Accommodation in South Africa

Southern Africa offers the traveller a tremendous array of accommodation options. Most safari enthusiasts visit South Africa to explore the great wildlife areas, where accommodation is usually in luxury thatched chalets set in private reserves, or sumptuous tented accommodation with private amenities situated in remote wilderness areas. But the traveller to Southern Africa will often find it worthwhile to spend a day or two around a city like Cape Town - which abounds with natural beauty and grandeur - provides a superb way of ending a journey. 11/10 If there is only one thing you do in South Africa then make this it! Hotels therefore make an ideal stopover at the start or end of safari, provide accessibility to safari routes, and time to adjust to Africa or rest between lodges, in either colonial splendour or modern state-of-the-art establishments. Our site specialises in the accommodation in the Drakensberg - See our Drakensberg accommodation comparison list including our recommendations

Search for Accommodation in South Africa via SafariNow.com This website has by far the most comprehensive collection of accommodation in South Africa. Below are brief descriptions of the Accommodation categories found in South Africa. Bush & Game Lodges - Offer a variety of experiences and can be either a permanent tented camp or structures made of natural materials, blending harmoniously with environment, but generally very luxurious. Big range of establishments in this category, each unique in giving one contact with the bush - which could be a Big Five experience or something more subtle, e.g. A Desert experience. Usually all meals and activities included in price. Guests often hosted by guides who cater to every need and interest - help with the interpretation of sights & sounds of African bush and wildlife. Colonial/Heritage hotels - have fascinating charm and ambiance, gracious accommodation, dignified attention to detail and fine traditions like "High Teas" - allowing visitor to step back into a golden era of hospitality. City/Modern hotels - offer first class accommodation and are often connected to shopping experiences/malls - convenient at the end of a safari for shopping and souvenir/jewellery purchases. Estate hotels - Generally these are superlative, smaller establishments, usually linked to a golf or wine estate. Buildings often have historic significance. Style will generally be of understated elegance and sophistication. Country hotels - Tranquil, secure environments, landscaped gardens, beautiful settings, many dating back to the colonial era and retaining proud traditions of personalized service and attention to detail - often owner managed. Country Lodges - Smaller, gracious establishments, exuding charm and understated luxury. Charm lies in total experience of activities like horse riding, fly-fishing, hiking and rambles through forests or on beaches, picnic lunches etc. Some country lodges are culturally based, where guests experience and learn about a particular way of life or ethnic group. Small Private hotels - Usually with less than 15 rooms provide exclusivity, personalized, discreet service, where owner & staff cater to every whim. Exceptional standards & service excellence are generally hallmarks of these establishments. Guest Houses - Small, upmarket establishments, usually owner-managed, with about 5 rooms or suites, set in tranquil suburbs or countryside. Lunch and dinners usually available, or by prior arrangement with management Bed & Breakfast establishments - Reasonably priced, comfortable, often selected on the basis of the strong individual stamp owners place on their service & amenities. Ideal where you would rather spend money on actual safari. Owners generally live on premises. Beach Lodge/Resort - Generally situated on some of the finest stretches of beach, Lodges are usually small and situated in remote, pristine areas; while Hotels are larger and offer a range of activities/water sports etc, and are usually close to a large town or city. Resort - Large hotels offering a wide variety of rooms and suites, a selection of restaurants & bars, conference facilities etc, often with a central theme, and boasting amenities such as golf course, casino or a myriad of water sports & activities. Rest Camps - situated in national parks, often thatched rondavel/bungalow-type accommodation, clean, reasonably priced. Camps have good infrastructure, including restaurants, shops & filling stations. Only offered as a set excursion for those on self-drive safaris Backpackers - budget accommodation mostly students