Rachel Rock
Renowned for its rich history, varied cultures, and breathtaking scenery, South Africa presents a wealth of first-rate lodging. From opulent safari resorts to seaside resorts, these hotels offer the ideal mix of luxury, comfort, and South African character.
Whale viewing, the pleasant temperature, great cuisine, the world’s most beautiful city, and above all the friendly hospitality of its varied population make the rainbow nation a must-see destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Observing Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), In line with the stunning landscape, South Africa also boasts some of the best and most opulent hotels and lodges in the world.
List Of Top 10 Best Hotels In South Africa 2024
1. &BEYOND TENGILE RIVER LODGE, SABI SAND
Nestled in the middle of the globally renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve on the banks of the Sand River, &Beyond Tengile River Lodge is in a prime location. Nine large, air-conditioned, private suites—each with outstanding river views—spaced in the dappled shadow of the bushveld make up the exquisite resort. Apart from a master bedroom, bathroom, outdoor shower, living, dining space, fully loaded bar, coffee station, and outside terrace with private lap pool. Two of the lodge’s suites are combined for families by a covered walkway. The guest section of the resort presents a mixed choice of open, interactive, and secluded areas. Skilled local artists have developed bespoke furniture, lamps, and unusual décor items from vivid textiles, skillfully hand-painted.
2. LION SANDS IVORY LODGE, SABI SAND
Set along the Sabie River and draw plenty of “big five” species from Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Lion Sands features four opulent lodges: River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Narina Lodge. The subtle gem in the Lion Sands crown and the most luxurious safari resort in South Africa, Ivory resort was totally rebuilt in 2017. With an air of refinement yet simplicity, boldness yet balance, ebony and ivory, perfect harmony, exclusivity, sensitivity and total solitude, the ultra-luxe lodge is all about elegance. The eight one-bedroom Villas and one two-bedroom Fish Eagle Villa include private rim flow plunge pools with amazing views over the Sabie River, letting visitors cool down from the hot African sun while viewing animals as they satisfy their thirst a mere stone’s throw away.
3. SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Singita Lebombo Lodge honors modern African design in a setting where everything subverts nature. With 13 suites and one villa perched above the N’ Wanetsi River, this stunning resort offers visitors front row access to the Kruger National Park with strong, modern open plan accommodations. Under the constant African sky, the highly varied ecosystem that is the private concession teems with game. The lodge features other highlights like a roof terrace and wine studio—a multi-level retreat with a library, multi-media room, wine studio and rooftop viewing area—an interactive kitchen, and a gorgeous lap pool. Every social space in the lodge has been pushed out to guarantee that the outside bursts in, providing exquisite, peaceful, meditative settings surrounded in a dramatic scene of huge euphorbia trees.
4. ELLERMAN HOUSE, CAPE TOWN
Ten minutes from the city center and within walking distance of Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, Ellerman House, Member of Relais & Châteaux is a sophisticated mansion tucked in the heart of Bantry Bay, one of Cape Town’s most affluent districts. The real beauty of the property is found in careful preservation of its ancient architecture, together with subtle hospitality and effective service mirroring the ambience just experienced in the warmth and familiarity of home. Whether you choose the modern-art-gallery style of its two three-bedroom villas or the opulent atmosphere of Ellerman House (which has 13 bedrooms), you will be under the spell of an address that allows you to savor all the pleasures of Cape Town. Along with the amazing private art collection, taste great vintage wines, and enjoy dining on gourmet cuisine; the ocean view is also quite remarkable!
5. MONT ROCHELLE, FRANSCHHOEK
Just under an hour’s drive from Cape municipality in the municipality of Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle is a magnificent 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard. Considered the culinary and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek is a classic vineyard town in the Western Cape Province sometimes known as the French Corner of the Cape. Situated at the base of the breathtaking Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range, Mont Rochelle was bought by Sir Richard Branson in 2014 and is now part of the elite Virgin Limited Edition collection together with Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. Apart from a first-rate gastronomic experience complimented by some exceptional wines (the hotel’s vineyard runs close to 150 tons of grapes in a season), the hotel provides its (sometimes well-known) guests with the utmost in seclusion and leisure. Mont Rochelle boasts a Hammam in addition to two separate spa treatment rooms.
6. LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE, SABI SAND
Originally one of the safari camps in South Africa, Londolozi Game Reserve is a Member of Relais & Châteaux. Forty years of experience organizing ecotourism and four generations of family-run hospitality have combined to create a totally unique and transcendent bushveld experience for the discriminating visitor. One of four tiny camps or one of just three rare Private Granite Suites, each built with consideration for the surrounding ecology and meant to integrate naturally, are options available to guests. With some of the densities of wild leopards in the world, Londolozi presents some of the most amazing game viewing in an ideal environment. The Londolozi Healing House experience also gives visitors to mix the essential safari excursions with creative resting, carefully chosen bodywork and yoga in the surrounds of the vast wilderness presence of Londolozi.
7. KRUGER SHALATI – THE TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Located permanently on the historically rich Selati Bridge over the Sabie River in Kruger National area, Kruger Shalati provides the most unusual luxury lodging in a re-envisioned train that honours the visitors who visited the area almost a century ago. The train honors the early 1920s when first visits to the famous park were permitted: it would park overnight exactly where Kruger Shalati is located. With 31 accommodations—24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms—the hotel provides a very tactile experience specifically for immersive comfort. Kruger Shalati welcomes you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most amazing way possible whether your search is for a one-of- a-kind adventure, an engrossing getaway or just to just immerse yourself in earth’s best creations.
8. THE SILO HOTEL CAPE TOWN
Raising above the V&A Waterfront, the beautiful Silo Hotel is surrounded by the natural beauty of Mother City, South Africa. Six levels above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the Silo has been constructed in the grain elevator section of the old grain silow complex. From the outside, the inclusion of pillowed glazing panels, placed into the geometry of the hotel floor, which bulges outward as if softly inflated, most clearly changes the original form of the building. By night, this turns the structure into a shining lighthouse or lantern in the harbour. With 28 elegant rooms—including a magnificent one-bedroom penthouse—the Silo hotel boasts wonderful freestanding baths and balconies in every one. The hotel’s amazing wraparound rooftop terrace—which boasts an infinity pool, two bars and many lounge areas—is its highlight.
9. BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE, CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, a perfect haven to sense the pulse of an amazing and ancient terrain, is tucked away in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains north of Cape Town, South Africa. Among vast grasslands, old sandstone formations, and more than 130 locations of bush art paintings, some dating back as long as 10,000 years, the resort provides a unique wilderness experience. The great beauty and timeless peace of the vast open plains, magnificent rock formations and glistening clean waterfalls help visitors to rediscover the real meaning of life. The lodge, a Relais & Châteaux facility, presents great elegance, kind hospitality, and all modern conveniences. Along with Koro Lodge, a secluded, totally catered villa near the main lodge, Bushmans Kloof comprises sixteen opulent guest rooms and suites.
10. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG
Originally The Westcliff, the famous hillside hotel closed its doors in June 2013 for an ambitious $56 million USD restoration, then reopened in December 2014 as a Four Seasons property. Situated on a cliff, this resort-style hideaway provides expansive views over the adjacent Johannesburg Zoo and the rich tree canopy of the city’s exclusive northern districts. The mood is like a sun-splashed Mediterranean village with courtyards, fountains and gardens mixed throughout. Completely renovated, the hotel’s around 114 guest rooms and suites feature cool, modern design influenced by contemporary Africa. First option for business and holiday visitors, Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg offers a luxurious start or finish for a South African safari and is a vibrant social center for the elite in the city.
