Our favourite lodges for a luxurious holiday in South Africa
Many will offer relaxing spa treatments, superb wine tasting, gourmet dinners and – occasionally – even top-notch game-viewing. Regardless if you are looking for a luxury safari providing a high standard of service or an exclusive stay in the vibrant city of Cape Town, here you can find great choices for very luxurious holidays in South Africa.
Our most recent reviews of Luxury in South Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our South Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards luxury. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our South Africa holidays here.
Best camps & lodges for Luxury in South Africa
The Constantia
The Constantia provides the perfect luxury escape from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. It is truly a place of indulgence offering champagne breakfasts, sunken swimming pools and magnificent gardens. Thoughtful décor throughout the property illustrate the outstanding attention to detail.
Forest Lodge
For opulence and exclusivity amidst natural surroundings, spend a few days at Grootbos Forest Lodge. The deliciously meals here use often organic, locally-sourced produce. Meanwhile activities are run by experienced guides who can help you to understand the local environment and ecosystems.
Melton Manor
Natural materials, plush furnishings and neutral tones blend together beautifully at at Kwandwe Melton Manor to give this exclusive, private home-away-from-home a luxurious, elegant atmosphere. Each of the large suites features underfloor heating, an added luxury during the colder months.
Bushmans Kloof
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness brings great luxury with emphasis on guest comfort and generous hospitality. Indulge yourself at the award-winning spa and enjoy delicious organic cuisine in special and unusual locations; Bushmans Kloof’s offers a first-class experience in a beautiful setting.
Great Fish River Lodge
Floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors offer unmatched views and sumptuous, but understated, furnishings lend a luxurious feel to Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. You can expect an elegant and sophisticated ambience and uninterrupted wilderness: perfect for an outstanding luxury safari.
Long Beach
The luxurious Long Beach provides a high-level of comfort in a tranquil setting – the in-house chauffeur and dining under the stars all add to the feeling of being spoilt. It is decorated in neutral tones with blue and cream touches, reflecting its beautiful beach setting perfectly.
Ecca Lodge
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge successfully melds modern comfort of a luxury lodge with inventive architecture and trendy, yet thoughtful details. Add to this: superb service and food, highly flexible staff and first-rate guiding; this is truly a luxury escape in a pristine private wilderness.
Babylonstoren
Once a farmhouse, now a luxury hotel; Babylonstoren’s sprawling grounds are beautifully manicured offering an abundance of impressive gardens and vineyards. From contemporary, modern décor to inspired, fresh food from their own gardens, this hotel is unique and full of character.
Uplands Homestead
Reminiscent of a stately Settler home from the 1820s, Kwandwe Uplands Homestead features authentic antiques, old-fashioned luxury and classic architecture whilst ensuring an exceptional level of comfort; the perfect choice for an exclusive holiday with a lovely bush-country feel.
Cape Grace
This luxury hotel combines modern comforts with traditional Cape culture in an exclusive waterfront setting. At Cape Grace you can expect individually-designed rooms with sumptuous beds and extravagant throws. Flamboyant décor and colonial artworks complete the luxurious feel.
Mount Nelson Hotel
Timelessly elegant with English colonial décor, Mount Nelson Hotel is perhaps South Africa’s top hotel and offer classic luxury in a tranquil setting. The hotel’s soft pink exterior, heated swimming pools and indulgent afternoon teas highlight the hotel’s attention to detail.
The Franschhoek
The Last Word Franschhoek’s location in the French corner of the Cape proves to be a perfect setting for an idyllic, luxurious holiday. High levels of personalized service and comfort in a region with a fine tradition of wine-making make this a perfect base for wine lovers.
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House’s plush interior boasts a mix of contemporary and quirky décor. Opulent Persian rugs on cream marble floors, imposing chandeliers and impressive antiques are scattered around the property and provide a unique ambience that contribute to its luxurious feel.
The Marine
From fresh seafood, fine wines and an impeccable dining atmosphere, to browsing through exquisite jewellery at the hotel’s boutique and relaxing in luxuriously appointed and individually decorated rooms; the attention to detail at the Marine is apparent in every aspect.
Garden Lodge
Enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling distant ocean and unique fynbos vegetation whilst relaxing on sumptuous canopy beds or at the swimming pool. Grootbos Garden Lodge provides an exceptional level of comfort and luxury set amidst beautiful and interesting scenery.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Set in the forest canopy of the Western Cape, Tsala Treetop offers unique and opulent accommodation with a bird’s eye view of the treetops. A luxurious choice for your holiday, the lavish offerings include wraparound decking and private infinity pools for each suite.
Cellars-Hohenort
Cellars-Hohenort is the perfect place for those seeking an idyllic holiday with a luxurious feel. Its delightful, old-fashioned character combined with high-quality furniture/furnishings and unique features like its own vineyard, add to its exclusive ambience.
The Plettenberg
The attention to detail is a remarkable feature of The Plettenberg. From handpicked elegant décor to the inviting spa and secluded, candle-lit dinners for two in the wine cellar. Treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Plettenberg.
River Bend Lodge
Reminiscent of nostalgic and colonial opulence, River Bend Lodge offers a high-quality stay in a rural location. Experience wildlife viewing from your own veranda, African-themed evenings with fine dining and cozy nights at the fireplace.
Luxury elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Luxury in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in South Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,100 sightings from 3,738 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,289 sightings from 3,855 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,431 sightings from 4,871 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,614 sightings from 2,334 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,282 sightings from 4,994 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,224 sightings from 3,619 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,632 sightings from 4,798 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
292 sightings from 1,867 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,370 sightings from 5,037 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,674 sightings from 4,539 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
758 sightings from 2,501 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
618 sightings from 1,417 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,049 sightings from 3,322 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
3,008 sightings from 4,452 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
70 sightings from 4,029 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
82 sightings from 3,987 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,768 sightings from 3,572 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
20% SUCCESS
103 sightings from 507 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,654 sightings from 5,533 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
601 sightings from 2,430 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
578 sightings from 2,440 observations
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