48 Best Hotels in The Eastern Cape, South Africa

This Fair Trade accommodation (Bulungula's only lodge) is owned by the local community, which is not an uncommon thing on the Wild Coast, but what makes it different is that the local people are fully integrated into the running of the lodge. Most of the rooms are in traditional rondavels (round thatched huts) overlooking the lagoon and ocean with simple furnishings: a bed, a table, and a stick suspended from the roof on which to hang clothes. The eco-friendly, odor-free composting toilets and paraffin-fired hot showers are communal and situated in colorfully decorated thatched buildings. Meals are served in a large lounge-cum-bar, where you can engage in long discussions. You can use the cooking facilities, but far more appealing (and delicious) are the generous, simple, well-cooked meals on offer. A shuttle is available from a pick-up point just outside Mthatha and from closer destinations (where there is safe parking). If you are self-driving, you can find a detailed map on the Bulungula website (and you are warned to follow it very carefully). Guided trips include canoeing, cultural tours, horseback riding, and a 37-km (23-mile) walk to Coffee Bay via Hole-in-the-Wall, but you can opt for a full-body massage, learn traditional fishing skills, or simply hang out and drink home-brewed beer in the village, sitting on the grass and getting to know the residents.

Public areas—dining room, cozy lounges, library, and a long terrace—sprawl along one bank of the Great Fish River (one of the few rivers in the region flowing continuously, despite a prolonged drought) with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the interior stone walls, Persian rugs, fireplaces, deep armchairs, bookcases, and collection of old prints and photographs in clear light. Each of the spacious African-inspired en suite bedrooms overlooks the river and the opposite cliffs. It'll be hard to tear yourself away from your personal plunge-pool-with-a-view to go game viewing, but it'll be well worth it since the reserve's rangers and the immaculate terrain offer some of the country's most productive and varied game drives. 

This lovely lodge is set on a steep cliff overlooking the Sundays River and the town of Addo. Classically decorated rooms graced with lovely antiques are in separate thatch buildings, all with verandas overlooking the river. The bathrooms are spacious and luxuriously appointed with large tubs and enormous shower stalls. Some rooms have both indoor and outdoor showers. Hitgeheim is situated on an eco-reserve and you can go for walks to observe birdlife and some of the 11 indigenous antelope species found here. The food is fabulous, and most guests opt to stay for the four-course dinners, although simpler dinner options can be tailor-made to your preferences. The lodge has its own game-viewing vehicles and guides, which can be booked at an extra cost.

In a small town filled with beautiful houses, this is one of the best B&Bs, each room a stunning example of Karoo-chic stylishness. Decorated with vintage bric-a-brac, well-sourced antiques, and custom-made furnishings, the house has many of its original architectural features intact. Each of the rooms, with their high ceilings and thick walls, is individually decorated, plush and handsome, with animal hides on the original wooden floors, thick mattresses on the beds, lots of light pouring in through the large windows, and huge bathrooms sporting incredible showers. The whole house is filled with books and artworks and wooden floors that creak just a bit but not too much, and there are sofas to sink into, a garden to pause in, and a gate over which to wave at passersby. Wonderful meals (including pizzas) are served in the attached restaurant, Bruno's at the Bethesda, which is named for a former owner (an eccentric Swiss-German hairdresser who owned a microlight and frequently rode around the town on his motorbike wearing nothing but red underpants) who has since passed on. 

Although the cobblestone lanes and authentic architecture make it feel like you’re in a bygone era, the Drostdy Hotel is very much a luxurious boutique property, albeit rich with history. Designed by Louis Thibault and completed in 1806, Graaff-Reinet’s magisterial Old Drostdy (originally a seat of office and hostelry for visiting military elite) was purchased by Henry Kromm in 1878 and converted into Kromm’s Drostdy Hotel. Over the years, the building underwent various renovations, and only in the 1970s was its original Cape Dutch façade finally restored; the sprawling village-like complex of whitewashed houses and cottages occurred in 2014. Guest rooms are each uniquely furnished and stylishly put together—lots of wood, boldly patterned fabrics, animal skins on the floor, sumptuous bathrooms, and every imaginable convenience, including beds that make you feel like royalty. The hotel comes with all the perks of contemporary life, including a spa and the excellent De Camdeboo Restaurant, where the chef executes clever experiments with traditional recipes. There are several pools for you to soak up the hot Karoo sun, and there's an on-site charity-funding art gallery, a wine shop, and even a charger for your electric car. 

