Where to stay and finding the right accommodation in South Africa is a matter of importance when you are planning to visit our country.

No matter whether you are considering a 5-star exotic vacation to South Africa or simply a backpacking adventure, South Africa features a wide variety of accommodation choices that will measure up to just about every budget and travelling preference.

When you consider the wide range of alternatives and possibilities, it may perhaps be practical to first figure out what your needs and wants are and whether your trip is either for business purposes or vacation, or even both.

Types of holiday accommodation in South Africa,...click below on the subject of your choice.

QUALITY AND GRADING
HOTELS
BED AND BREAKFAST
GUEST HOUSES
LODGES
BACKPACKER HOSTELS
SELF-CATERING
CAMPING AND CARAVAN SITES
HOLIDAY RESORTS
NATIONAL PARK REST CAMPS

Melrose Arch hotel in Melrose, Johannesburg
copyright © South African tourism - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa

Quality and grading,...

Some of the questions you might want to ask yourself are:

• What degree of luxury do I want ?
• Do I want to stay in international standard hotels ?
• Do I prefer the more personal atmosphere of a smaller and/or privately run establishment ?
• Or do I perhaps prefer to be closer to nature.
• Etc...

There are a myriad of places to stay in South Africa. From back-packer rooms, small bed and breakfast and country guest houses, right through to the most exclusive and luxury 5 star establishments. Every conceivable type of accommodation is catered for. South Africans are very proud of their country and they will do everything to make visitors enjoy their stay.


Fountain Villa, luxury country house estate hotel in Klerksdorp, Free State province
copyright © South African tourism - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
If you want to be assured of the quality of the accommodation you select, look for the number of stars granted by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Being the only quality assurance body for accommodation establishments mandated by the authorities and industry in South Africa, it evaluates and grades them from 1 to 5 stars according to type, quality and standard of accommodation and service provided.

The following is a brief description of what each star represents;

• 1 Star Fair to good (acceptable / modest) quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service. Clean, comfortable and functional accommodation.
• 2 Stars Good quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service.
• 3 Stars Very good quality in the overall standard of furnishings and service.
• 4 Stars Superior (excellent) comfort and quality with a high standard of furnishings and service.
• 5 Stars Exceptional quality and luxurious accommodation (matching best international standards). Highest standard of furnishings and flawless service.

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Hotels,...

Falstaff Inn hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg
courtesy South African tourism, copyright © Three Cities group
Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
South African hotels can be compared with the best in the world. Many of the leading world hotel chains (like for example Hilton, Holiday Inns, Sheraton, Hyatt, Inter Continental, Radiss and Relais), have hotels here in South Africa. They all have a high standard and you will find everything you need to enjoy your stay.

Hotels are the largest of all accommodation types. Some of the standard features are;

• A common reception area
• Rooms generally opening into hallways
• On-site restaurants and many other facilities
• Wide range of guest services (such as room service).

South African hotels cater for all tastes and preferences. Many people prefer modern hotels which are situated in the city centres, in the middle of vibrant and swinging night life. Others choose to enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful settings together with personalized service and attention of a country hotel.

For those who want nothing else then superlative luxury and pampering, an estate hotel or boutique hotel, often situated on a wine or golf estate might be a good choice. These are unique 5 star establishments, usually with less then 15 rooms. Absolutely exceptional standards, service excellence and sophistication are the hallmarks of these exclusive and elegant hotels.

Hotels to choose from >

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Bed and Breakfast,…

Bed and Breakfast accommodation with swimming pool and great view near Pretoria
copyright © South Africa tours and travel.com - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Bed and Breakfast accommodation in South Africa is in general made available in a private residence with normally no more than one or two guestrooms. In cases where they have got more than three guestrooms, we would rather refer to them as guest houses. Guests can stay overnight in a private bedroom with bathroom that might or might not be en-suite.

A full English or Continental breakfast is usually covered in the daily tariff. A variety of other meals are often provided as optional extras. Often the home owner or hostess stays inside the house or sometimes somewhere else on the property, with or without family. Usually the guests share the public areas with the host.

There are a very large number of comfortable and convenient Bed and Breakfast establishments in South Africa. Ranging from luxurious to reasonably priced, from informal to formal, with each host putting his or her personal stamp on the service and character of their establishments, you will have no problem in finding a Bed and Breakfast that will suit your personal tastes and budget.

Staying in a South African Bed and Breakfast home and being in direct contact with local people is a unique and personalized experience. It is one of the nicest ways to enjoy South African hospitality - nothing like a home cooked meal or barbeque “braai” and a comfortable hearth to greet you after a long day’s worth of sight seeing.

Bed and Breakfast options galore >

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Guest Houses,...

Guest House accommodation at the Drostdy hotel In Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape province
copyright © South Africa tours and travel.com - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Guesthouse accommodation in South Africa is either a transformed residence or mansion etc., designed to accommodate overnight guest visitors, or alternatively it may be a purpose built establishment. Mostly managed by the owner, it is run as a commercial establishment. The public areas it's got, are exclusively for use by the guests. The owner of the property or manager may either live at a different place, or in a different area on the property. Guesthouses offer a wider range of services and most of them include breakfast in their tariffs.

