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

It's said that on January 22, 1879, during the Battle of Isandlwana, which was a major defeat for the British army, the chief of the Zulu army stood on Nyoni Rock where this lodge is now built. With sweeping views of the battlefield, the building, shaped like a Zulu shield, commemorates Isandlwana. The comfortable rooms are named for Zulus significant in the war, and bathrooms contain shield-shape sink pedestals. Plenty of hot water, heaters, and hot water bottles at night ensure you're snug in winter. The lovely balconies offering inspiring views of the area. The interiors are modern yet Afrocentric, with African prints and wooden furniture. Picture windows in public areas make the most of the incredible battlefield views. Trips to the local battlefields are led by knowledgeable local guides.

This truly enchanting hideaway tucked away at the foot of the Drakensberg Range near Rosetta overlooks a trout-filled lake encircled by mountains and old trees. Richard and Mouse Poynton, legendary South African chefs and hosts, renovated the 1936 family fishing farm and created a perfect combination of comfort, tranquility, style, and exceptional food. Homemade biscuits, hand-painted and stenciled walls, lovingly embroidered cushions and samplers, fluffy mohair blankets, and heated towel racks are just a few of the details you'll find here. Rich, natural, superb food rules the day with all sauces made from scratch. You'll eat sumptuous meals with ceremony but no pretension in an intimate dining room warmed on cold days by a blazing log fire.

In the heart of a lush dairy farm that dates back to the 1800s, original stone buildings have been converted into a five-star luxury hotel and spa. The award-winning spa is uniquely African. Dr. Elliott Ndlovu, a sangoma (traditional African healer), herbalist, and ethnobotanist, helped to develop Fordoun's signature range of holistic products. Book a session with him and watch him "throw" the bones and assess your well-being, as well as prescribe healing herbs that he grows in Mooi River. Tuck into some of the specials at the on-site gourmet Skye Bistro, which uses fresh farm produce; book in advance if you're not a guest. If you're energetic, you can go fly-fishing, mountain biking, play a round of golf, or go shopping. Ask for a mountain-facing suite, or stock up on local goods along the Midlands Meander and check into a self-catering suite for a budget-friendly alternative. 

This massive luxury hotel adjacent to the International Convention Centre is a short taxi ride from the city center and beachfront and is favored by businesspeople and conference-goers. The rooms are well appointed for the business traveler and tastefully decorated in light wood and neutral tones, with African touches, and have either beach or city views. If you're staying in an executive room, you're invited to the large club room with business facilities on the ground floor, where guests can get breakfast and free Internet access. Sweeping public areas are graced with marble pillars. The Coral Lounge is a great place to grab a light snack, or for something more substantial, check out Vasco's for tandoori oven–prepared dishes and a variety of pastas, curries, and stews. Impeccable service makes it one of the top Hilton hotels in Africa. Rates can vary significantly, often relating to what's on at the convention center.

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.

Perched upon a hillside, the park's only four-star private lodge underwent a complete refurbishment in 2023 and still commands breathtaking views across the park with each airy abode featuring glass sliding doors that enjoy those expansive views; the luxury bush villas offer the best value with private plunge pools, a romantic bath big enough for two, and cozy fireplaces for when that moody Zululand mist rolls in. The safari outfit is a joint venture between the National Empowerment Fund and the local Mphembeni community who own the land on which the lodge is built. People from the community have been trained to work in various departments and now constitute 97% of the lodge staff. The variety of activities available is quite impressive—from traditional Zulu homestays to expert-led wildlife walks and spa treatments overlooking the watering hole. Special kid-focused safari drives are also available for children under 6 years.

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. 

As one of the first cottages built in the area over 100 years ago, this laid-back and airy white-washed beach house enjoys a prime position on the quiet coastline, and it's one of the few spots where you can walk straight from your bed onto the sandy shores in under a minute. You can rent out the entire house, which sleeps 12 in four rooms, or check into one of the cute self-catering wooden beach bungalows that share the expansive lawns, which are fringed by jungle-like banana trees and tropical swirling vines. Surf instructors, plus a selection of rental boards, are available for every level of surfer. 

