South Africa and luxury hotels go hand in hand. It is scenic and its array of accommodation reflects its diversity. This country is full of incredible unique stays and so if you are looking for a lap of luxury in this region, we have listed the ultimate luxury accommodations in South Africa.
Photo credit: Morukuru Beach Lodge
A Whale Watching Retreat
Morukuru Beach Lodge is located on the coastline of De Hoop Private Nature Reserve in Hermanus, a 3hrs drive from Cape Town. Its enviable location boasts one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching- including from the bedrooms, the restaurant and the bar! Morukuru Beach Lodge is a five-bedroom oceanfront lodge and is serious luxury in a wild and raw reserve. Ideal for honeymoon couples or small families in search for an ceo-beach holiday and immersive coastal nature experience. Take a 4x4 fynbos drive or a marine walk to mountain biking and sandboarding the dunes. This off the grid can be booked per suite or on an exclusive-use basis.
Check out our Luxury Malaria-Free Fun in South Africa (Self-Drive) that combines the best family road trip of safari, beach and wine.
Photo credit: Birkenhead House
Seaside Escape
Another prime whale watching retreat, Birkenhead House is set on a clifftop position in the Western Cape overlooking Walker Bay. Part of the Royal Portfolio, expect no less, with stunning views over two sandy beaches, Birkenhead House is a special place to watch the seasonal passing of southern right and humpback whales (between June and November) swim right front of the hotel. Boasting 11 rooms located in three different houses which make up Birkenhead House with each offering majestic views of sea or mountain. Savour barefoot luxury with infinity pools and a private cliff walkway down to the pristine beach. Further ahead are South Africa’s finest Pinot Noir growing estates and prime golfing.
Photo credit: Boschendal
World Class Food & Wine
Located in the iconic Cape Winelands, Boschendal is a 17th century farm offering the Cape’s most authentic agritourism experience. The essence of the farm is their eat, drink and relax philosophy where everything is ethically raised and hosts ‘farm-to-table' workshops. The location is also very central to exploring the Cape Winelands: around 15 minutes from either Stellenbosch or Franschhoek (and just over an hour from Cape Town). While not a full-service hotel, its selection of cottages is more ideal for those self-sufficient travelers who are in pursue of privacy and space. An adventure in itself there is a swimming pool, spa, two fabulous wine-tasting venues, vineyard and cellar tours, picnics on the lawns, trout fishing dams, orchards to explore and well-marked biking, hiking and horse riding trails. Guided tours through the vineyards and Cellar accompanied by a wine tasting session is a must-do. While here, dining at the farm’s flagship Werf Restaurant is a must where at least three-quarters of the ingredients are sourced within 30 kilometres of the farm, and prepared with trademark generosity.
Photo credit: Bushmans Kloof Reserve & Wilderness Retreat
Wildlife Wellness & Escape
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a luxurious ecological escape of 18,533 acres (7500 hectare) set within its own private reserve in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Cape Floral region. This extraordinary haven is nestled at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains and is about 3 hours' drive from Cape Town. Aside from the wildlife, flora, impressive rock formations, open plains, luxurious accommodation, award winning Cape cuisine and immersive outdoor activities on offer; there is its wellness experience deeply rooted in nature intertwining to create a memorable wilderness adventure. It is the ideal wilderness escape to restore and relax with its award-winning spa and four pools amid the wild. Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring scenery on a nature drive with expert rangers in search of the Cape Mountain zebra, springbok, and wildebeest, or admire more than 130 ancient rock art sites across the reserve, dating back 10,000 years.
For the ultimate wildlife and nature itinerary, read our Wildlife Lover’s Grand South Africa Tour taking you to the ultimate safari in Kruger, Bushmans Kloof Nature Reserve, Cape Town and Hermanus.