This gorgeous lodge, designed to take full advantage of its lofty views, has a charming contemporary sleekness that's very different from the other Shamwari properties. Expect curving terraces, walkways, and elevated decks with aerial viewing pods. Aside from the clever use of space and light, thatch and wood and neutral hues combine to heighten the sense of restful tranquility—you really can meld with your environment here, and will frequently find yourself eye-to-eye with birds in the tree canopy. All rooms have indoor and outdoor showers and private decks with plunge pools. Glass walls fold away to bring the feel of the bush into the room. As with all the lodges at Shamwari, meals are creative events that may be à la carte and served in the restaurant one night, and then take place in the stone-walled boma the next, where you'll be treated to an upmarket take on a traditional South African braai, all the meat cooked on open fires. 

This property boasts some of the best views in Hogsback, as well as 15 acres of handsome gardens (in which there's also one of South Africa's best labyrinths), a range of self-catering cottages that are perfect for families or groups—some are perched right on the cliff's edge and perfect for romance-seeking couples—and 10 simple but comfortable en-suite rooms with whitewashed walls. These rooms have showers but no baths, whereas some of the cottages have both. If you're planning to be in Hogsback for more than a night or two, then definitely take one of the cottages, each of which has its own distinctive theme, including some in the traditional rondavel style; some cottages have two or three bedrooms. All of the cottages have log fireplaces and private decks in a pretty setting. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, light lunches, and an à la carte dinner; there's also a Saturday morning market where you can stock up on goodies.

It's hard to believe that this 150-year-old farmstead surrounded by a magnificent jungle-garden—with its deep verandas, roughly whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, and a mixture of sepia photographs, Persian rugs, and deep, cushy sofas—was, in fact, purpose-built from scratch in 1998. In addition to the eight large, homey bedrooms in the main house, the former stables have also been converted into cottages (cleverly designed outdoor kitchens were added to their patios for an enhanced self-catering experience), some of which are especially well-suited to families. At the main house, meals are served on the verandah under lanterns and vines, or in the Map Room with its antique map collection; there are three pools to pick from, and a marvelous variety of indoor and outdoor nooks to curl up in. Game drives into the park are available, as is a "Valley Tour" that includes a citrus orchard visit and a non-voyeuristic township excursion that includes a wander through innovative produce gardens and a chance to interact meaningfully with locals.

Located in the leafy and affluent suburb of Walmer, just a 5- to 10-minute drive from the airport, this friendly family-owned guesthouse is a charming place to pause and recuperate for a night or two before traveling on from Gqeberha. Set around a pretty Victorian-era colonial farmhouse, many of the rooms are in former stables and outbuildings with original exposed beams, while some are in the neighboring house. The grounds comprise lush communal gardens, two pools, a tennis court, a braai (barbecue) area, and even a trampoline. If you're staying for a bit longer, you can borrow mountain bikes and golf clubs (the nine-hole Walmer Golf Club, aka "Little Walmer" is right across the road) free of charge. Rooms are large and cozy, with lush carpets and incredibly spacious showers. Luxury rooms also have bathtubs, and all rooms have kitchenettes. The walls feature artwork painted by the owner. If you want the pick of the rooms, ask for "Terrace," which has a handsome, masculine look, or "Cobblestones" which is just so pretty. There's also a three-bedroom "Attic Unit" with full self-catering facilities.

