Thonga Beach Lodge is one of those places that simply must be on your bucket list if you are a diver or a snorkeller, or if you enjoy prolific birdlife and animals, especially turtles, elephants and whales. The lodge falls within South Africa’s first World Heritage Site – the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. more

The Kruger National Park has accommodation to suit all budgets, from camping sites to luxury lodges, but if you’re looking for somewhere more remote and less busy than the big main camps, tuck yourself away in one of the Kruger Park’s bushveld camps. Game still abounds but there are fewer people. more

Rocktail Beach Camp has a legendary reputation as one of South Africa’s most idyllic coastal escapes. Expect glorious deserted beaches of golden sand, unforgettable turtle watching and some of the best diving in the world – all in a protected marine reserve and World Heritage Site. more

Maybe you’ve already stayed at one of the Kruger National Park’s many camps, but have you considered sleeping out in one of their overnight hides? The two hides – Sabie, near Phalaborwa Gate, and Shipandani, near Mopani Camp – are very basic but you’ll have a thrilling African bush experience. more

Set among striking flowering aloes in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains next to Spioenkop Game Reserve is the historic Three Tree Hill Lodge. Spioenkop, the infamous hill where Boers and Brits battled it out during the 2nd South African War, looms in the distance. more

Backpacking along the Wild Coast provides opportunities to explore this desolate, incredibly beautiful region of South Africa. Whether you stay in a simple hut with local rural communities or at a funky backpackers lodge, the scenery, the surf and the beaches will ensure that this is one travel experience you’ll never forget. more

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, 1 800m up in Mpumalanga’s majestic mountains, is a place of dramatic vistas – deep valleys, purple-patched mountains and steep rocky slopes that burst with colourful flowers and endemic plants. Rated as one of the best big resorts in the country, Crystal Springs is a great place to unwind. more

All of the 5 safari lodges at KwaZulu-Natal’s famous Phinda Private Game Reserve are memorably beautiful, but perhaps none as beautiful as Vlei Lodge. Stay in 1 of only 6 gorgeous suites with private plunge pools overlooking a lush wetland and watch the passing show of wildlife from your deck. more

Exeter River Lodge belongs to the prestigious &Beyond group so it’s no surprise that it fulfills all the requirements for a top safari lodge: the Big 5 plus abundant other game and birds, gorgeous accommodation and one of the best river views in Sabi Sand Game Reserve. more

Situated within the Garden Route National Park and the Constantia Kloof Conservancy, Wilderness Boardwalk Lodge is the perfect base for discovering the Garden Route. Choose a self-catering cabin with its own deck with fantastic lagoon and sea views, or be pampered in a luxury room or stylish suite. more

Wedding and honeymoon accommodation options in South Africa are endless, with destinations, venues and packages to suit every taste and budget. Enjoy authentic African weddings, ceremonies in the bush with wildlife around you, beach or mountain weddings, or ceremonies and receptions in the romantic Cape Winelands. more

Unusual accommodation in South Africa includes a range of historic and natural venues, from old prisons to caves. It also features some truly eccentric accommodation options such as restored ox-wagons, a medieval-style tower and vintage Airstream trailers. No matter how off-the-wall your taste, you’ll find something in South Africa to suit it. more

Immerse yourself in South Africa’s tribal culture by staying in a traditional African accommodation establishment. Whether it’s Xhosa, Zulu, Basotho, Pedi or Ndebele culture that fascinates you, the best way to learn about their fascinating traditions is to stay overnight in a cultural village or with a family in a rural African village. more

The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) applies strict criteria that sees local accommodation standards comparing most favourably with those around the world. This quality assurance system is spread across a range of accommodation types. more