Unusual places to stay in South Africa

A boutique backpackers where each room is individually designed by a different artist. Situated in the heart of Cape Town.

W. Cape, South Africa

Staying in the Daddy Long Legs Hotel is like being part of an interactive art exhibition. The thirteen-room boutique backpackers is quite unlike anything else in South Africa. Each room is uniquely decorated by an artist, poet, photographer, designer or musician. Daddy Long Legs offered funky but affordable accommodation, a place you can meet people, spend time in the communal bar / lounge area or sit on the balcony to take in the vibrant atmosphere of Long Street, Cape Town's creative and e...

Teniqua Treetops 1-4

Comfortable eco-friendly, self-catering tree house resort on the Garden Route near Sedgefield.

W. Cape, South Africa

Choose from a couples or family treehouse in this beautiful National Park forest location near George.
Treehouses are 2m-6m above the ground offering views of the Karatara Gorge and Knysna Forest.
They have kitchenette facilities, dining areas and bathrooms with views.
On site you can enjoy many facilities including the pool, park for children, games room and bar.

Vindoux Treehouse Guest Farm & Spa 1-8

Unique luxury tree house + cottage accommodation. With great views, on-site pool, hot tub and spa. 1.5 hours from Cape Town. Sleeps up to 8.

W. Cape, South Africa

Stay in a luxury treehouse or a cosy cottage with your loved ones in the Tulbagh Valley.
Book a session in the spa with hot tub or enjoy the gym.
Enjoy views over the mountains, vineyard and orchards.
On hot days relax around the communal pool or book the family treehouse to enjoy your own private pool.
Wine and gin tasting available or purchase some organic vegetables grown on site.

Pumba Water Lodge 1-4

This lodge in Pumba Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth has beautiful thatched chalets overlooking Lake Kariega and the African bush. Hot tub included.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Discover wildest Africa in true luxury at Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa in the malaria free Eastern Cape, South Africa. Together with unrivaled beauty and an abundance of wildlife, Pumba Game Reserve provides a premium game viewing experience not soon to be forgotten. View the famous Big 5 (lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants) or the vast array of more than 250 species of bird. Search for over 60 different species of mammals and have the rare opportunity of seeing the magnificent ...

The Santos Express 1-10

At Mossel Bay, alongside the beach, you will find train carriages converted into hostel accommodation.

W. Cape, South Africa

Simply known as `The Train` by locals, and situated at Santos beach, Mossel Bay in the heart of the famous Garden Route of South Africa. Enjoy the unique and romantic experience of staying on a real train only 30 metres from the sea on the Indian Ocean side of Cape Town. It consists of a Restaurant with a cosy pub and a deck with a magnificent view of the bay and distant Outeniqua mountains, as well as 5 sleeper coaches and a guest kitchen. The Train is literally 30m from the sea, a 5 min. walk ...

Moontide Guest Lodge 1-5

Charming 4 star lodge on the edge of Wilderness Lagoon with an outdoor pool, just 2 minutes from the beach. Lots of activities. Sleeps 2-5 people.

W. Cape, South Africa

This site is set on the edge of a lagoon and offers different glamping options for up to 5 guests in Wilderness.
All properties have en-suite facilities plus a private terrace or courtyard.
A delicious breakfast is included in your stay.
On site you can enjoy a swim in the pool, canoeing on the lagoon or trying your hand at horse riding.

The Karoo Moon Motel 1-6

A quirky motel just off Route 62 in Barrydale with a rustic style and a vintage diner on site.

W. Cape, South Africa

The Karoo Moon Motel was beautifully renovated in 2014. It is ideally located on the scenic Route 62 in Barrydale, Western Cape. The motel offers 3 stylish rooms and a vintage diner - Diesel & Creme - serving delicious food. The rooms are quirky and luxurious. They are stylishly furnished with antiques, creating a very rustic feel. The motel is located on Route 62 in Barrydale, South Africa. It is a very scenic route; ideal for those who enjoy stunning landscapes, towering cliffs and crystal cle...

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge 1-10

Award winning lodge offering luxurious accommodation with its own waterhole. Excursions possible.

W. Cape, South Africa

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is an award winning lodge with its very own wildlife watering hole. It offers fantastic accommodation in luxurious free standing tents set right on the water's edge with stunning views of Klein Karoo's Swartberg Mountains. The lodge has an outdoor pool which overlooks the water hole and it offers activities such as meerkat safaris and elephant excursions. Plus there is an on site restaurant with piano and fireplace serving delicious food and wine made using local ...

