9 Unique Places to Stay in South Africa

In South Africa, you can not only experience and see very unique things, you can also stay in some very unique accommodations. During our trip through South Africa, we have stayed in many different hotels and lodges. In this blog post, we have listed all our favorite and most unique places to stay in South Africa. From budget hotels to luxurious lodges, there's something for everyone in this list.​​
68° 12′ N, 13° 31′ E​

Overview

Note: the prices we mention are just an indication. Prices may vary depending on season, room types, number of persons staying…​

Cape town

POD Camps Bay

POD Camps Bay is a stunning boutique hotel in the Camps Bay region in Cape Town. It is perfectly located, close by the beach and all the restaurants. It also offers a stunning view over the ocean from their pool with sundeck. Did we already mention how helpful and friendly the staff is? 

They offer 6 different room types in different price ranges.
Double room: from €265 per night

POD Camps Bay
POD Camps Bay
POD Camps Bay
POD Camps Bay

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Stellenbosch

Wildlife retreat remhoogte

In Stellenbosch you really should spend a night on a vineyard. And the most beautiful stay is surely at the wine farm of Remhoogte. From your room, you have a beautiful view of the wildlife, such as zebras and springboks, with a beautiful landscape in the background. On top of that you can also enjoy a free wine tasting of the delicious wines of Remhoogte. And all this for only a very small and fair price!

Double room: from €51 per night

View on the mountains at Remhoogte, Stellenbosch
View on the mountains at Remhoogte, Stellenbosch
Wildlife retreat remhoogte​
Wildlife retreat remhoogte​

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Swellendam

Kwetu Guest Farm

At Kwetu Guest Farm, you get the unique chance to meet their giraffes from really close by. The giraffes walk around in their huge backyard, where you can walk up to them. You also have a view of the giraffes and other wildlife that they have, from the various cottages and rooms they offer with your own bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. A very unique opportunity and a very unique place to stay on the Garden Route, if you ask us.

Double room: from €40 per night

Giraffes at Kwetu Guest Farm
Giraffes at Kwetu Guest Farm

Knysna - Plettenberg Bay

Knysna Elephant Park lodge

Have you ever wondered whether an elephant sleeps lying down or standing up? Well, you can discover it for yourself, because in Knysna Elephant Park Lodge you have the chance to sleep with the elephants. Your room is located next to the sleeping quarters of the elephants. You can see them and even hear them sleeping!  It’s definitely a bucketlist experience and one of the most unique place to stay in South Africa. 

Double room: from €72 per night

Elephant in Knysna Elephant Park, one of the best stops on the Garden Route
Elephant in Knysna Elephant Park
Sleeping next to the elephants in Knysna Elephant Park, one of the most unique places to stay in South Africa
Room in Knysna Elephant Park next to the elephants

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Port Elizabeth

Once upon a dome

In Port Elizabeth, you get the chance to sleep under the billions of stars of South Africa. From your bed in this large translucent Star Dome of Thunzi Bush Lodge, you can look at the stars and the Milky Way from your bed. In addition, you also have a hot tub, a chill net, an outdoor shower, a barbecue, a bath with a view… in short, everything you need for a unique overnight stay.

Double room: from €221 per night

The Stargazing Dome in Port Elizabeth is one of the most unique places to stay in South Africa
Stargazing Dome

St Lucia

Luxury Tented Village @ Urban Glamping

In St Lucia you can enjoy an amazing glamping experience at the Luxury Tented Village of Urban Glamping. You literally feel in the middle of nature in the middle of the town. You sleep in a beautiful luxurious tent in a laid-back surrounding with two pools and a shared kitchen.

Double room: from €58 per night

Luxury tented village in St Lucia
Luxury tented village in St Lucia
Luxury tented village in St Lucia
Luxury tented village in St Lucia

African Dreamz Guest House

We loved our stay at African Dreams Guest House because of the super hospitable owners. The guest house has air-conditioned rooms with an African decor. On top of that, they serve a delicious breakfast. 

Double room: from €71 per night

Eswatini

Mantenga Lodge

The Mantenga Lodge is the perfect place to stay in the middle of nature of Eswatini. It is located close to the Mantenga falls and the Mantenga culture village. In this culture village you can learn more about the Swazi culture and witness a vibrant and energetic performance of traditional Swazi dances and music. Not only the location is ideal, they also serve a delicious food!

Double room: from €65 per night

Mantenga Lodge
Mantenga Lodge
Eswatini
Traditional Swazi Dance in Eswatini

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Kruger national park

Pezulu treehouse lodge

Have you always wanted to sleep in a treehouse? Then the Pezulu Tree House Lodge is the perfect opportunity to do this! These huge tree houses are located in a private reserve of the Kruger National Park. From your treehouse you get the chance to spot wildlife like warthogs and giraffes, and if you’re lucky, the giraffes come and say hi in your outdoor shower. You can’t deny that this is one of the most unique places to stay in South Africa. Besides accommodation, they also offer different game experiences

Double room: from €198 per night

Pezulu Treehouse Lodge
Pezulu Treehouse Lodge

Rukiya Safari Camp

Rukiya Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp in the Wild Rivers Nature Reserve, next to the Great Kruger National Park. You stay in a luxurious safari tent in the middle of nature. They offer different game drives, both big 5 and non big 5 in a private game reserve. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a luxurious stay and spot wildlife in a relaxed way without the hustle in the Great Kruger. It is also the place where we have eaten the most of our whole trip, because they serve exceptionally tasty food.

Double room: from €187 per night

Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp
Rukiya Safari Camp

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Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?

However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!

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Last updated: July 7, 2024
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Win-Win for everyone

Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?

However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!

Last edited: 26/07/2023

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