On this page, we have selected our Top 50 places to stay and things to do across South Africa. The emphasis is on high quality establishments with a heritage appeal but with an ethical and sustainable approach to travel. Most of these places are owner-managed and have no more than 20 rooms, some as few as 5.
Each tile opens up the establishment’s own website, so you can look around on their page to see what they offer.
Our selection below includes spectacular African Safaris. Create a bespoke tour for your travel through Africa.
If you particularly like one of our choices, you can send us a message using the chat function at the bottom of the page and we’ll send you more details.
This ten-room guesthouse is famous for being the most highly rated B&B in central Cape Town. Don’t miss their breakfasts !
Price Category: $$
One of Cape Town's oldest and finest guest houses, nestled against the majestic backdrop of Table Mountain in Cape Town.
Price Category: $
Renowned for superb service. Ideally situated in a quiet residential quarter with a 'village' feel.
Price Category: $$
Originally a Victorian gentleman's house. Perfectly located to make the most of your Cape Town holiday or business trip.
Price Category: $$
Idyllic, exclusive 8 bedroomed lodge situated near the Addo Elephant National Park in the fertile sun-drenched Sundays River Valley.
Price Category: $$
A conservation-orientated 5-star safari holiday destination, situated in the Eastern Cape. Home to vast herds of wildlife, birdlife and incredible ecological diversity, with 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes found here.
Price Category: $$$
Breathtakingly beautiful game reserve, sanctuary to an abundance of diverse wildlife from elephants to otters, and everything in between, including the Big Five.
Price Category: $$
Spectacularly set against a cliff above the Bushmans River valley in the Amahkala Game Reserve, Woodbury Lodge offers an intimate and tranquil experience of the Eastern Cape riverine bushveld.
Price Category: $
Flanked by the spectacular Baviaanskloof and Swartberg mountain ranges, this striking 1880s building is one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture.
Price Category: $
With breathtaking landscape, a unique biome of lush flowers and an abundance of wildlife, the Karoo will capture your heart forever!
Price Category: $$
The only privately owned lodge situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands, game drives, boat cruises.
Price Category: $$$
A Country House in Town. Situated in the exclusive area of Upper Durban North, The Grange was one of the first BnBs in Durban.
Price Category: $
On the shores of the Knysna Lagoon. A tranquil beach house on Leisure Isle, with spectacular views of the Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Price Category: $$$
Historic country guest house situated at the foot of the Tsitsikamma mountains on its own 50 acre nature reserve.
Price Category: $$
Luxury lodge situated on a natural coastal reserve, between Knysna and Port Elizabeth. A famous destination for those looking for a place to unwind.
Price Category: $
An elegant and refined guest house overlooking the beautiful Wilderness Lagoon in the scenic village of Wilderness.
Price Category: $$
Trendy five star boutique guest retreat. Unwind by the pool or relax in the Jacuzzi while watching Zebras and Springboks. Paradise !
Price Category: $$
Luxury Guest House perfectly situated in Summerstrand, a beachfront suburb of Port Elizabeth. Self catering accommodation also provided.
Price Category: $
Aquavit amplifies all the characteristics of a boutique style hotel, but retains the warmth and inviting hospitality of a guest house.
Price Category: $$
This hideaway is a lifestyle retreat set on over 2 ha of eclectic fynbos, located in the historic Drostdy Quarter of Swellendam.
Price Category: $$
Luxury, self-catering suites situated in Swellendam's beautiful Hermitage Valley. Relax in a beautiful, peaceful countryside setting.
Price Category: $
Space, charm and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history.
Price Category: $$$
Charm and elegance in the historical heart of the Franschhoek mountain valley.
Price Category: $$
Built circa 1881. Set in a beautiful garden with a pool big enough to swim in, with exquisite views over the Valley.
Price Category: $
An unspoiled ocean getaway, hidden away on the shores of the authentic fishing village of Paternoster.
Price Category: $$$
Enjoy the serene experience of game viewing from your own suite as the nearby waterhole invites a constant flow of wildlife that converge here during the day.
Price Category: $$$
With a focus on exclusivity, this lavish facility provides unforgettable experiences on the doorstep of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Price Category: $$
An exceptional safari experience within the Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the unfenced Kruger National Park.
Price Category: $$$
Excellent Big 5 game viewing, luxurious accommodation and sumptuous cuisine, for the discerning traveller.
Price Category: $$$
A luxury safari experience that embraces the best of African wildlife and hospitality, in an exclusive private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park.
Price Category: $$
Experience the magic of Africa. Reconnect with nature in one of Africa's world-renowned, unspoilt wilderness reserves.
Price Category: $
The sights and sounds of Africa greet you every morning from the comfort of your air conditioned bedroom. Relax at the pool and let the wildlife come to you.
Price Category: $
This unique, Historical and Architectural gem of Northcliff has been restored with passion, respect and the comfort of guests in mind.
Price Category: $$$
Leighwood Lodge is the perfect "home away from home", providing discerning guests with personal attention.
Price Category: $$
An up-market five star European stay in the heart of South Africa, providing a unique, exclusive, sanctuary for today’s traveler.
Price Category: $$$
The Peech was originally a family home built in the 1950s and now transformed into a delightful, ethical, boutique hotel.
Price Category: $$
Exceed House
Springfield Office Park
Belleville, Cape Town
7450
Cell / WhatsApp (SA) +27 72 136 9096
Cell / Office (UK) +44 7853 212075
WhatsApp +27 72 136 9096
Email: travel@whereitallbegan.co.za
Skype: philrendel
We’re an ethical private travel planning company focused on Southern Africa.
We offer ready-made and also customised holidays and journeys across this unique region of the world.
When our clients travel with us, they are assured that their travel spend is directly supporting local African companies that offer sustainable products and services, both in terms of people and planet.
Our logo is an image of a skull found in the Rising Star Cave System in Gauteng, South Africa in 2013. It was named ‘homo naledi’, meaning ‘human of the stars’.
The cave system has so far given rise to the remains of over 15 individuals, making it the largest hominid fossil remains site ever discovered.
Travelling to Southern Africa is truly a return to the source of humankind, to Where It All Began.