Hout Bay Manor 1-10

A 5 star boutique hotel in Hout Bay with individual style, outdoor pool, hot tub and spa treatments.

W. Cape, South Africa

Hout Bay Manor is a 5 star luxury hotel in Hout Bay, Cape Town with 19 gorgeous rooms and excellent facilities including a restaurant, lounge bar, business centre, outdoor pool, rooftop terrace and spa. The entire hotel has been decorated with elegant furniture and beautiful artwork to create a relaxed and individual style. This luxury hotel is located in Hout Bay, Western Cape close to several attractions. Just a 15 minute walk away are attractions such as Hout Bay Museum, Hout Bay Craft Market...

Tsala Treetop Lodge 1-4

Stay in a 5 star luxury treehouse, from which you can enjoy unique views over the forest canopy. Spa treatments available.

W. Cape, South Africa

Luxurious lodge offers a range of suites for 2 guests and villas for 4 guests all with private pools.
There is a restaurant and bar onsite to tickle your tastebuds.
There is also a library, a business centre and a shop on site.
Locally you can visit the Robberg Nature Reserve or Jukani Wildlife Park.

Sycamore Avenue Treehouse Lodge 1-6

Birds eye view of Drakensburg from these unique & romantic tree-houses with jacuzzi spa bath, on Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands Meander. Cottages for 2-6.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Choose from 6 fantastic themed treehouses sleeping 2-6 guests with views of the Drakensburg Mountains.
Full English breakfast and 3 course meal dinner included in the price.
Visit a Zulu Cultural Village, book a Game Reserve tour or enjoy hiking in this beautiful part of the world.

Monzi Safaris Tented Camp 1-4

A luxury tented camp, in Saint Lucia, with pool + the chance to go on safari in the oldest proclaimed park in Africa (1895) - home to the Big Five.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Luxury site in St. Lucia offers glamping tents for up to 4 guests. All tents are en-suite with views over the outdoor pool. The tents are sat on a wooden deck and here you can enjoy dining al fresco. They come complete with a kitchenette with refrigerator and kettle. The en-suite has a moder shower, WC and sink. There is a shared self catering kitchen facility with ovens and hobs and a large BBQ area where guests can meet one another and enjoy cooking al fresco. There are also 2 swimming pools ...

Rukiya Safari Camp 1-4

Eco friendly camping and safari experience based in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, surrounded by breathtaking views and wildlife.

Limpopo, South Africa

Unique eco friendly camping experience based in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve in Kruger National Park offers luxury safari tents for up to 4 people. The tents offer river or bush views and come with a mixture of double/single beds, a seating area, en-suite bathroom with shower and WC and a large private terrace with outside furniture. The camp has an infinity pool overlooking the Blyde River where warthogs and antelopes often graze. There is a restaurant on site and all meals are included. Be...

Quatermains 1920's Safari Camp 1-2

An intimate and rustic camping and safari experience, with the opportunity to explore the wildlife with a professional guide, near Amakhala Game Reserve.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

An intimate and rustic camping and safari experience, with the opportunity to see rhinos, elephants, giraffes, leopards and much more wildlife with a professional guide in Amakhala. The site offers the comfort of an ensuite colonial tent with outdoor deck, modelled on the 1900's heyday of exploration. The tents sleep 1 or 2 people in twin/double beds which come with a safari styling and gorgeous en-suite bathroom with shower and WC. You can relax outside your tent on your private terrace ar...

Lion Sands Game Reserve 1-10

Spend a night under the stars in this incredible tree house while listening to the sounds of the wild life around you. On site swimming pool and spa.

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Enjoy modern luxurious stays at this 5* retreat that offers villas, suites and treehouses in Sabi Sands.
There is a swimming pool on site plus a spa and gym.
During the say book a guided safari tour or a walking tour and look out for the Big 5!

Entabeni Safari Conservancy 1-6

Safari conservancy with game drives to see the animals. With on-site bar, restaurant + pool. Near Mokopane.

Limpopo, South Africa

Enjoy a safari stay at this conservancy near Mokopane. With lodges and safari tents plus family sized rooms this is a great place to get close to nature with game drives available for you to get up close and personal with the wildlife. There is an outdoor pool and restaurant on site and a breakfast is included in the price. Chose the Kingfisher lodge to relax in the jacuzzi bath! Children welcome. No pets. Map location is approximate. ...

Leopard Hills Game Reserve 1-2

Luxury suites on stilts or at ground level offers a unique romantic experience on the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Mpumalanga, South Africa

Luxury suites with private pools and views over the African bushveld sleeps 2 adults in Sabi Sands.
Enjoy all inclusive hospitality at the onsite restaurant where you can enjoy local African cuisine.
Enjoy a game drive or walking trail.
Use the gym, book a massage or relax in the lounge / library.

