Garden Route
As well as riverside campsites there are rondavels (round huts), some with shared ablutions and all with rudimentary kitchen facilities. In the southern…
Must-see hotels in Western Cape
Knysna
On the seaward side of the lagoon, the hills drop to Brenton-on-Sea, overlooking a magnificent 8km beach. The chalets have a full kitchen while cabins…
Western Cape
The national park campground is a lovely spot at the edge of the river east of town, and it’s a 2km walk from the beach. There are clean bathrooms and…
Western Cape
This delightful place has tastefully furnished rooms and a small pool in the rambling gardens. It’s close to the start of the Boesmanskloof Trail, and if…
Garden Route
It might not be close enough to smell the ocean, but Surfari is highly recommended. A family-run boutique backpacker lodge, it has bright, beautifully…
Winelands
These cottages set in spacious gardens aren't just for those on retreat. This is a peaceful place, with a decent lap pool, health treatments and a popular…
Garden Route
Mvubu is a large, wooden chalet set amid milkwood trees and with views of Groenvlei lake. Sleeping four in two bedrooms, it also has an expansive deck and…
Winelands
Sitting on the southern border of town, this is a family-friendly place with well-kept grounds, affable hosts and a nice pool. There's a restaurant (also…
Garden Route
This modern hotel boasts a spectacular location, right above the wave-pounded rocks at the Point. There’s a decent restaurant (mains R60 to R120) and the…
Garden Route
This well-run and long-established backpackers has two sections – a backpacker wing where rooms share a bathroom and a more upmarket wing with en-suite…
Plettenberg Bay
This extremely friendly backpackers hostel is two minutes' walk from a magnificent beach; body boards are provided free. To reach the house, follow the…
Western Cape
There are six individually decorated rooms in this 200-year-old house with a gorgeous garden and a refreshing pool. It's within walking distance of the…
Stellenbosch
A comfortable country-style hotel with a variety of rooms, including some with self-catering facilities and others with four-poster beds. A section dating…
Hermanus
A sea-facing room at this stalwart overlooking the ocean means you’ll be able to whale-watch from your bed in season. Rooms have had a bit of a revamp but…
Knysna
A tremendously peaceful place to stay, with luxury cottages around an immaculate lawn, some with lagoon views. There is a restaurant (mains R85 to R170)…
Knysna
This lodge has changed address and had a complete overhaul, but the cheery owners and tasteful African decor remain. Accommodation is in self-catering…
Wilderness Beach House Backpackers
Garden Route
Southwest of town, this breezy hostel provides awesome ocean views, simple rooms, and a lapa (circular area with a fire pit) bar and cafe serving…
Hermanus
This is a great place with upbeat decor, good facilities and clued-up staff who can help with activities. The simple, help-yourself breakfast is free, and…
Winelands
Rijk’s provides pleasant accommodation in thatched cottages on a beautiful wine estate with manicured lawns. There are tours and tastings at the winery…
Western Cape
This owner-run guesthouse has large, uncluttered rooms set around an enormous garden with plenty of shady spots. The restaurant (mains R95 to R150)…
Western Cape
Soundtracked by a trickling fountain and the roaring waves, Tranquility has seven clean rooms decked out with beach-house furniture, African art and surf…
Garden Route
This spectacularly located beach-side shack is reachable only by a two-hour hike, so you need to be fit to get here. There's no electricity and you'll…
Winelands
A suburban backpackers with spacious dorms and pleasant en-suite doubles in the garden. There’s a big grassy backyard and a shisha lounge, and wine and…
Winelands
An attractive campground with simple chalets (sleeping two) beside the Berg River, 5km from Paarl on Rte 45 towards Franschhoek. Facilities include canoes…
Western Cape
A friendly option in the town centre. The high-ceilinged rooms are comfy and well equipped. Karoo dinners (lots of meat) are served if you don't fancy…
Nature’s Valley Guesthouse & Hikers Haven
Western Cape
This thatched brick building has a big lawn, a self-catering kitchen, a lounge, and small, tidy rooms with outdated bathrooms. Transport to the start of…
Western Cape
These simple but stylish guest rooms on the edge of town offer excellent value. Friendly hosts Jude and Bryan are passionate and knowledgeable about the…
Winelands
This old house has comfortable, well-appointed rooms, some with balconies. The larger garden rooms are quieter, being off the main road. It's very…
Garden Route
As well as more than 300 campsites – many of which have ocean views – there are well-equipped thatched chalets here (the chalets were about to be…
Western Cape
A laid-back place in Struisbaai, with a cheery pool and bar area. Breakfast and dinner are available, or you can make use of the shared kitchen. It's in a…
Western Cape
This efficient and friendly place close to the harbour offers homely budget accommodation, including small garden studios with TV and basic kitchen…
Garden Route
There are wonderful sea views from this campsite and caravan park. It's worth paying a little extra for a site on the Western Terrace (per site from R415)…
Winelands
On a peaceful wine farm just 3km north of central Paarl, Under Oaks has spacious rooms decked out in muted shades. There's wine tasting on the premises as…
Winelands
More a budget guesthouse than a backpackers, accommodation here is set around a lovely, rambling garden. The brightly decorated rooms all have their own…
Western Cape
A long-standing guest farm with pleasant rooms and self-catering chalets set on a vast farm featuring hiking trails, wildlife and olive trees. It's 20km…
Winelands
In a peaceful side street not far from Main St, Cape Valley has four individually decorated rooms and a delightful garden – a great spot to open that…
Stellenbosch
This appealing, old-style hotel dates back to 1802, though it has had a dramatic facelift. Deluxe rooms are furnished with antiques and brass beds, while…
Plettenberg Bay
This excellent budget option is owner-run and it shows. There’s a great bar area with satellite TV, yet you can still find peace and quiet in the large…
Garden Route
A stylishly decorated loft apartment with awesome views of the ocean. The loft is closed until mid-2018 due to fire damage in the Goukamma Nature Reserve.
Knysna
Rooms are tastefully decorated at this stylish hotel. It has an inviting, heated pool and is moments away from shopping and eating options at the…