On a private concession within the main section of Addo, this picturesque colonial-themed camp has accommodations in spacious, luxurious safari tents with thick thatched canopies and interiors furnished in fine antiques from the colonial era. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with shower and a private deck with uninterrupted views. The main lodge area is a gracious old farmhouse with an interesting history dating all the way back to 1856. The whole camp is completely unfenced and overlooks a waterhole, so it's possible to watch elephants, buffalo, and other animals from your lunch table or the veranda. Dinner is served by romantic candlelight, either on the veranda or in the splendid dining room.

For supreme comfort in a gracious, historical setting, try this inn set in English-style gardens in the leafy suburb of Walmer. Beautiful antiques, four-poster beds, gorgeous fabrics and rugs furnish the spacious rooms—some of which are downright enormous, with plush sofas and huge wardrobes. The Victorian bathrooms are also huge, with separate showers and marble-top vanities. All rooms except one have balconies or outdoor areas; if you want the best of the best, ask to stay in "Flamingo," a huge upstairs corner room that feels extra-special. The two downstairs rooms open onto leafy garden courtyard areas. The hotel restaurant offers exceptional dining (nonguests can be accommodated only if there's space, so do book in advance), attested to by a string of restaurant awards. More private romantic dinners-for-two can also be arranged and hosted in the handsome "Green Room," one of the lovely lounges with a fireplace. There's also a wonderfully atmospheric underground wine cellar where tastings can be arranged; outside, there's a pool, tennis court, and—sadly—a small conference venue.

From the moment you reach this lovingly restored, 19th-century, green-roofed farmhouse encircled by an amphitheater of purple mountains, 800-year-old trees, and rolling plains where cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes roam, you'll forget another more stressful world even existed. The main lodge building seamlessly blends elegant farmhouse flourishes with more contemporary Karoo craftsmanship, while its large manicured lawn and swimming pool boast unrivaled tranquility and expansive views to enjoy after a day of game-watching, hiking, or picnicking high on a mountain ridge. Super-attentive but unobtrusive staff and imaginative five-star cuisine add to the elegance of this exclusive safari lodge. The capacious standalone cottages, including two family suites, have their own private verandas with outdoor areas where you can gaze at a star-filled sky at night. There's a history room with fossils and information about the area if your interest is piqued, but your ranger will give you the lowdown on the terrain, geology, animal life, and uplifting backstory to the ecological transformation Samara has undergone.

Originally built in 1910 as the manor house of one of the private farms that would later be incorporated into Shamwari, this studiously designed and richly furnished Edwardian property continues to evoke the colonial era and all the opulence that went with it, albeit now with a more contemporary twist. The main building itself—until a few years back bedecked in pastel pink—has been given a more contemporary make-over, made pale yet still classically beautiful. It still stands, like something quite regal, at the heart of perfectly manicured gardens, open verandahs and terraces, ornate water features, and a number of great, leafy old trees whose branches bring welcome shade to various outside nooks. The infinity pool at the bottom of the gently terraced stairs is at the center of it all, a watery lookout point from which to survey the vast plains that spread out in front of the lodge. On one side of the pool is the bar and lounge, where guests meet for refreshments before game drives, and on the other side is the restaurant, where adventurous food is served. A pathway leads to one of the most interesting bomas in the country, where a fire pit is encircled by huge nest-like dining pods—an enchanting setting for an outdoor dinner experience. The rooms, which echo the main lodge's Edwardian heritage, are lavish and utterly cushioning, with enormous beds and bathrooms; you can open your curtains and look for animals on the nearby plains, or sink into an armchair on your porch and simply stare at the exquisite surrounds. Not that there'll be too much time for dawdling—game drives and bush walks await, and your ranger will always have something thrilling to show you. 

