Most articles will give you a detailed rundown of areas and must-visit places in South Africa, but this does not help you find a prominent, trusted lodge or hotel to stay in once in these places or areas.
Therefore we list the top 10 places to visit while giving you information and click-throughs to top-shelf accommodation.
1. Addo National Elephant park – Staying at the incredible Gorah Elephant Camp
“Experience the adventure and romantic mystique of the authentic African safari of centuries past. Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious tented camp, with a gracious manor house overlooking a waterhole teeming with game in the heart of the Addo National Park. This exclusive lodge recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safaris from centuries past. Experience the breathtaking natural world of Africa merged with colonial nostalgia and modern sophistication, to deliver an unforgettably unique 5-star adventure.”
Visit their website to enquire about rates and reservations by clicking the link: https://gorah.hunterhotels.com/
2. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Staying at the mesmerising !Xaus Lodge
“Head to the amazing Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to escape the fast pace of everyday life and revel in the silence and beauty of the Kalahari Desert at !Xaus Lodge.
Pronounced “Kaus”, the Lodge’s name means “heart” in the local Nama language, which seems only fitting as it not only overlooks a heart-shaped salt pan, but it’s also at the heart (or meeting line) of the land restored to each of the Mier and Bushman communities. 12 individual chalets, each with its own deck overlooking the vast saltpan and waterhole, offer comfortable and African-inspired lodging. There is also one family unit. Purified desert water is provided, along with winter sheets and gas heaters during the cooler period. Ceiling fans help to keep you cool in the summer.
Being unfenced from the Kgalagadi, the space is open to explore. Lodge activities include morning walks through the dunes with expert guides who help you “read the newspapers in the sands”, afternoon and night game drives, bird-watching, time spent with the local crafters and at night, fabulous sky viewing.
Get away from it all and enjoy a true digital detox and eco-tourism experience in one of the most still and quiet places in the world.
Please note there is no WiFi access.
For bookings and reservations, visit https://www.xauslodge.co.za/
3. Kruger National Park – Staying at the gorgeous Buckler’s Africa Lodge by BON Hotels
“Buckler’s Africa Lodge by BON Hotels is located on the southern border of the Kruger National Park just 6km from Crocodile Bridge Gate in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The Lodge offers luxury accommodation on the banks of the Crocodile River, overlooking the Kruger National Park. The spectacular wide-open lawns create a feeling of space and tranquillity – which is just the beginning of the Buckler’s experience. As you pass through the Lodge, you look directly over the river and often see spectacular wildlife sightings right at your doorstep.
Buckler’s brings new meaning to the term ‘breakfast with a view’. As you sip on your morning cuppa, you may be treated to a herd of baby elephants coming to enjoy a fresh drink at the waterhole close by. Even better, you might spot a lion or two stalking their prey on the banks of the Crocodile River.
All units have stunning, high ceilings and beautiful modern finishes. Each unit comes standard with a fully equipped kitchenette, spacious en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, DSTV, patio, braai facilities and access to the swimming pool.
With countless options at your fingertips, it might be hard to pin down exactly what you’d like to do on your visit to the Kruger National Park. Book your self-catering or safari and spa packaged experience today!”
For bookings and reservations, visit BON Hotels by clicking the link https://www.bonhotels.com/bucklers
4. Midlands Meander – Staying at the magical Fordoun Hotel and Spa
“Fordoun Hotel and Spa is an award winning five-star luxury boutique hotel and spa located near Nottingham Road in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. It is a family owned and managed destination with a history dating back to the 1800s. Fordoun has a strong ethos on personalised hospitality and authenticity. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable individually styled rooms and the relatively new addition self-catering farm village offering 9 fully equipped cottages, a chapel and a wedding/conference venue.
With panoramic views of the Drakensberg, in a tranquil country setting, the feeling of romance is almost tangible. Fordoun was created with the vision that every guest should leave feeling rejuvenated, find value in their Fordoun experience and change guests’ lives!”
For bookings, visit Fordoun Hotels and Spa site by clicking the link – https://fordoun.com/
5. Knysna – Staying at the beautiful Turbine Hotel and Spa
“A boutique 5-star hotel on Thesen Islands which offers guests luxurious Knysna accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning views, and a range of world-class facilities.”
