One of the most fascinating places to go in Africa is South Africa, which offers the best of both worlds with top resorts in the cities and its numerous game reserves where safaris can be taken. It is well-known for having a wide range of unique habitats, endemic fauna, breathtaking national parks, canyons and gorges, and many other extraordinary natural beauties. The ‘Big Five’ – elephant, Cape buffalo, rhino, leopard, and lion – will delight wildlife fans. Cape Town, the nation’s capital, lies tucked beneath the recognizable Table Mountain.
South Africa is the destination for leisure and relaxation, with resorts and private islands offering top-notch amenities. Are you planning the perfect vacation for you and your loved ones? Below are some carefully selected places for your visit.
#1. La Cotte Forest Cottages
In Franschhoek in the Western Cape Region, the La Cotte Forest Cottages one of the top resorts in South Africa have an outdoor pool, BBQ, and terrace. On-site private parking and free WiFi are both accessible. For your convenience, there are dining, kitchen, and seating rooms in each terraced cottage. The One-Bedroom Cottage also features a private plunge pool, and each cottage has a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are provided as extras.
Furthermore, a shared pool, a patio, and barbeque facilities are among the additional amenities on the property. Cycling and hiking are only two of the activities available nearby. La Cotte Forest Cottages are 2.1 kilometers away from Reuben’s Franschhoek and the Huguenot Memorial Museum. The resort is 72 kilometers from Cape Town International Airport, which is the closest airport.
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#2. Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The atmosphere at Cheetah Plains is distinct from that of many other classic South African safari lodges. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides guests with private villas that sleep up to eight people. These are the ideal option for multigenerational families on vacation or groups of friends. Villas feature a chef’s kitchen, swimming pool, and windows, as well as four bedrooms.
The complimentary twice-daily game drives are conducted in private electric Land Cruisers since Cheetah Plains places a premium on sustainability. Additionally, guests use a Nikon D850 camera and a free memory card, so they can take amazing pictures. The fee at this 5-star hotel includes all meals and drinks.
#3. Jaci’s Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve
Jaci’s Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. There are only two suites and eight luxury tents. Each has a mixture of thatched, canvas, and stone roofs and is decorated in bright colors. There are both indoor and outdoor showers available, as well as sizable porches from which you can frequently see wildlife.
Meanwhile, meals and sunrise as well as sunset game drives are available at the rates. Madikwe is renowned for its large lion population. Drives take place in open cars that don’t obstruct the views, and guides are quite knowledgeable. They adapt to specific populations. Additionally, visitors can borrow top-notch cameras to take pictures of safaris.
#4. Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
Leopard Hills is a 5-star resort located on a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the bush, grasslands, and a bustling water hole below in the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which is next to Kruger National Park. The reserves enable animal movement. Meals and safari game drives are also included in the rates, and the food is of good quality. If you’re on your honeymoon in South Africa, Leopard Hills is the place to go. In your room, you can plan intimate dinners that can be ending with a romantic bath.
#5. Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Singita Boulders Lodge is located in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. The luxurious resort has 12 glass-fronted suites, and tastefully designed public areas, and integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The suites feature handcrafted furniture, materials with rich colors and textures inspired by Africa, fireplaces, as well as private terraces. Additionally, they have outdoor showers and heated pools.
The rates are all-inclusive, and on your private, twice-daily game drives, you can frequently see animals that are more difficult to identify, such as leopards and wild dogs.
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#6. Prana Lodge, Chintsa
The village of Chintsa is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, along the country’s Wild Coast. Prana Lodge is a quaint lodging establishment nearby. Only eight suites make up the modest resort. Opulent furnishings featuring Persian rugs, linens, and artwork from South African artists. Each apartment features a private plunge pool on a patio that is separated from other guests by garden walls.
Several honeymoon, mini-moon, as well as babymoon vacation packages, are available at Prana, which is a terrific choice for a romantic getaway. A restaurant offering free breakfast, a spa, and beach access are available as amenities. From horseback riding to surfing, a wide variety of activities can be planned.
#7. The Oyster Box, Durban
The Oyster Box is the most opulent hotel in the region, located in Durban’s posh Umhlanga Rocks neighborhood just north of the city center. The hotel exudes old-world elegance with uniformed men wearing helmets. The pool area facing the sea is particularly tempting, with red-and-white striped sofas and sun loungers, as well as matching colored umbrellas. It is situated directly on a gorgeous stretch of gold sand beach next to a lighthouse.
Moreover, private balconies with views of the sea and lighthouses are available in some rooms. An award-winning spa and a few different dining alternatives are available as amenities.
