South Africa offers a range of accommodation possibilities ranging from 5-star, luxury, international-class hotels in its major cities to hip boutique hotels and country lodges to more down to earth Bed and Breakfasts (B&B) and guesthouses. The cheapest accommodation is in basic backpacker lodges but there are also both municipal and private camp sites, as well as a growing number of self-catering cottages and apartments.
Many of the mid-range and luxury hotels found in South Africa's major towns and cities are owned by large hotel chains. Prices of South Africa's hotels are, on average, comparable to those in the less expensive countries in Europe. Room rates are around 500-1000 Rand per night for mid-range hotels rising to 2-3000 Rand and above per night for the very top-end hotels and will increase at the time of large sporting events.
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| Breakwater Lodge | Radisson Waterfront |
There has been a growth in the number of boutique hotels throughout South Africa, especially in the Cape Town and Winelands areas. These small establishments, often offering less than a dozen rooms, offer excellent service and interior decoration and may be in historic buildings or out-of-the-way places.
Country Lodges are the rural or seaside equivalent of boutique hotels and can often be found in areas of outstanding natural beauty such as National Parks, game reserves and wilderness areas. Some of the accommodation options on private game reserves are luxurious: thatched rondavels and huge tents with en suite bathrooms. Prices accordingly.
Bed & Breakfast (B&Bs) are based on the British model, where you stay with a family in a private house and may share facilities. Though some B&Bs and guesthouses provide en suite or private bathrooms. Prices are reasonable and may start at about 200-300 Rand per night. A number of B&Bs are now appearing in the townships. Farmstays in the countryside are advertised as Bed en Ontbyt - Afrikaans for "Bed & Breakfast".
There are both municipal and private campsites and caravan sites - with private facilities the best option for safety and quality. Most national parks such as Kruger National Park, have campsites. Camping rough is dangerous and not recommended.
South Africa's lodges are found all over the country and are ideal
for travelers on a budget and a great place to meet other people.
Most towns of any size have at least one lodge. Dormitory rooms
are the cheapest at around 100 Rand per night. Many lodges now have
double and family rooms some with en suite bathrooms. Expect to
pay more for these. Lodges also frequently offer cycle rental, Internet
access, gardens, TV and shared kitchen facilities. Many lodges also
arrange airport shuttle services, car hire and even tours.
Booking.com is a good source of cheap backpacker accommodation in South Africa.
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| SaltyCrax Backpackers & Surflodge | Cape Town Deco Lodge |
Private individuals rent out a variety of self-catering apartments, town houses and cottages ranging from the luxurious to the basic. Standards are high and most places will come with TV, full sets of cultlery and crockery and clean sheets.
Zenzi House - The
luxury house and cottage at Zenzi House is situated in Northern
KwaZulu-Natal on the Dolphin Coast.
Green Point Apartment
- safe, clean apartment only 500m from Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.
Johannesburg Townhouse
- located in Jukskei Park.
Stellenbosch B&B
- situated in the Cape Winelands.
Houses For Rent in South Africa
Hotels in Cape Town - Booking.com
Hotels in Cape Town - Agoda
Breakwater
Lodge - 3 star
Radisson
Waterfront - 5 star
Book Hostels & Cheap Accommodation in South Africa - Booking.com
Hotels in Johannesburg - Booking.com
Hotels in Johannesburg - Agoda
OR Tambo International Airport Hotel - Safari Club SA
Hotels in Durban - Booking.com
Hotels in Durban - Agoda
Book Hostels & Cheap Accommodation in Durban - Booking.com
Hotels in East London - Booking.com
Hotels in East London - Agoda
Hotels in George - Booking.com
Hotels in George - Agoda
Hotels in Hazyview - Booking.com
Hotels in Hazyview - Agoda
Hotels in Mpumalanga - Booking.com
Hotels in Mpumalanga - Agoda
Hotels in Pietermaritzburg - Booking.com
Hostels & Budget Accommodation in PietermaritzburgHotels in Pretoria - Booking.com
Hostels & Cheap Accommodation in Pretoria
Hotels in Sun City - Booking.com
Hotels in Sun City - Agoda
Addo
Barberton
Bloemfontein
Calitzdorp
Cape Town
Cape Winelands
Cintsa
Coffee Bay
Constantia
Drakensberg
Durban
Durban North
East London
Eastern Cape
Eshowe
Estcourt
Franschhoek
Gansbaai
Gauteng
Gingingdlovu
Graaff-Reinet
Grahamstown
Graskop
Greyton
Harkerville
Hartbeespoort
Hazyview
Hectorspruit
Hermanus
Hluhluwe
Hoedspruit
Hout Bay
Jeffreys Bay
Johannesburg
Kempton Park
Knysna
Komatipoort
Kroondal
Kruger Park
Kwa Zulu Natal
Kwambonambi
Kwazulu Natal
Ladysmith
Margate
Middelburg
Midrand
Montagu
Mossel Bay
Mpumalanga
Nelspruit
Ngodwana
Nieu Bethesda
Oudtshoorn
Phalaborwa
Pietermaritzburg
Plettenberg
Bay
Port
Edward
Port
Elizabeth
Port
St Johns
Pretoria
Prince Albert
Riebeek West
Robertson
Sabie
Somerset West
St Francis Bay
St
Lucia
Stellenbosch
Transkei
Tsitsikamma
Western Cape
Wilderness