What are the best hotels and resorts in South Africa?

TopTravel.Reviews has 18 published South Africa write-ups, each researched from live public listing data and ranked on a blend of star rating, review volume and photo coverage.

South Africa: best hotels, resorts and things to do

South Africa is the easiest first safari in the world because it pairs Big Five game lodges with a genuinely great city break. Our reviews cover Kruger and Sabi Sand lodges, Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard and V&A Waterfront hotels, and Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands estates.

Big Five safari lodgesCape TownWinelandsGarden Route

When to go

May to September for game viewing; November to March for Cape Town beaches.

Cities and islands

Browse by type

18 South Africa reviews

South Africa · Johannesburg

Tree Top Adventures SA: Family Climbing in Johannesburg

Obstacle courses, zip lines and attentive instructors make this rustic Johannesburg activity centre a popular choice for active family outings.

4.5209 public ratingsHana Kovac

South Africa · Cullinan

Adventure Zone Cullinan: High-Energy Outdoor Challenges

Technical hiking, ziplining and muddy quad biking make this Cullinan attraction a strong choice for active groups and couples.

4.5433 public ratingsMiles Ashworth

South Africa · Addo

Adrenalin Addo Adventure Park: Ziplining Above the River

Strong reviews highlight an exhilarating river zipline, scenic surroundings, attentive guides and a relaxed food stop for families and groups.

4.7490 public ratingsLucia Moretti

Cape Town Ziplines SA Forest Adventures in Cape Town

South Africa · Cape Town

Cape Town Ziplines pairs big views with reassuring guides

Strong reviews highlight scenic zipline runs, clear instruction and patient guides who help first-timers feel comfortable at height.

4.7601 public ratingsFreya Aaltonen

Africanyon River Adventures in Plettenberg Bay

South Africa · Plettenberg Bay

Africanyon River Adventures: A High-Energy Canyon Trip

Public reviews praise this Plettenberg Bay canyoning experience for its jumps, natural slides, clear pools and safety-focused guides.

4.8695 public ratingsFreya Aaltonen

South Africa · Bergville

All Out Adventures: Quad Biking and MTB Trails in Bergville

A family-friendly activity centre pairing beginner-oriented quad biking and mountain-bike trails with striking mountain scenery.

4.6991 public ratingsLucia Moretti

South Africa · Port Shepstone

Wild 5 Adventures: Big thrills above Oribi Gorge

Wild 5 Adventures pairs a dramatic gorge setting with high-adrenaline activities, led by its widely praised gorge swing.

4.61,413 public ratingsAya Fujimoto

Dirty Boots | South Africa Adventures in Cape Town

South Africa · Cape Town

Dirty Boots: A Practical Guide to Southern Africa Adventures

Dirty Boots earns strong feedback as an easy-to-use planning resource for hiking, slackpacking and family adventures across Southern Africa.

4.944 public ratingsTakumi Ishida

Eureka View - Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site in Barberton

South Africa · Barberton

Eureka View: A Peaceful Barberton Mountain Detour

Eureka View earns praise for its mountain scenery, fresh air and peaceful atmosphere, with a steep approach that rewards the short detour.

4.560 public ratingsHana Kovac

Makhonjwa Lebombo View - Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site in

South Africa

Makhonjwa Lebombo View: Geology on a Grand Scale

Panoramic mountain scenery, informative route maps and accessible roadside stops make this a rewarding pause on the Barberton Geotrail.

4.7113 public ratingsFreya Aaltonen

South Africa · Musina

Mapungubwe National Park: history, wildlife and wide horizons

Public reviews praise Mapungubwe for combining archaeological heritage, dramatic scenery and wildlife in a quieter national park setting.

4.41,246 public ratingsAya Fujimoto

South Africa

Maloti-Drakensberg Park: Big Views and Demanding Trails

A transboundary mountain park known for basalt cliffs, varied hiking trails, waterfalls, San rock art and far-reaching viewpoints.

4.61,836 public ratingsLucia Moretti

Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum in Pretoria

South Africa · Pretoria

Freedom Park: South African history in tranquil grounds

Public reviews praise this Pretoria heritage site for its broad historical perspective, peaceful parkland and helpful staff, despite dim display lighting.

4.41,926 public ratingsRafael Ortiz

South Africa

Royal Natal National Park: Waterfalls and Mountain Walks

Strong reviews for scenery, family-friendly walks and waterfalls make Royal Natal National Park worth at least a full day, preferably longer.

4.62,264 public ratingsMiles Ashworth

South Africa · Johannesburg

Sterkfontein Caves: Fossils, History and Tight Passages

Knowledgeable guides and an active underground tour make Sterkfontein Caves a rewarding outing for families and history enthusiasts.

4.63,712 public ratingsHana Kovac

Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site in

South Africa

Maropeng brings the story of human origins into focus

Informative exhibits and guided tours reward archaeology enthusiasts, though the remote location and compact displays temper expectations.

4.410,755 public ratingsBeatriz Cardoso

South Africa

Cradle of Humankind: Caves, Ancestors and Family Learning

Public reviews favour this South African landmark for its caves, engaging guides and interactive displays about human history.

4.52,715 public ratingsStefan Novak

South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Beaches, Birds and Wild Drives

Public reviews favour iSimangaliso for its coastal scenery, birdlife and Cape Vidal, while warning that conventional game viewing can be patchy.

4.44,978 public ratingsSamuel Adeyemi

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