Established and owned by Adrian Gardiner, the founder of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, this beautifully restored art deco mansion is the most refined hotel in Gqeberha. The public areas are laid out to museum-grade specifications, with a huge collection of furniture and ornamentation in keeping with the period it evokes; the entire hotel is also packed with coveted South African artworks by artists ranging from William Kentridge to Hanneke Benade, and it includes a range of objects by highly regarded sculptors. There is even a small, luxurious cinema (apparently modeled on the private cinema of Prince Charles), and there are quaint details such as a piano in one of the lounges. There's a top-notch spa and restaurant; breakfasts are superb; and there's a pool just outside when you need a break from all the aesthetic glamor. The major advantage, though, is its proximity to the beach; you can pretty much saunter there, and the staff will supply you with advice about where to spend the rest of your day. There's also an annex across the road that can be used as a private villa or rental for a family or group. 

Set on a secluded coastal reserve that incorporates magnificent dunes, woods, river deltas, lagoons, a 3½-km (2-mile) expanse of beach, free-roaming horses, and a plethora of birdlife, Oyster Bay Lodge truly is a hidden gem that, once reached, feels like you've arrived at the ends of the Earth. The beautifully furnished luxury suites are certainly a plus, but it's the location and the array of outdoor activities—exhilarating dune buggy jaunts and horseback riding on the beach—that really set this unique destination apart. The original old farm buildings have been carefully restored to retain their old-world charm: think exposed wooden beams, open fireplaces, and understated antique furniture. And if the bird-watching and fynbos guided tours aren't enough, you can ride fat bikes on the dunes, borrow skim boards and boogie boards, or join a township tour at nearby Oyster Bay—fees help fund community initiatives. 

With eight luxury suites tucked away inside a thick, lush indigenous dune forest, this exclusive hideaway was Cintsa's first and remains its best luxury offering—you'll find few better spots in which to unwind anywhere on the Wild Coast. The enormous suites have fine Persian rugs and high ceilings and the bathrooms have large open showers and baths that overlook a private garden. Apart from the Forest Suite, all suites have fully retractable French windows that open onto private sundecks and plunge pools. The spectacularly located Diamond Villa has a great vantage from its raised position—it's the only suite with sea views, and definitely worth the extra splurge. The main reception areas include an extensive, beautifully decorated library, and the restaurant serves sophisticated meals; many of the vegetables and greens come fresh from the lodge's own on-site garden. The spa is reason enough to check in, with soothing treatments by therapists who've been through an empowerment program bringing skills to people from local communities. Although it's tucked away in the forest, the lodge has direct access to Cintsa's gorgeous beach and lagoon via a boardwalk and some steps—there's also a magnificent ocean-facing viewpoint from the top of the dune, lovely for a sunset drink.

The view from Shamwari's flagship lodge will take your breath away: Built in a more contemporary style than the older Shamwari lodges, and situated in what might just be the reserve's most perfect-for-a-lodge location, the eye is constantly drawn across the ravine, over the rolling plains, to a waterhole where animals gather, and on toward distant hills marching across the horizon. From the lovely main lodge, pathways made of fine pebbles lead to nine free-standing tents built of wood and canvas and set below a Bedouin canopy, with glass sliding doors that open onto private decks where, again, that magnificent view is always waiting to enthrall. The design signals a unique take on the typical colonial safari "tent," and the large, lovely sleeping quarters have wood-burning fireplaces, plunge pools, and outdoor showers where you can further absorb that view. 

If you're yearning for the atmosphere afforded by canvas in the bush but still prefer unbridled luxury, then these air-conditioned safari "blended canvas" suites under thatch roofs are ideal. The ultra-comfortable tented accommodations have private decks with plunge pools and beautiful loungers overlooking the Buffalo River. They're huge, too, with pale wooden floors, fireplaces, and a sense of restrained style that allows you to focus your attention on the enfolding wilderness. Certainly, being able to watch animals down at the river from your private deck is a huge treat, as are mealtimes, with creative food coming out of the kitchen—and off the fires.

Overlooking the mouth of the beautiful Nahoon River and within easy reach of Nahoon Beach, this is a great place for a low-key family beach break. The standard rooms are quite ordinary and lack views, but the family suites have magnificent views of the lagoon, the sea, or both. Each suite has two bedrooms, one bathroom with tub and shower, a well-appointed kitchen, a living room, and a spacious balcony. The restaurants ($$) are popular with locals—as much for the fabulous views as for the large menu of pastas, steaks, and fish dishes, plus a few interesting innovations thrown in.