Visit their website for bookings and reservations by clicking the link – https://www.turbinehotel.co.za/
6. Ballito – Staying at the lavish Lalaria Ocean Villa
“With only 6 bedrooms, Lalaria is an exclusive retreat, elegantly decorated, but with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sunny, sheltered terraces are available for guests to relax privately or with others if they wish.
Lalaria offers panoramic sea and coastal views. The spacious deck overlooking the beach is the ideal place for al fresco meals, drinks and dolphin spotting – which is an almost daily occurrence! Whales are frequently sighted in season.”
Visit Lalaria Ocean Villa’s website for bookings and reservations by clicking the link – https://lalaria.co.za/
7. Golden Gate National highlands park – Staying at the revamped Golden Gate Hotel
“The new look and feel of the hotel takes a far more modern approach, whilst still enhancing the original style of the 70s. The work on the hotel was done as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), with the rest being funded from the SANParks infrastructure Development Programme (IDP).
Upgrading a hotel of this calibre was by no means an easy task. To accomplish top-notch results, 50 workers from neighbouring communities were employed. Five SMME construction companies were awarded sub-construction contracts to ensure a smooth and steady upgrading process.
The end result was well worth it: The new Golden Gate Hotel is the embodiment of a new beginning that is illustrated in the new decoration theme used throughout the hotel – African Seasons.”
Visit Golden Gate Hotel’s website for bookings and reservations by clicking the link – https://goldengatehotel.co.za/accommodation/golden-gate-hotel
8. Cheetah Experience – Staying at the fantastic Lejwe La Metsi Hotel
“Whether your dreams see you in six-inch stilettos, a tuxedo or khakis, Lejwe La Metsi Private Reserve is a magnificent oasis of quality and splendour at its very best. Designed to enthral the senses of even the most discerning guest. This elegant sanctuary is located in a malaria-free area only 1.5 hours drive from the hub of Johannesburg, on the outskirts of Bela-Bela in the Limpopo Province.
Be it our gastronomic cuisine, a game drive through 5000 acres of pristine African wilderness, lounging at the spectacular infinity pool enjoying the antics of a troop of mischievous vervet monkeys, or simply ambling through the magnificently landscaped private garden, designed by Patrick Watson, you will be continually intoxicated by the wonder that is Lejwe La Metsi.”
Visit their website for bookings and reservations by clicking http://www.lejwelametsi.co.za/
9. Chimp Eden – Staying at the unforgettable Leaves Lodge & Spa
“Come and experience stylish 5 star guest house accommodation in Nelspruit. Built on a granite dome you can enjoy breathtaking views from the main Lodge over the indigenous forest and a murmuring mountain stream that runs through the lush garden. The Lodge is located in a quiet suburb and borders the nature reserve on both sides of the tar road.
This impressive Lodge exemplifies the very best in modern architecture and offers self-catering, presidential suites, superior and standard rooms, with extra-long beds, private balconies or garden views, DSTV, air-conditioning, minibars, high-speed WiFi, and much more. There is 24hour security with CCTV camera monitoring and armed response.
Our elegant Relaxation Spa has a tranquil garden setting. The spa is equipped with double treatment suites, a Rasul and unique Manicure and Pedicure chambers. Advanced skin and body treatments are offered by professionally qualified therapists.”
Visit the Lodge’s website for bookings and reservations by clicking the link – https://www.leaveslodge.co.za/
10. Northern KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields – Staying at the elegant Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge
“Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge is a hidden jewel in one of the most beautiful private reserves in South Africa.
Here you will enjoy the peace and serenity of the great outdoors, comfort and privacy in your suite, the traditional French “Savoir Vivre”, dining under the stars, gazing out over the world from your panoramic terrace overlooking the Sunday River and encounter the “big five” accompanied by your ranger.
At Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge you will have a unique experience in the heart of the Zulu land with your family or friends, conveniently located only 3 ½ hours by car from the International Airport of Johannesburg.”
Visit Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge’s site for bookings and reservations by clicking the link – https://www.esiwenilodge.com/
To enjoy South Africa to the fullest, you must get in a vehicle and travel, as the country holds many hidden marvels, wonders, and places only found under African skies.
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