#8. Tintswalo Atlantic
Tintswalo Atlantic is one of the best resorts in South Africa. It is a distinctive resort that is situated in a lovely setting above a pebble beach at the base of Chapman’s Peak, about 35 minutes drive from central Cape Town. The only hotel allowed to conduct business within Table Mountain National Park offers stunning views. Visitors can easily use the park’s many hiking paths as well.
Zen luxe permeates this 5-star, adults-only resort. Being surrounded by nature, it’s a perfect place to unplug for a few days (although Wi-Fi is free and accessible if you need it). All suites have fireplaces, large bathrooms, and sliding glass doors leading to private terraces with beach views. Additionally, there is a stunning villa with two suites that can house up to four adults.
The wonderful restaurant and flawless service at Tintswalo is well-known. The restaurant offers a three-course set menu with three starter and main options with both indoor and outdoor seating. There is also a free, highly-regarded breakfast buffet. Additionally, there is a spa with therapists on call and an outdoor heated pool here.
#9. The Residence, Johannesburg
The Residence, a boutique hotel in the Houghton neighborhood just over a mile from the city center, is one of Johannesburg’s most opulent establishments. As a result, it provides quick access to Johannesburg’s key attractions while remaining a secure retreat. The nicely designed rooms and suites feature freestanding baths, antique furniture, and magnificent balconies. Private hot tubs, which are a favorite among couples on romantic getaways, are also available in suites.
In addition, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and wellness center with a sauna are all on-site. If you require transportation to or from OR Tambo International Airport, a shuttle can be tidy. There is also no charge for breakfast.
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#10. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is a traditional Cape Town 5-star hotel with an old-world, exquisite feel, nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. On the outskirts of Table Mountain National Park, past Camps Bay and just across from Oudekraal Beach, it has a country luxe aesthetic with wallpapered walls and patterned bedspreads, upholstered furniture, as well as replica antiques.
The on-site restaurant Azure offers one of the largest breakfast buffets in the city every morning, and it is free for guests. Additionally, there are two pools, a gym, and a spa. To get to downtown Cape Town conveniently, visitors can take the free shuttle to the V&A Waterfront.
#11. Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges, Eastern Cape
One of South Africa’s most effective private conservation programs is Shamwari Private Game Reserve, which is located on the N2 between the cities of Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. This resort is also renowned for being ultra-luxurious and eco-friendly. On the grounds are six opulent lodges in a malaria-free location. Each has a 5-star rating and offers a unique aesthetic.
The costs include meals and twice-daily excursions with knowledgeable guides. Additionally, there is a pool and a spa on the property.
#12. Lion Sands Game Reserve
This opulent resort, which spans 10,000 acres and includes four lodges and a family camp, is situated on the banks of the Sabi River. It is also one of the best resorts in South Africa. While the cream and beige suites at River Lodge include freestanding tubs as well as indoor and outdoor bathrooms, the ivory and ebony rooms at Ivory Lodge have views of the reserve and its wildlife from individual terraces with plunge pools. Enjoy traditional Boma cuisine after taking an open-air jeep trip to see elephants and lions.
The distinctive treehouses are incredibly lovely because they are lit by lanterns, candles, stars, and the moon. From a distance, one can hear the sounds of hippos, leopards, lions, and hyenas.
#13. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat
This reserve, which spans 18,500 acres in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, features a heated pool, exercise center, spa, and light-filled modern rooms. Makana offers local food and fynbos herbs, and a friendly staff to share their culture and history.
The reserve also looks after the 130 rock art sites, some of which date back 10,000 years; previously guided excursions are available. There are hiking routes (of varied difficulty) on the reserve, as well as chances for canoeing and fly-fishing at the ponds on the property, for anyone seeking to get out into the bush and observe the area’s flora, animals, and breathtaking geology up close.
#14. Cabanas Sun City
Cabanas is the ideal location for a family vacation and the ultimate in luxury at the most reasonable costs. In a word, Cabanas is one of the top resorts in South Africa for a vacation retreat since they are opulent, lively, and kid-friendly. With designated game zones, kid-friendly restaurants, entertainment centers, Waterworld, and kid-friendly play areas, the hotel is vibrant and jam-packed with activities for children and young adults.
Where Can I Relax in South Africa?
Tulbagh, Western Cape. Sometimes just driving to and from Tulbagh through its Cape wine valley is peace enough. Find a cozy cottage or book your stay at the farm guesthouse for a peaceful escape to the country. There are several wine estates worth a visit nearby if you’re in the mood for a country lunch or wine-tasting jaunt.
What is the 2nd Biggest Resort in the World?
The Venetian Resort
Where is the Best Place to Live in South Africa?
Cape Town; the best City for English Speakers. As it is known locally, the “Mother City” is not only one of the most stunning cities in the world, but it also has a strong tourism economy and a good standard of living. The best places to find breathtaking scenery, white sand beaches, and opulent homes are in Cape Town.