17 Best Hotels in KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, South Africa

Connected via a series of wooden boardwalks (all the better to keep you out of the hippo highways), Makakatana Bay Lodge comprises elegant Zen forest cottages and access to the western shores of Lake St Lucia. The bright, light suites have sliding mesh doors that invite the dune forest inside, while the outdoor bath will likely draw you out from the tranquil sanctuary. It's a classy base to explore the ecologically diverse UNESCO World Heritage site via land on game drives (expect to see giraffe, zebra, buffalo, perhaps a rhino or furtive leopard) and adventurous water-based outings, such as lake cruises or a full day at the beach to enjoy a swim and snorkel in the Indian Ocean.  

Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, close to Durban, the combination of old-world charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens, and a breathtaking seaside setting make this five-star hotel one of South Africa’s most loved and cherished properties. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine and hospitality, venues for wining and dining include the casual Ocean Terrace and fine-dining Grill Room; The Palm Court for traditional high tea and the stylish Lighthouse and Oyster Bars for cocktails. The intricate tapestry of KwaZulu-Natal’s rich culture is celebrated with a range of masterfully created wellness experiences at the multi-award-winning spa at The Oyster Box.

Hidden in a rare sand forest, this fabulous lodge overlooks a small water hole where nyalas, warthogs, and baboons frequently come to drink. A real departure from traditional safari lodges with a unique "Zulu Zen" feel bringing the worlds of the Zulu and Japanese together with finesse, thanks to glass-paneled walls, light woods, and a deliberately spare, clean look. Suites use the same architectural concepts as the lodge, where walls have become windows, and rely on the dense forest (or drapes) for privacy. It's ideal for spotting the bird rarities (such as the African broadbill) of this unusual biome. Visit their new wine cellar or gallery space, or watch the stars from the new firepit, or hop on an e-bike tour through the forest.

Made of thatch, teak, and glass, with a distinctly Asian feel, your suite, tucked into the shade of a sand forest overlooking a marshland on the edge of an inviting woodland, is so private you'll find it hard to believe there are other guests. The bedrooms and romantic bathrooms are huge, and each has a private plunge pool and outdoor deck. Keep an eye open for game roaming close to your room. The lounge-living area of the lodge has a dining area, and a large terrace under a canopy of trees, where breakfast is served. The bush braai, with its splendid food and fairy-tale setting, is a memorable occasion after an evening game drive.

This intimate and traditional safari camp enjoys a sublime forested setting aflutter with birdsong inside the southern stretch of the Manyoni Game Reserve. Sleeping a maximum of ten at any given time, all attention is on the guest experience and every day holds a special surprise (not to be spoiled and revealed here, dear reader). On return from drives or nature walks, a sumptuous off-the-grid guest tent with its own private pool and wide wraparound veranda awaits. Inside, a clawfoot bath begs for bubbles and the romantically draped four-poster bed dominates the romantic space. Although exceptionally plush luxuries (like Wi-Fi) never overshadow nature, the camp seamlessly couples modern comforts with the environment. Mornings commence with your guide around the open fire, all amenities are biodegradable, and everything runs off the camp's solar farm. It will come as no surprise then, to learn that the family-owned operation is run by passionate conservationists.

Translated from Russian as "little hideaway," this delightful boutique lodge has eight huge, individually styled rooms, each offering a different sensory experience—its own specific body-product fragrance and mood CD—and a few rooms have beautiful ocean views. Tea and coffee stations (with cappuccino machines and fresh biscotti) and two honesty bars are available. Delicious breakfasts are made to order, and, although this is the only meal offered, extra muffins are left out for guests during the day. Lunch or dinner can be ordered in from area eateries. No children under 10 ensures a peaceful atmosphere for adults on a break. Staff will gladly recommend and book restaurants and tours, and the on-site spa offers international skin care and body treatments.

Dramatically sited, this lovely beach lodge just a stone's throw from the sea has air-conditioned, thatched suites decorated in chic Robinson Crusoe style with wooden floors, reed interior walls, cane and wooden furniture, gorgeous bathrooms with sea views, and personal decks looking out over rolling coastal dunes and the blue Indian Ocean. Opt for a deluxe ocean-view suite with a private plunge pool under the Milkwood trees, if you can. You'll dine outside on delicious creative food on wooden sea-facing decks or in the cozy restaurant, and you'll be amazed at just how hungry the sea air makes you. Take a walk along the beach with you to the point, where at low tide, you can float among the rock pools. If you've never snorkeled, then now is your chance. Go for sundowners to Lake Sibaya, South Africa's largest, freshwater lake, and spot slumbering hippos. Take a guided walk through the dune forest around the lodge, or go diving to the pristine reefs offshore.

This quaint little Victorian lodge is run by a safari- and mountain-guide couple who follow Fair Trade, sustainability, and social ethics, and also offer guided walks and activities. It lies in the lee of the infamous Spioenkop hill, site of one of the bitterest battles of the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. Choose a cozy en suite Victorian cottage overlooking a secret game-filled valley, set against a magnificent mountain backdrop, or one of three delightful self-catering lodges (Kiplings is particularly geared to little ones, with games and bunk beds). Check out the amazing original memorabilia throughout the lodge—there's even a copy of one of Winston Churchill's paintings of the area when he was a war correspondent here. Even if you're not into military history, a morning's visit to the top of Spioenkop and its mass grave with a knowledgeable guide, may well have you in tears. Reserve the new wine cellar for an intimate evening dinner and top-notch South African wine tasting. 