Castle in Clarens 1-4

A romantic and original fairytale castle for 4 located in a rural setting close to the pretty town of Clarens.

Free State, South Africa

At Rapunzel’s Tower you will have the entire castle at your disposal where you will be treated like royalty. Your eyes can feast on the décor and object de art that was carefully handpicked from all over the world to tantalize the senses. Cornerstones from Windsor Castle, tapestries from Dubai, light fittings from America and tiles from Europe all contribute to an unbelievable experience. While you prepare the barbeque in the Chamber of Angels, have a glass of your favourite wine and watch the s...

African Vet Safaris 1-10

Safaris with a difference - you can participate in monitoring and conservation - near Richard's Bay

Eastern Cape, South Africa

African Vet Safaris give clients a rare and unique hands-on opportunity to become involved in conservation, while having a once in a lifetime experience not normally commercially available! Let Dr Peter Brothers, Wildlife Vet and Registered Tour Guide, take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Immobilisation Safaris afford clients the opportunity to be involved in wildlife darting and management procedures. Various species such as rhino, leopard, elephant, lion, and many more, that need darting fo...

Bulungula Lodge 1-10

Experience village life while staying in luxury tents or huts on the stunning coast near Mthatha

Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Bulungula Lodge is the realisation of a dream dreamt during years of travels through the most remote parts of Africa, China and South America: to create an eco-friendly backpackers lodge in the most beautiful place in South Africa in partnership with a vibrant, traditional community. The lodge is situated in the most beautiful location of any lodge in South Africa - on the breathtaking Wild Coast. Beach, forest, lagoon, rolling hills, dolphins, whales, you name it. The sky is so clear, they ...

The Blue Train

This decadent train journey takes you through stunning South African scenery, and can include overnight stay in a game lodge.

Gauteng, South Africa

The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificient moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ulitmate in luxury and personal service. There are 37 suites in the first train and 29 in the second with an observation car at the back of the train. The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world. The suites on T...

TiPi Bush Camp 1-12

Immerse in nature in comfortable self-catering tipis on the edge of Addo Elephant National Park.

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Enjoy the tranquility of the African bush on your own terms and agenda, camping in comfort. Situated within a malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape, TiPi Bush Camp prides itself on being an environmentally friendly, eco-tourist destination and offers a unique setting in the Addo Afrique Estate game reserve, bordering the Addo Elephant National Park. 3 large 6.3 metre diameter TiPis, based on the American Indian style can each accommodate 4 people on a self-catering basis. All you need to bring i...

Colona Castle 1-5

5 star luxury, themed rooms + a stunning location. Enjoy the views from the pool. On the mountain side overlooking Cape Town. With family rooms for 5!

W. Cape, South Africa

This luxurious 5* boutique hotel is an 8 roomed Mediterranean style villa with panoramic views of Cape Town and False Bay from its Lakeside location. For those who wish to stay in a quieter location whilst being close to the attractions of Cape Town. Rooms are beautifully furnished with antiques and pieces or art - very sophisticated. Set in Lakeside, The Colona Castle is accessible to Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, the Wine-lands and golf, hiking, wildlife are all nearby. Alternative...

Sperrgebiet Lodge 1-4

Freestanding log units on a farm 10km outside Springbok, with views to the mountains. Swimming pool on site!

N. Cape, South Africa

Sperrgebiet Lodge is set on a farm 10km outside Springbok, in Namaqualand, with views of mountains and quiver trees. There are 4 freestanding log units, 3 of which sleep a couple and the 4th which sleeps a family of four. They all come with a comfy double bed, Tv's and free wifi, plus their own en-suite facilities. The family unit has a second floor where you can find twin beds. Outside you can relax on your terrace area and cook up on a storm on your personal braai BBQ. There is an outdoor...

Buffalo Drift 1-20

A working farm on the banks of the Berg River, with buffalo themed luxury tents with hot tubs + other properties for larger groups.

W. Cape, South Africa

Buffalo Drift is a tented camp site set on a working farm offering 4 tents, some with hot tubs, on the banks of the lush Berg River, near Tulbagh. The tents have a buffalo themed interior and sleep up to 4 guests in a 4 poster bed and bunk bed and have a cosy kitchenette area and en-suite with shower. Outside you can enjoy cooking up a storm in your private braai area whilst admiring the river views. Two of the 4 tents have their own wood fired hot tubs for total relaxation! On site you can par...