Accommodation in South Africa

Overview of the offer

South Africa is very well equipped in terms of tourist accommodation, catering to all tastes and budgets, whether in the city or in the bush. You’ll find hotels, motels, guesthouses, youth hostels (hostels), B&Bs, seasonal seaside rentals, all kinds of lodges, farm stays, campsites, bungalows, and of course safari lodges, as well as more specific options like rondavels, which resemble traditional huts. In short, there’s plenty of choice, with options that allow you to cook for yourself ("self-catering") and save money.

South Africa is not Botswana or even Namibia when it comes to accommodation. Prices remain affordable, though high-end options exist, and rates rise during peak season, especially between mid-December and late January. It’s best to book ahead during this period for the most popular spots or to secure the best deals.

Hotels

Hotels, motels, and guesthouses

Just like in Europe or North America, the full range of hotels is available—from basic roadside motels to luxury establishments, including mid-range options. For the same quality, accommodation is generally cheaper, and you can find decent options for 25 €–40 for a double room at entry-level prices.

Youth Hostels

The country has developed an extensive network of youth hostels or "backpacker lodges". These are high-quality, well-located, comfortable, and well-equipped (with kitchen facilities), and they often offer various activities, excursions, and tourist services, such as serving as "stopovers" for "hop-on hop-off" shuttles run by the bus company Baz Bus. There are no age restrictions, and beyond the usual dormitories, you can stay in a double room or use the camping areas available at many of them.

As for prices, they remain very affordable. Expect just under 10 € per person for a dorm bed and around 20 €–25 for a double room. In short, a great value-for-money option, especially when staying in cities.

Campsites and campgrounds

South Africa offers a wide range of campsites. While some are exclusively for campervans and don’t allow tents, every city—especially tourist ones—has at least one, more or less well-equipped. Additionally, many youth hostels and some small hotels have designated areas for campers. Generally, expect to pay around 10 € for two people with a tent at entry-level prices. As is often the case, some campsites also offer solid accommodation like bungalows, which are usually affordable.

In parks and reserves, you’ll find everything from basic sites, sometimes deep in the bush, to comfortable campgrounds with large, pre-set tents featuring all the comforts.

Staying with locals

The B&B system is well-developed in South Africa, with plenty of options both in cities and the bush. While quality and comfort can vary, the formula (including breakfast) is one of the more economical, with prices starting around 35 €–40 per night for the most basic offers.

Other options

Lodges

Apartments and villas

On safari

Depending on the size of the park or reserve, you’ll have a range of accommodation options. These include more or less equipped tent sites, campgrounds with large, comfortable, and fully equipped tents, bungalows of varying quality, the famous rondavels (replicas of traditional huts), and, of course, the well-known lodges found across Africa for safaris.

In short, plenty of choice and, most importantly, prices for all budgets that are much more affordable than in other countries. You can find solid accommodation starting at 25 €–30 for two. Depending on the option and location, you may need to bring your own supplies and/or basic equipment, like a lamp, to compensate for the lack of electricity in many cases.

Which accommodation to choose?

Camping, as well as youth hostels and guesthouses, are great, budget-friendly ways to explore the country.