Photo credit: Ellerman House
Art & Wine Connoisseur
A bastion of elegance and culture, Ellerman House is an art and wine filled escape in an Edwardian mansion. A quintessential urban retreat for discerning luxury travellers wanting complete exclusivity and privacy in Cape Town. Located in Bantry Bay, one of the most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town , this Edwardian mansion with its elevated jaw dropping cliffside position offer discreet glamour, splendid isolation and spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. The owner’s extensive South African art collection and the Ellerman House Wine Gallery, offers an interactive art and wine experience amid a vast collection of 7500 bottle collection of South African vintage wines and two centuries of most important repositories of South African art – part of the rich Ellerman experience. It boasts more of a private house than a hotel. Enjoy the gourmet cuisine, survey the impressive private art collection on an expert guided tour, indulge in complimentary daily Wine Tastings to a wine gallery tour and devour into The Dom Pérignon Experience and brandy tastings.
Photo credit: Tswalu The Motse Kalahari
Off Beaten Safari Adventure
Ideal for those who want rarity, adventure, privacy, inspirational travel and something more off the beaten track, Tswalu The Motse Kalahari is the epitome of African safari chic. Located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert in a remote corner of northern South Africa, Motse is set in Tswalu Private Game Reserve, the largest privately owned reserve in the country. So, if wildlife is on your bucket list, then a stay here is worth the while. The reserve has a high and varied animal population with always something new to see. Embraced by vast open spaces and red dessert you will explore the lay of the land in search of the 70 species of mammals that inhabit the reserve, including lesser-known species that are commonly seen here like Aardwolf, Pangolin and Aardvark. A recipient of a number of awards, including National Geographic Adventure's Top 50 Eco Lodges and the Spa Awards; enjoy guided walks across the dunes, game drives in open-air safari vehicles, hot air ballooning, stargazing, sleep outs and trips to Bushmen rock engravings sites in and around the reserve.
Indulge the best South Africa has to offer on a sky high itinerary incorporating the very best high end safari lodges in the country paired with incredible game drives on private reserves with our Ulimtate Luxury Kahalari to Kruger 10 Days Adventure.
Photo credit: Tswalu The Outpost Lodge
Remote Kruger Safari
Outpost Lodge Kruger is part of the Rare Earth portfolio of luxury lodges. A unique lodge set in the remote part of Kruger National Park, in a wilderness area previously inaccessible to visitors. Located in the Limpopo Province, this park nestles in the largest and wildest area of South Africa's Kruger National Park and is bordered by the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe to the north and by the famous Crooks Corner and Mozambique to the east. This means this luxury lodge is in an ideal location. Experience a great variety of game ranging from elephants and buffalo to over 350 bird species. Exclusive to this region of the Kruger National Park is the Nyala, an antelope that does not wander to the south of the reserve. An incredible 26,500 hectares of some of the wildest and most biologically diverse areas of the Kruger National Park makes for the most fascinating and memorable safari encounters you can ask for from safari drives to walking safaris. Meanwhile, the area’s rich historical and cultural heritage is quickly investigated by guided visits to Crooks Corner and the Thulamela archaeological site overlooking the Luvuvhu River or by a visit to the Makuleke Village. The Outpost accommodates 24 guests in 12 open-plan luxurious suites offering magnificent panoramic views of the untamed bushveld and river.
Photo credit: Kruger Shalati
A Train on The Bridge Safari
Kruger Shalati provides a one-of-a-kind adventure of a train on the bridge experience suspended over the Sabie River. A new and most unique accommodation to the iconic Kruger National Park to date. Kruger Shalati offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 train carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms in a re-envisioned train. Continue your game viewing from your glass-walled large train rooms or the dedicated walkway offering infinite views along the length of the majestic Sabie River. To make the most of the plummeting views, there’s a dedicated viewing deck and a swimming pool jutting out beyond the train tracks offering a swimming experience unlike any other – with crocodile, hippos, buffalos and elephants greeting you meters below – a vista unlike any other! Paying homage to a bygone era, everything about this exquisite train-hotel is unparalleled.
For those is search of a unique way to explore South Africa where the running theme is a train adventure, our Ultimate South Africa Explorer by Blue Train incorporates a 2-night journey on the luxury Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town paired with a unique safari experience on the Kruger Shalati.