This is an exclusive yet unpretentious genuine health hydro, set in one of the province's prettiest locations, only an hour's drive from Durban, and five hours from Johannesburg. A haven of tranquility, you'll stay in one of 17 rooms or 5 suites clustered round tree- and bird-filled courtyards, relax on the wraparound decks that overlook the indigenous forest, pamper your body with all sorts of treatments, float around in two large pools (outdoor and indoor) and eat healthy, delicious food—this is definitely not a one-lettuce-leaf place. Amazingly, however, even with the great food, guests do lose weight as they de-stress. Attend interesting lectures, go for lovely early morning forest walks, or go shopping on the Midlands Meander.

Ideally located on North Beach, 250 meters (820 feet) from the Suncoast Entertainment Complex, the Blue Waters Hotel is an excellent value, and always busy with both vacationers and locals attending conferences and weddings. Nab one of the sea-facing rooms with a balcony that offer a spectacular sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Rooms have desks, good beds, and minibar fridges.  

Brahman Hills is a contemporary slick country hotel with standard rooms, serviced self-catering cottages, and five-star self-catering villas—ideal for couples or families. Set on the Blue Crane nature reserve, expect to see zebras and various buck grazing nearby at sunset—kids will be in awe. The bar and the bistro built belowground at the main building, using the original walls, tend to get a little cold, but expect a crackling fire in colder months and warm service. The on-site chapel by the dam and the conference facilities are booked solid, so it does lose some of the intimacy if you're not part of a group. The spa and room service options (even if you're at a self-catering cottage) ensure you can fully relax without leaving the property.

This property enjoys an enviable position at the northern tip of Umhlanga, surrounded by the wilds of the Hawaan Forest and overlooking the unspoiled wetlands of Umhlanga Lagoon. Of all the resorts in Umhlanga, this one suffers the least from crowds, but the disadvantage is that you'll probably need a car to get into town, and you can't swim directly in front of the resort because the surf's too dangerous. The satisfactory rooms have fully equipped kitchens and great views of the beach and lagoon. The lovely grassed pool area, where you can order breakfast, lunch, and supper from on-site Harry's Beach Club, has a beautiful view of the sea.

You'll get breathtaking views from almost every spot in this friendly, delightful hotel nestled among the mountains, 43 km (18 miles) from Winterton. Ideal for families, the resort has something for everyone: amble along a horse trail, go mountain biking, follow bird-watching trails, play a round of golf, or just soak up the heady mountain air. Best for families is a deluxe suite with adjacent rooms and connecting door. You'll get excellent value here; prices include breakfast and hearty dinner buffets as well as most activities. If you're intimidated at the variety, trained, experienced guides take you on daily walks and trails through the Berg (fee included in accommodation price). There's a children's dining room, plus babysitting service.

Set in a 5,000-acre natural heritage site, this attractive lodge lies just a couple of miles from the famous battle site of Rorke's Drift and overlooks the drift where survivors of the British defeat at Isandlwana fled across the Buffalo River. Rooms are individual cottages that open onto gardens, with fireplaces and wood furniture. Rent a room in a cottage or the whole cottage, depending on your group size. The focal point of the lodge is the lounge and dining room, evocatively decorated with old rifles, British regimental flags, Zulu spears, and antique military prints. Battlefield tours with experienced guides cost R1,560 per person for two sites, transport, and refreshments.

Swaths of scarlet bougainvillea run riot in the lush gardens of this family-owned country inn with tastefully furnished rooms that each have a small veranda (the newest Mountain Rooms have the best interiors). It was here that Rider Haggard wrote some of his adventure stories, inspired perhaps by the mysterious lights and elusive flickering flames that give the mountain its spooky name. Large, invitingly restful public areas have terra-cotta tiles and comfortable cane furniture. Don't miss the enthusiastic Zulu dancing before a succulent barbecue under the stars, watch the sunrise from the jetty, and get out those binoculars to try spot over 420 bird species found here. The friendly staff can arrange tours to the neighboring game reserves (Manyoni and uMkhuze are closest), a boat cruise on Lake Jozini, and authentic cultural sights, or will fix you up to go bird-watching or fishing. There's also the opportunity to treat yourself at the swish on-site spa. Perfect for traveling families, children are permitted to join game drives but only over 16's on game walks. Children will have a blast on grubby nature walks, treasure hunts, Zulu crafts, pizza making, and fishing off the jetty. 

