Destinations

5-Star Hotel Guide

South Africa

South Africa seduces with its wildlife and breathtaking scenery, but also with its luxury safaris and 5-star hotels

South Africa
South Africa
Regions in South Africa

5-star hotel guide to South Africa

South Africa is, for most, a direct flight, with little time difference if you are travelling from Europe. This is a country with an excellent climate coupled with breathtaking scenery. 

While most visitors head for Cape Town to explore the Western Cape a wildlife safari is a must-do addition for the first-time visitor and long-time advocate, alike.

In Cape Town we love the grand old dame Belmont Mount Nelson and also the Steenberg Hotel in beautiful Constantia, which is also a world-class wine estate, and adore exploring this naturally exquisite and expansive city that seems to have many characters. 

Beyond the city, the eastern Indian Ocean coastline starts off semi-tropical, but by the time you travel west the Atlantic Ocean takes over all the way up the western coast to Namibia. This is a vast expanse of hauntingly beautiful sand planes, desert shrub and dunes. The staggering vistas from east to west are awesome. The myriad landscapes of South Africa's inland regions are as spectacularly heterogeneous as its coastline; including the drama of some of the world's most awesome mountain ranges to the vast expanses of African savannah. This country also relishes in some of the sexiest 5 star boutique hotels; as well as imposing luxury landmark hotels; not to mention the flourishing cuisine and impresive wines.

We strongly recommend a circular journey from Cape Town taking in Hermanus and The Walker Bay Nature Reserve where you will find both Birkenhead House and Grootbos, before an exquisite drive to the wine valley of Franschhoek and the countryside kingdom of La Residence. Exploring Cape Town's winelands is a must for anyone interested in wine or stunning landscapes.

Within 3 hours of Cape Town you can be in the bush, on safari observing the most majestic animals on the planet at stunning Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.

Big game safaris in The Kruger National Park and its adjoining private game reserves, are also must-do experiences. We have selected two of the best, Dulini River Lodge and Royal Malewane, both easily reached via Johannesberg.

We have handpicked South Africa's finest luxury hotels and hideaways, from Cape Town to Hermanus and from the glorious winelands to the Bush. Each is visited and reviewed by us, so you can rely on our expert recommendations.