Condé Nast TravelerOct 6, 2026
15 Best Resorts in South Africa 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in South Africa. Click here for top resorts in the rest of Africa.
14 hotels in this story
- Lion Sands Game ReserveHotelSet on the banks of the Sabi River, this luxurious resort on 10,000 acres comprises four lodges and a family camp.
- Londolozi Game ReserveHotelEven if you’ve never been, Londolozi exists in the imagination.
- Arathusa Safari LodgeHotel
- Elsewhere
- Makanyi Private Game LodgeHotelTimbavati Private Nature Reserve, South AfricaThe seven-room Makanyi Private Game Lodge is full-on luxury with the feel of a family home—which makes sense, given its…
- Molori Safari LodgeHotelMadikwe Game Reserve, South AfricaThis wildly luxurious hideaway coexists with nature to put you up-close with the Big Five—especially the elephants,…
- Morukuru Family, Madikwe Game ReserveHotelMadikwe Game Reserve, South AfricaThe Big Five is the big draw across the continent, but at this family-friendly lodge on South Africa's fifth largest…
- Tswalu KalahariHotelKalahari Desert, South AfricaYou won’t find the Big Five at Tswalu—an immense private game preserve in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, but…
- Morukuru Family, De Hoop ReserveHotelDe Hoop Nature Reserve, South AfricaSay you're more of a beach bum than a safari enthusiast—don't worry, South Africa still has you covered.
- Jabulani Safari LodgeHotelKapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa
- Tintswalo Safari LodgeHotelManyeleti Game Reserve, South Africa
- Monwana Game LodgeHotelTimbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Tanda Tula Safari CampHotelTimbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Lepogo Lodges, Noka CampHotelPalala Boutique Game Lodge, South Africa
- Nsele Private Game ReserveHotelGreater Kruger National Park, South Africa