This wonderfully casual beach establishment, which offers a range of accommodation options, is a shirts-and-shoes-optional sort of place, and can get quite lively. The dorms are what you'd find at any hostel, while chalets in various states of rusticity are scattered across a wooded slope leading to the beach. They all have access to cooking facilities, and most have fantastic views over the lagoon and ocean. There are also a handful of spacious, more upmarket suites, all of which are en suite with incredible views of the lagoon, beach, and ocean; a sandy path through the bush leads from the resort to the dune-backed beach where surfers and beachcombers take advantage of its vastness. Dinners need to be booked in advance; don't miss the traditional Xhosa evening, when you can sample tasty traditional dishes served from a generous, intimate buffet; the restaurant's terrace has a superb view, too. It's a great base from which to undertake a whole range of reasonably priced cultural tours and excursions along the Wild Coast.

It's not within Addo Elephant National Park, but this lodge's perch on the top of a high ridge in the Zuurberg mountain range—the altitude, coupled with the vastness of the views that drop away in front of you—adds something sensational to your stay. There's a mix of suite-sized rooms and luxurious tents, and there's The Outpost, which is a hybrid half-suite half-tent just a short distance from the main lodge. Although the over-arching theme is "colonial-era," nothing's over the top or excessive, so instead of feeling overwhelmed by antiques and vintage bric-a-brac, there is space to get swept up in the views and the setting, albeit along with comfy armchairs, rugs underfoot, perhaps mosquito nets draped around your bed. The best suites have balconies perched directly above the cliff edge. Game drives are arranged for guests wishing to visit Addo, just 15 km (9 miles) away, and the restaurant serves fabulous meals—country cooking with a distinctive Karoo twist. When the weather allows, you'll eat outdoors, either on the verandah, by the pool, or even in the boma for a bit more of a safari atmosphere.

This big, bright beachfront resort offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury self-catering villas with direct beach access over the dunes to spic 'n' span private backpacker rooms with shared bathrooms. Some of the villas and cottages have traditional Cape Dutch features such as whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, while others are contemporary in style, purpose-built for full-scale beach-based relaxation; there are also hotel-style apartments in the modern beach-chalet mold. Throughout most of the resort you'll find great views, big retractable windows, comfortable deck areas, swimming pools, and—just a short stroll away—an easy path to the wide, curving beach that makes this holiday town such a winner. Other facilities include a health and beauty center and Joe Fish Restaurant and Bar, where great steaks and seafood are served by the pool. The shoes-optional Full Stop Cafe is another all-day dining venue with a play area for children who also get a dedicated menu. Based here, you're close to all Cape St Francis's main attractions, including the golf course, a number of nature reserves, and trails along the coast that can be used to hike or cycle. 

The main (but certainly not the only) attraction of this vibey beachside backpackers' lodge are the surfing lessons; book pretty far ahead to secure rooms with private bathrooms, although the shared facilities are pretty decent, with quaint, artistic touches. Accommodations are in private double rooms (traditional thatched rondavels modified with sliding glass doors), dormitories, or the large self-catering King's House which sleeps up to eight people and has everything you need for a private getaway with family or a group of friends. There are also campsites, and there are traditional thatched huts across the river offering double en-suite and dorm accommodations. As at all backpacker lodges, you don't need to be young to stay here, but an open mind and a sense of fun are prerequisites. The kitchen serves three very good meals a day at reasonable prices, and there are two well-equipped kitchens for self-catering. Guided trips include cultural tours and hikes, including one to Hole-in-the-Wall, and there's an opportunity here to gain deeper insight into Xhosa culture.

Most of these self-catering cottages are located on Parsonage Street, which is something of a historic hub for Graaff-Reinet and architecturally one of its best-preserved streets. In keeping with the heritage theme, the whitewashed cottages have green wooden shutters and pretty gardens; some of the connected cottages share a private pool and some have three bedrooms. Pioneers, one of the best restaurants in town, is across the street.

