the by train, bus, …

The 12 Decades Hotel is a truly distinctive lodging that transports you through Johannesburg’s vibrant and sometimes turbulent history. Situated in the up-and-coming Maboneng Precinct, this innovative hotel reflects the colorful personality that attracts many people to this newly developed hub. Each of the 16 rooms has a unique theme …

A South African icon towering 470 feet above the Sandton skyline, the Michelangelo Towers offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg, the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), and the Sandton cityscape. The Michelangelo Towers are located in the heart of the Richest Square Mile in South Africa. Guests will find a …

South Africa is home to the world’s first-ever dry-dock marina, where guests can stay on any one of five yachts or boats (with one more in the making!) without the pulse of water rushing underneath. Whether you’re prone to seasickness or just longing to channel your inner-pirate personality sans water, …

Safari meets luxury at the remote Singita Boulders Lodge, deep inside the Singita Private game reserve. After you land at the private Singita airstrip, the staff will take you in 10 minutes to the main lodge. The resort is set right next to the Sand River within the Sabi Sand …

Leobo is an award-winning private property that has just recently opened up for travelers. It is owned by an English family; hence it's a one-time opportunity to enjoy their exceptional creation as an exclusive rental. Leobo Private Reserve is set in the Waterberg Game Park, surrounded by a 12000-acre private …

Tucked away in the trees of the Kruger National Park, Singita Sweni Lodge is a private oasis at the edge of the Sweni River. The property lies on a 33,000-acre private land within the national park surrounded by unique flora and fauna in four different eco-zones. The lodge is beautifully …

Visitors worldwide have trekked to Africa for centuries to experience a genuine safari trip and observe the continent's amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. The Marakele National Park is among the most popular due to its incredible scenery, diverse wildlife, proximity to Johannesburg, and because it is malaria-free. While the …

Nestled in the heart of Kwazulu-Natal, the accommodations of &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge offer guests the extraordinary ability to experience the savanna and bush of South Africa from a unique perspective. The understated class and privacy allow you to reconnect with nature and your loved ones and encounter the uninhibited …

Originally built as a British prison in 1859, the Protea Breakwater Lodge has been fully restored to feature contemporary rooms with panoramic views of Table Mountain and the bay. Guests can enjoy the modern comfort and affordable accommodations while staying right next to Cape Town’s Waterfront V&A. Just beyond your …