Where to stay in South Africa
South Africa has a wonderful range of accommodation from quirky B&Bs that won’t break the bank to uber-luxurious safari camps that cater for your every whim… and some that you haven’t thought of yet! We will tailor our suggestions according to your budget but will usually suggest a range of smaller hotels where you can be sure of a warm welcome, an immaculate room and usually a stunning view.
So what is a typical South African hotel like?
It really is impossible to generalize about hotels in South Africa as there is such a huge variety. We prefer the smaller more boutique properties that may lack a fax machine and therefore don’t qualify for an international star rating, but which are packed with charm and are often run by their friendly owners. B&B type accommodation is very popular and ideal for children as there is often a garden to run around in (or seek a quiet corner in, depending on the age of the kids) and many have pools.
A typical B&B is Morningside Cottage in Cape Town where many Stubborn Mule Travellers start their trip. This small hotel is located in a leafy suburb so is great for people on a self-drive as you don’t have to navigate the busy streets of downtown more than you need to. Rooms are spotlessly clean and there is always a vase of freshly cut flowers from the garden. Breakfast is served by the saltwater pool in the summer and in front of the cosy log fire in the winter. A recurring comment is that this is a home from home, with comfy sofas and a laid-back feel that makes this a relaxing place for families with children of all ages.
How do high-end and mid-range hotels compare?
South Africa offers superb value for money with the weak value of the rand making it a very cost-effective place to visit. Mid-range hotels are plentiful and almost uniformly excellent. One of our favourites is Old Mac Daddy, a true child-pleaser if ever there was one. Here you can stay in air-stream caravans that have been dotted around the countryside, each individually decorated in a quirky fashion and attached to an airy and spacious living area. Indulge the children and give them the caravan whilst the parents can stay on a sofa bed in the living area. There is a man-made lake where you can go zorbing and paddle boarding or perhaps hire a mountain bike and head off into the surrounding fruit orchards. You will struggle to tear the kids away.
If you are travelling on a higher budget it is hard to beat Hog Hollow, a little slice of loveliness perched on the edge of the forest with commanding views over the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Here there are small trails through the forest that you can follow or perhaps take to horse back and ride up into the hills. Back at base you are guaranteed a wonderfully comfortable room, beautifully decorated with local tapestries on the wall and brightly coloured cushions, and sensational food. Start dinner with snacks around the fire before heading inside for mouthwatering dishes washed down with local wine. Fussy children are also well-accommodated here… popcorn and freshly made biscuits are amongst the more popular kids’ treats.
As always, we will select hotels that will suit your family and fit your budget. Do ring us, or email to find out more about where to stay in South Africa and we can put together an itinerary for you that is tailored to your family’s needs.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
South Africa in pictures