Established as an extension of a private home and set up as an artists retreat, this small family-run spot has three overnight options—a bedroom in the main house under the kitchen; a beautiful self-catering tree house in the forest; or a two-bedroom cottage with its own kitchen. All the spaces are utterly original and done out with unique architectural touches and finished with an artist's flair. Everything feels very personal and executed with great care and respect, and you will have opportunities to find out about all kinds of local activities—take a meditation or yoga class, join a guided nature walk, or meet crafters and artisans who can teach you new skills. A pathway through the thick vegetation leads to the beach and you can walk to the mouth of the Gonubie River, which you can swim across to reach the other side, potentially walking all the way to the city.

Velvet cushions and rugs that echo the African sky at dawn, rough-hewn rock walls that recall the hills that dot the reserve, and decor that includes handwoven baskets, animal hides, and neutral shades offset by subtle earthy tones create the fresh, contemporary aesthetic of this intimate, classy lodge that caters to families with young children. Your bedroom, which has its own plunge pool and exquisite views of the distant hills, may qualify as one of the biggest you will ever sleep in. When you can bear to tear yourself away from your sleeping quarters, you can chill by the rim-flow lodge pool with only the birds and the sounds of the wilderness to keep you company. Children, meanwhile, can "help" the chefs in an interactive kitchen, and because the lodge is fenced, there's a lawn where youngsters can play and run around. Other children's activities include things like kite-building, making plaster casts of lion tracks, or fishing with a ranger. 

Previously used exclusively by Kwandwe's owners, this well-stocked and handsomely decorated four-bedroom house is available to rent for exclusive use by a family or group. The house, which has extensive lounge and dining areas, comes with its own staff, including a chef, a ranger, and a dedicated game viewer, and each bedroom is marvelously private with its own indoor and outdoor shower. Animals traipse across the property all the time, so you could easily pull up a sun lounger and simply watch as the day unfolds, or visit the sunken boma at the bottom of the huge lawn (made safe thanks to a hidden fence) for spellbinding views across the enfolding plains. This really is the safari hideaway of your dreams.

Steeped in an oh-my-gosh landscape, this historic farm affords guests the opportunity to spend time really getting to know the Karoo while staying in a whitewashed farm cottage or a renovated old sheep kraal. Spend your free time looking for Bushman rock art, swimming in crystal clear rock pools, hiking, climbing mountains, riding mountain bikes, watching birds, and even watching sheep being sheared. There's a registered fossil museum on the property with thousands of rock treasures collected on the farm and a small sanctuary for sick, wounded, and orphaned animals. Staying here is a sure-fire way to let the Karoo get under your skin.

On the town's main road within walking distance of everything, The Ibis offers heartfelt hospitality in a very personal environment—plus the immediacy of the on-site restaurant, Stirlings, where one-of-a-kind dinners are served. The house is one of the oldest in Nieu Bethesda (circa 1886), but current owners Barbara and Johan have transformed it into a very personal, intimate guesthouse that is an extension of their own home, decorated with a mix of local bits and pieces, plus African masks (from time lived in East Africa), and old rugs on very creaky Oregon pine floors (some of the floorboards are originals, worn thin from use). There are three rooms, priced according to size—Happy is done out in colorful fabrics, Amor is the romantic one, and Karoo is the most spacious—but they're all very comfortable and quite lovely. There's a garden full of hundreds of rose bushes and a pool that's very useful in the heat of summer. 

In a quiet part of the Central neighborhood, this friendly hostel tends to attract mature backpackers who are more interested in culture and adventure activities than partying. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and basic, the communal kitchen is well appointed, and the managers are friendly and helpful. There's a lovely garden looking over the valley, which has a communal braai (barbecue) area and visiting dassies (a guinea pig–like animal that is the closest relative of elephants). You can also camp on the grass if you have a tent with you.