This lodge within the iSibindi Eco Reserve, 9 km (4 miles) from Rorke's Drift, combines game-viewing and Zulu cultural experiences with battlefield tours led by excellent local guides and historians. Enjoy early-morning and evening game drives, and cultural evenings with traditional Zulu dancers and traditional food. Visit the village across the river where the sangoma (traditional healer) will "throw the bones" for you and read your fortune. Rooms are in Zulu-style elevated beehive huts with private decks, which have lovely views of hill and valley. An attractive lounge and bar area shows off African prints and Zulu artifacts, and an outdoor bar and sunken pool share the views.

Complete with a dedicated butler, chef, ranger, and tracker, this property is the only sole-use safari villa on the reserve and the most contemporary designer-chic of all the stays. Warm ochre hues and beautiful basketry thread through all four remarkable suites uniting them to the swanky main area, where every thoughtful interior element honors the area. Nguni cowhides, Zulu crafts (even the marble basins in the four bathrooms are shaped like traditional pots) and traditional beadwork, plus pineapple motifs and railway sleeper cladding celebrate this special reserve and its astonishing story of wilderness resurrection and successful community collaboration. Ideal for both families and small groups, The Homestead has an interactive kitchen (great for kids), library, and a gym. The boma, firepit, and an infinity-edge pool bordered by a sundeck all overlook the well-frequented water hole.

This attractive thatched lodge (the first built at Phinda) sits on a rocky hill overlooking miles of bushveld plains and the Ubombo Mountains. Wide verandas lead into the lounge and bar, with their high ceilings, dark beams, and cool tile floors. In winter guests can snuggle into cushioned wicker chairs next to a blazing log fire. Brick pathways wind down the hillside from the lodge to elegant suites with plunge pools, thatched roofs, and large decks overlooking the reserve. Children are welcome and will have a blast on the "Wild Child Progamme" or crafting, baking, and playing with designated staff in the playroom. (Only children from six years and older are permitted on game drives, unless you hire a private vehicle or book a family package safari). There's a state-of-the-art gym plus massage therapists available on-site for unwinding between safari activities. 

Ideal for honeymooners or romantic solitude, this turreted lodge feels like it's dropped from a Moroccan movie set. If you get tired of the eagle's-eye view of the deep valley below from your private verandah, you can write in your journal in the luxurious sitting room or take a late-night dip in your own private plunge pool. All of Phinda's activities are included—twice-daily game drives and nature walks. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and spectacular small-plane flights are extras. Don't miss out on one of Phinda's legendary bush dinners: hundreds of lanterns light up the surrounding forest and bush, and the food is unforgettable.

Designed as an exclusive, single-use lodge for a family or small group of friends, Zuka (zuka means "sixpence" in Zulu) is a couple of miles from the bigger lodges and can now be booked per room. Luxuriously furnished thatched cottages overlook a busy waterhole, and you'll be looked after by the camp's personal ranger, host, butler, and chef. Children are welcome.

Tucked away in the Maputaland Coastal Forest, with glorious unspoiled beaches, this lovely lodge is perfect for families, though it's great for individual travelers and honeymooners, too. The Maputaland Marine Reserve is just offshore, so if you're a diver, a snorkeler, a birder, or just a potential beach bum, you'll be in seaside heaven. Tented rooms have reed walls, wooden floors and viewing decks, and are raised on stilts, as are the public areas, to overlook the bird-filled forest. Seven of the rooms are designed for families. Activities abound, including forest walks, world class diving with qualified instructors, superb snorkeling off the beach—just walk into the Indian Ocean—and turtle tracking.

This exquisite lodge blends elements of royal Zulu with an eclectic pan-African feel evident in the thatched, turreted dwellings perched on the side of rolling hills that overlook mountains and bushveld. Inside, contemporary Scandinavian touches meet African chic and communal areas are decorated with beading, leather, wood and splashes of royal red. A huge stone fireplace divides the bedroom area from the comfortable and roomy lounge, while outside there's a personal plunge pool, private deck, and cushioned sala (outdoor covered deck). Dine on a superb meal with other guests or alone in your private boma under the stars. The spa is ultra-indulgent and there is a great variety of activities on offer. 

Perfect for a family or friends' reunion (although it's great for individual travelers, too), this intimate and luxurious eco-forward camp deep in the bush brings you into close contact with your surroundings. You might wake up in your spacious safari tent with en suite bathroom and private verandah to find a warthog or nyala grazing outside. The camp has its own vehicle, ranger, and tracker, and a huge sala with pool and sundeck. Jabula (meaning "happiness" in isiZulu) Tent is the ultimate bush honeymoon getaway. This is a great value, immersive bush experience and passionate guides deliver in-depth knowledge of the ecosystem rather than chase down Big Five sightings.