8 unique places to stay in South Africa for your bucket list

If there's one holiday destination that holds a special place in my heart, it's South Africa. With or without kids, it's a perfect destination for winter sun. The fact that there are so many wonderful places to stay is one of the reasons I keep returning. From unique safari lodges to wine farms and boutique hotels in and around the city, many accommodations are small-scale and attentive to nature and people. In this guide to unique accommodations in South Africa, I've collected tips that can go straight on your bucket list! Found the perfect place to stay? Then search now on this handy map for the best local tips in the area. Happy travels!

South Africa is a wonderful destination with young children

8 unique places to stay in South Africa

Sterrekopje Farm (Franschhoek)

Next year we're going back to South Africa, and one of the places high on my bucket list is Sterrekopje Farm. It's a unique retreat focused on recharging, mindfulness, and connecting with nature. There are only eleven rooms, and a stay at Sterrekopje is all-inclusive. Every day you enjoy organic farm-to-table meals and can choose from a treatment. There are also yoga classes and other group activities you can participate in. The minimum stay at this healing farm (as they call it) is two days. Browsing through the photos, you'll understand why. I drift off to sleep and picture myself sitting there at sunset with a glass of wine in hand, overlooking the Franschhoek mountains.

© Sterrekopje Farm

Gondwana Private Game Reserve (Garden Route)

About a four-hour drive from Cape Town lies the luxurious Gondwana Private Game Reserve. Here, everything is dedicated to nature and animal conservation, and the lodge even has its own conservation program. Go on a game drive in the morning and then relax by the pool. In the late afternoon, another game drive, followed by a delicious meal. What I love about this lodge is their special ranger program for children. You can do things like track and paw print hunting! You can also book private game drives with young children, allowing you to explore with a ranger in peace and quiet, based on your own interests.

© Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Mooibaai (Hout Bay)

If you enjoy small-scale accommodations, you'll definitely love MooiBaai. This is perfect if you want to be close to Cape Town but not in the city. MooiBaai is located near Hout Bay, where you can enjoy lovely walks on the beach and enjoy fresh fish. A great feature of this hotel's location is that you can easily take several fun day trips by car. For example, visit the wine farms near Constantia or visit the penguins on the beaches at Boulders Beach. At MooiBaai, the rooms are modern and furnished with local materials. There's also a lovely swimming pool with a view of Table Mountain. The owner is from Belgium and is happy to provide tips!

© Your Little Black Book – Mooibaai

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve (garden route)

The location of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve couldn't be more beautiful. This luxurious eco-resort is nestled among the rolling hills of the Garden Route, overlooking the endless ocean. Conservation is paramount here, and the private estate boasts over 800 plant species. Sustainability, as well as collaboration with local communities, is what makes Grootbos such a special place. This unique accommodation is the perfect base for whale watching, which can be seen along the coast during their migration. The best time to spot them is in September and October, and that's truly magical.

© Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Boschendal (franschhoek)

Boschendal remains one of my favorite wine estates to stay at. The cottages are all unique and tastefully decorated. There's plenty to do on the estate, so you can easily spend the whole day enjoying yourself. The picnic, where you'll receive a well-stocked basket, is highly recommended. It's also great fun with kids! They'll have a blast in the playground while you enjoy a glass of wine at the farm shop. During our last trip to South Africa, we stayed here for two nights, and I could have stayed longer. You can buy good meat for your own barbecue at the farm shop. It's so wonderful to sit on your own veranda, eat in peace, and enjoy the sunset!

© Your Little Black Book – Bosch & Dal

Stanley Island (garden route)

This is such a special place to stay on the Garden Route! Stanley Island is located on the Keurbooms River, just outside Plettenberg Bay. This boutique hotel with cottages is only accessible by ferry. All cottages have their own kitchen, and you can order braai kits for a South African barbecue. Stanley Island is a great place to stay with kids. They even have their own zebras that roam freely. There's also a small swimming pool. The boat trip you can take on your own boat is highly recommended. It's absolutely beautiful at sunset!

© Stanley Island

Babylon Tower (Simondium)

I'll close this list with a place to stay you absolutely won't want to miss. Babylonstoren is one of the most beautiful wine estates in South Africa for anyone who appreciates design and lifestyle. Everything here is perfect, down to the smallest detail. During the day, the estate bustles with day trippers eager to soak up the atmosphere. Stroll through the gardens, have lunch at the bakery, and shop for the most beautiful souvenirs for your home in the shop. But what makes a stay at Babylonstoren truly special? The tranquility of the estate once the day trippers have left. The sounds of the animals, the soft light, and the lush gardens and orchards all to yourself. So special. You simply have to experience it!

© Your Little Black Book – Babylonstoren

In collaboration with South Africa Tourism