Guest houses are almost like mini hotels, with the number of rooms averaging between something like 5 and 15. Character and atmosphere are a mix between the professionalism of a small hotel and the personal touch and individuality of a Bed and Breakfast establishment. Having said that, you will find that most guest houses in South Africa are extraordinary friendly, hospitable and personal, making you feel very much at home.

Plenty of Guest Houses,...make your choice >

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Lodges,…

Chapungu Lodge in the Thornybush private game reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park
courtesy South African tourism, copyright © Thornybush private game reserve
Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
A lodge is an accommodation facility that is located and designed to put its guests in contact with Africa’s nature and culture at grassroots level. Building style and design of a lodge generally feature materials such as wood, natural stone and thatch to make it blend perfectly with its surroundings and environment.

The large majority of lodge accommodation in South Africa consists of game lodges, to be found inside privately owned wildlife reserves, national game reserves and private game farms. As far as quality ans costs are concerned, these range from country style and budget friendly for the price conscious, to unparalleled extravagance for those who wish to indulge in the wilds in style. All meals and activities are normally included in the rates

Providing guests with an unforgettable Africa experience, while being accommodated and cared for in a unique, memorable and personal way, is the prime objective of South Africa’s game lodges. Guests are often hosted by game rangers who cater to every need and interest, assisting with the interpretation and explanation of African bush and wild life.

Safari game drive and bush hike adventures, combined with fabulous evening time bush dinners under the open African night sky will almost certainly help make their stay in a lodge an unforgettable adventure.

Great Lodges,...many to choose from >

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Backpacker Hostels,…

Backpacker hostels are establishments that provide accommodation facilities aimed at the budget traveller. Bedrooms are in dormitory style and bathrooms are shared. In South Africa many backpacker hostels offer single and double bedrooms as well as private bathrooms.

Guests generally prepare their own food and drinks in shared self-catering style kitchens, although in some establishments light meals may be available in addition to the room rate. Backpacker hostels in South Africa are clean, attractively priced, well run and generally fun.

For cost conscious travellers who love their, freedom land independence , backpacking is a wonderful way to tour South Africa, a favourite destination for backpackers from all over the world. It has more then 180 backpacker hostels spread across the country.

The easiest way to travel between the backpacker hostels in South Africa is by special bus, commonly known as the Bazz bus. It is especially for backpackers, providing a hop-on hop-off service between hostels.

Backpacker Hostels,...check them out >

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Self-Catering,…

Self-catering chalet in Marloth Park, adjacent to the Kruger National Park
copyright © South Africa tours and travel.com - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Self-catering accommodation in South Africa is generally a chalet, bungalow, cottage, house, apartment, flat, tent or similar and sometimes even a houseboat, at which amenities and appliances are available for guests to take care of themselves. For people who like their privacy and freedom combined with affordable rates, there are quite a number of these stablishments country wide.

Many South Africans are offering one of these self-catering facilities on their home premises as an extra form of income. You are staying with and between local South Africans, experiencing and living their way of life, a rare, unique and exciting experience. Price and quality of the accommodation will vary from inexpensive rebuilt garden cottages to luxury estate type getaways and villas.

Self-Catering,...a wide variety >

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Camping and Caravan sites,...

Lakeside caravan park in Magoebaskloof, Limpopo Province
copyright © South African tourism - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Camping and caravan sites sites are accommodation establishments which offer ablution and toilet facilities together with open space for guest visitors who bring their own overnight accommodation such as a camper, caravan, motor-home or tent

There is a large and well-established network of over 700 excellent camping sites in South Africa, situated at popular holiday destinations, near national wildlife parks, at the coast and on popular tourism routes. Quality and standards of camping sites in South Africa can be compared with the best in the world.

For those opting for a self-drive tour and the freedom to explore the South African country side by themselves, camping is a convenient and inexpensive option. No better way and place to enjoy the outdoors. Cars, Caravans, Campers and Tents may be hired in all the major centres throughout the country. The best time of the year to go camping in South Africa is from October to march.

Camping and Caravan sites,...have a look >

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Holiday Resorts,…

Lost City wave pool at the Sun City resort in Northwest Province
copyright © South African tourism - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Resorts are hotel and entertainment complexes offering a wide variety of accommodation, often in the form of free standing chalets and bungalows and including a wide selection of restaurants, bars, conference and entertainment facilities.

Some holiday resorts in South Africa also offer the option to buy timeshares or prepaid increments of vacation time. This is often a great option for frequent travellers and families as holiday increments are commonly transferable for time at other resorts in South Africa.

In addition to the standard hotel amenities, they offer entertainment and holiday experiences such as golf courses, casinos, water sport activities and wildlife to name but a few. Holiday resorts in South africa are particularly well-suited for family vacations.

Holiday Resorts,...different options available >

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National Park Rest Camps,…

Shingwedzi rest camp chalet in the Kruger National Park
copyright © South African tourism - Accommodation in South Africa, Holiday accommodation south africa
Rest camps are a type of accommodation usually found in South Africa’s National Wildlife Parks. The accommodation is comfortable and is offered to those who are on self-drive tours Inside the park. It consists of free standing rondavels, bungalows, chalets or guesthouses, from reasonably priced to luxurious. The rest camps generally have a good infrastructure, including restaurants, shops and filling stations.

National Park rest camps,...Great value for money >

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