One of the best-loved and oldest hotels on the Meander, Granny Mouse has cozy thatched rooms, all slightly different, with a bush view, fireplace, and homey, though upmarket, atmosphere. Freestanding rooms offer more privacy and peace than the newer hotel wing, though the latter have more space. All rooms have a his-and-hers bathroom vanity and a separate bathtub. The main hotel building—formerly an unusual farmhouse with doors and windows from an old church—offers conviviality and warmth in its several lounges. The on-site bistro is locally famous for its lavish breakfasts and afternoon teas. Upstairs, the fine-dining restaurant is known for its gorgeous plating in an intimate room. Some of the best places on the Meander are within easy reach.

Deliciously luxurious, if rather formal, this 1875 inn, high up on the Meander in the foothills of the Drakensberg, is steeped in history and misty beauty. Some suites are in the original house; others in the gardens look onto an ethereal, lovely lake. The hotel has undergone a trendy revamp and each suite is individually decorated in a gloriously cosmopolitan collision of fabrics and furnishings from Africa, Europe, and the East. The food, which has garnered top honors, is just as rich and eclectically surprising. Dinner (reservations are essential) is an unforgettable event with wine-pairing. Tijnhuis offers a relaxed venue for high teas and lunches Wednesday through Sunday. If you have time, visit Summerhill Stud, the neighboring thoroughbred racehorse stud farm. 

Located in the Hluhluwe half of the park, the camp's self-contained chalets have high thatched ceilings, rattan furniture, and small verandas. Unless you plan to cook, forgo the more expensive chalets with fully equipped kitchens and eat at the restaurant. If you're on a tight budget, opt for a basic rondavel with two beds, a basin, and a refrigerator; toilet facilities are communal. Chalets with best views are No. 40 upward. A restaurant, pub, convenience store, and a gas station are on-site.

Overlooking False Bay lake and the Hluhluwe River floodplain—follow signs from Hluhluwe village—this fantastic-value, family-owned lodge is the ideal base for visiting the game reserves and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. After a day spent game-viewing, canoeing, bird-watching, mountain biking, boating, fishing, or walking in the pristine sand forest, relax in your comfortable A-frame chalet or sit on your wooden deck overlooking the bush, the floodplain, and the lake. This lodge is the only one with direct access to the lake, but water activities are dependent on the seasonal rains. The food is excellent—wholesome country cooking. Two family chalets are available, and children three and under stay free.

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.

In the central iMfolozi section of the park, Mpila is reminiscent of some of Kruger's older camps with lodging options that range from basic but fully equipped one-room chalets with en suite bathroom, kitchenette, and deck, to three-bedroom cottages (these come with a cook who will prepare the food you've brought with you), self-catering chalets, and the Safari Tented camp, with two- and four-bed self-catering tents with en suite bathrooms. Three luxurious lodges with resident chef and ranger are also available. Gas is available, but you can only buy curios and sodas at the camp shop, so stock up with groceries before you arrive.

Log cabins simply decorated in ocean tones of white and blue lie on a dune ridge ensconced by coastal forest regularly visited by little duiker antelope and trumpeter hornbills. The self-catering or bed-and-breakfast cottages twist around the central restaurant hub, which is open all day, every day for milkshakes, pizza, burgers, breakfasts, and seafood platters. If nothing else, don't miss a cocktail on the sunset deck. The wide, quiet beach is accessed via a wooden staircase, and there's the Amoray dive center on-site for exploring the underwater wilds of Sodwana Bay.

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.