Must-see hotels in Eastern Cape

  • Mdumbi Backpackers

    The Wild Coast

    Marvellous Mdumbi, a 23km drive north of Coffee Bay (the 17km gravel road is normally passable in a 2WD car), is a rural retreat set in rolling hills…

  • Camp Figtree

    Sunshine Coast

    Offering colonial-chic luxury, this property takes full advantage of breathtaking panoramic views from its perch in the Zuurberg Mountains above Addo…

  • Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa

    The Wild Coast

    Overlooking a large estuary and a deserted beach, this splendid resort at the mouth of the Umngazi River features 69 bungalows that were modernised in…

  • Prana Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Combining old-world European sumptuousness with the tranquillity of a Southeast Asian resort, this intimate property hidden in a dune forest a short walk…

  • Drostdy Hotel

    Eastern Cape

    The Karoo's flagship hotel offers a fine mix of historic charm and modern luxury. Accommodation is in mid-19th-century cottages, originally built for…

  • Fernery Lodge & Chalets

    Eastern Cape

    Hugging the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sandrift River gorge, the Fernery takes full advantage of its dramatic setting. Luxurious chalets and suites…

  • Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor

    Eastern Cape

    The 'homely home' consists of 31 beautifully restored and handsomely furnished Karoo houses, their stoeps (porches) opening onto one of Cradock's oldest…

  • Ganora Guest Farm

    Eastern Cape

    If you’d rather be out of town under the soaring skies of the Karoo, this 18th-century farmstead 7km east of Nieu Bethesda is an excellent option. The…

  • Royal St Andrew

    Sunshine Coast

    Directly across from the golf club and within walking distance of the beach, the creatively designed Royal St Andrew is Port Alfred's most prestigious…

  • Elephant House

    Sunshine Coast

    For panache and design flair, Elephant House is a great place to indulge. The main thatched-roof building shelters six cosy rooms filled with rugs and…

  • Edge Mountain Retreat

    Eastern Cape

    The tastefully decorated cottages and garden rooms are strung out along a dramatic plateau edge. The cottages, some with sensational valley views, vary in…

  • Ocean Bay Guest House

    Port Elizabeth

    A short amble from the beach, this sassy venture with a boutique feel is the epitome of a refined abode, with seven elegant, modern and amply sized rooms,…

  • Isango Gate

    Port Elizabeth

    This venue strikes a perfect balance between style, functionality and privacy (there are only 10 rooms), in a residential area close to the beach. Expect…

  • St Francis Golf Lodge

    Sunshine Coast

    The best thing about this efficiently run venture with a boutique feel is its peaceful location inside the golf course. The 10 rooms, eight of which have…

  • Lookout

    Sunshine Coast

    Perched on a hill, this contemporary whitewashed home has five units with kitchenettes and wonderful views. All are in top nick and have individual…

  • Buccaneers Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Offering an accessible taste of the Wild Coast, fabulous ‘Buccs’ is a sort of all-inclusive holiday resort for backpackers and beach bums. Sleeping…

  • Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve

    Sunshine Coast

    No, you're not hallucinating, the view is real. Poised on a greenery-shrouded hillside, the four tastefully appointed Ocean Suites overlook the beach –…

  • Misty Mountain Reserve

    Eastern Cape

    This rural resort is a terrific place to kick off your shoes for a few days. It has a string of individual A-frame cottages set back from a bluff over the…

  • Bulungula Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    Bulungula is legendary for its stunning location, community-based activities and ecofriendly ethos. It’s 100% owned by the local Xhosa community, which…

  • Kraal

    The Wild Coast

    Power down and disconnect at this ecologically minded coastal retreat, which offers accommodation (six doubles and one eight-bed dorm) in traditionally…

  • Mtentu Lodge

    The Wild Coast

    On the isolated northern bank of the beautiful Mtentu Estuary, just across from Mkambati, is this lodge. Six comfortable wood cabins and a dorm with ocean…

  • Elundini Backpackers

    Eastern Cape

    About 15km south of Hogsback, located in Elundini village on the gravel road to Seymour, this backpackers offers total immersion in a Xhosa village…

  • Terra-Khaya

    Eastern Cape

    Get way off the grid at this unique and inspiring mountainside farm retreat situated at 1350m. The DIY aesthetic and philosophy of the owner (bareback…

  • Island Vibe

    Sunshine Coast

    A cool spot for budget-conscious travellers, this no-frills venture has a prime beachfront location despite being 500m south of the centre. It has a wide…

  • Coffee Shack

    The Wild Coast

    An enduringly popular option for travellers looking to surf, hike and party, situated off the main drag. The complex is rather labyrinthine, with bright…

  • Ocean View Hotel

    The Wild Coast

    This venerable hotel offers a great mix of old-fashioned charm and modern elements, with generous buffet meals, a lovely thatched beach bar and chalet…

  • Wavecrest Beach Hotel & Spa

    The Wild Coast

    This smart hotel overlooks an amazing coastal ecosystem, in which two rivers share a mouth and dune forest meets the world's southernmost mangroves…

  • Kob Inn

    The Wild Coast

    At the Qhorha River mouth, this family-focused resort offers accommodation in 46 thatched units, 14 of which have sweeping ocean views. There are…

  • Dijembe Backpackers

    Eastern Cape

    Reflecting the spirit of its nature-loving owner – who might arrive with a rescued horse, hang from the rafters and lead a drum circle, all in the space…

  • Orange Elephant Backpackers

    Sunshine Coast

    Slightly ramshackle but reasonably clean, the Orange Elephant is a good budget base for Addo, offering a shuttle from Port Elizabeth (R250 return) and…

  • Storms River Mouth Rest Camp

    Eastern Cape

    This camp offers accommodation ranging from rustic forest huts to chalets, family cottages and waterfront ‘oceanette' cottages with top ocean views. Most…

  • African Ubuntu

    Sunshine Coast

    A suburban home transformed into an intimate and colourful backpackers by its passionate surfer owner. It has compact six- to 10-bed dorms and seven…

  • Lungile Lodge

    Port Elizabeth

    Uphill from Kings Beach in a suburban neighbourhood, this well-run A-frame home’s large entertainment area rocks most nights, and the six- and 12-bed…

  • Owl House Backpackers

    Eastern Cape

    The whitewashed Karoo facade conceals a home with old-fashioned character, funky nooks and crannies, and a sizeable back garden. For more privacy, try the…

  • Profcon Resort

    Eastern Cape

    This well-run complex with a laid-back vibe features excellent facilities and amenities, including a restaurant and a superb children's playground. With…

  • Cape St Francis Resort

    Sunshine Coast

    The various chalets and units at this sprawling oceanfront resort are attractive and well-equipped, with self-catering and B&B options available. In the…

  • Addo African Home

    Sunshine Coast

    This handsome guesthouse is set around a manicured lawn down a tree-shaded country lane. Rooms in the main building have solid wood floors and artistic…

  • Morgan Bay Hotel

    The Wild Coast

    This local landmark perched directly over the beachfront provides an excellent level of comfort and service. The sun-filled rooms boast pristine bathrooms…

  • The Historic Pig & Whistle Inn

    Sunshine Coast

    The charmingly old-world hotel, dating from 1832, offers excellent rooms, some with free-standing bath, honey-coloured parquet flooring and period…

  • White Clay

    The Wild Coast

    Around the headland en route to Hole in the Wall, White Clay boasts an adorable setting on a hillside with stupendous ocean views. It comprises standard…

More destinations you need to see