Are you traveling to South Africa soon and are you still looking for inspiration for special places to stay during your trip? Then read on and find those unique accommodations for your trip through South Africa!
1. In a township
Southwest of Johannesburg lies the South Western Townships, also known as the township of Soweto. During a guided tour with a guide on foot, by bike or by tuktuk, get acquainted with the friendly residents of this township and spend the night at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers. This accommodation is located in Orlando West, the unofficial center of Soweto, and run by the South African Lebo and Swedish Maria. Absolutely a must and a unique South Africa experience!
With the choice of a dormitory, private rooms with shared bathroom, a tree house, camping (in a private tent or a rented tent) or the self catering house, there is something for everyone!
2. In a romantic chalet with your own splash pool
In the middle of the Marloth Park Game Reserve, adjacent to the southernmost tip of the Kruger National Park, you will find the romantic Manzini Swazi King Chalets. After a day on safari, have a refreshing swim in your own splash pool, have a rest on your terrace, and you might be surprised by a visit of a grazing zebra or giraffe.
In addition to the chalets, you can also stay in one of the two cottages, between the tree tops in a treehouse or overlooking the Crocodile River in the River House or the holiday home.
3. In a safari tent between the monkeys
The Lower Sabie Rest Camp is located on the banks of the Sabie River, one of the rivers flowing through the Kruger National Park. Here you have the ultimate Africa experience by sleeping in a true safari tent, featuring a private bathroom and an outdoor kitchen. What’s more fun than waking up in the morning with the rustling of monkeys that wander around your tent and elephants that toot in the distance! Or if you’re lucky you will see a herd of elephants passing by at the huge wooden platform while you are enjoying your breakfast or the setting African sun.
You can also choose to set up your tent at the campsite or to sleep in one of the cabins, bungalows, family cottages or the guesthouse.
4. In a traditional Swazi Beehive Hut
Spending the night in a beehive? The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a spacious 4500 acre nature reserve, is located in the Kingdom of Swaziland, one of the two countries in South Africa. Here you will find three small villages in the Mlilwane Rest Camp with a total of 43 traditional Swazi huts, where you can spend the night as a real Swazi in one of these houses in the form of big beehives.
The beehives are simply furnished with two beds, a small table, a bedside lamp, a fan that provides a little cooling and a private bathroom. During dinner, try to spot water birds, hippos or crocodiles at the Hippo Haunt restaurant or listen to safari tales from other adventurers at the campfire.
In addition to the beehive Huts, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary offers the opportunity to spend the night in a family cottage or rondavel with veranda and private barbecue or to camp at the campsite overlooking the Mhlambanyatsi valley.
5. In a rondavel with an amazing view
In the middle of the Southern Drakensberg mountains, on about 16km from the border with Lesotho and on the Sani Pass you will find Sani Lodge Backpackers. After a day trip to Lesotho, spend the night in a rondavel. A rounded hut with a thatched roof, built with local materials by Zulu men and local women. They have a private bathroom and above all a splendid view of the Drakensberg mountains!
If you prefer to stay in your own (rooftop) tent at the campsite, in a dormitory, in one of the standard rooms or the cottages, that is also possible with Sani Lodge Backpackers. For groups over 25 people, group accommodation is available.
6. In a bush cabin between the citrus fields
Have a refreshing swim in the pool or step under your outdoor shower after a day of exploring Addo Elephant National Park, looking for elephants. Or enjoy an African barbecue and a glass of wine on the wooden porch of your bush cabin, overlooking the citrus fields where more than 151,000 citrus trees grow. The bush cabins are located in a malaria-free area at the Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, a working citrus plantation of nearly 3,500 acres, 4km from the main entrance of Addo Elephant National Park.
Do you want some more luxury? Then choose a luxury chalet or hide yourself like a manure in a Dung Beetle Suite in the middle of the forest of the valley.
7. With a view on the South-African vineyards
The vineyards of Stellenbosch are situated about 6 kilometers east of Cape Town. An area where many wine farmers are busy every day with the production of mainly red, but also white wines. For example, you can visit one of the many Dutch-style wineries or as a wine lover, enjoy wine tasting.
However, there are also a number of working vineyards that allow you to stay overnight. At the 5-star Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, you will stay on a working wine farm and you will wake up in the morning with a great view on 180 hectares of vineyards.
The hotel has 36 rooms, from a deluxe room to a suite, and all feature a balcony or terrace. You can also have lunch or dinner in one of the 5 restaurants or take a refreshing swim in the pool.
8. In a holiday home in or around Cape Town
Enjoy a barbecue on your private roof terrace overlooking the Table Mountain, take a splash in your own pool or enjoy a South African wine at the beach? At the most beautiful places in and around Cape Town there are several holiday homes, from one bedroom apartments to luxury villas with over 9 bedrooms. The holiday homes are fully equipped, often have a swimming pool and sometimes have a beautiful view. Do not overnight in a hostel or hotel in Cape Town, but rent a holiday home with your partner or a group of friends!
Would you like to see which beautiful holiday homes are available in and around Cape Town, take a look at Cape Life or at Cape Town Villas!
What was the most special place you have spend the night in South Africa?