19 Best Hotels in The Eastern Cape, South Africa

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, reached by gravel paths, 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 viewing game, 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 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. 

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 setting with great historical ambience, 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 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 set among 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 understated yet elegant colonial farmhouse and three lovely cottages await you 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 cottages have their own private verandahs with outdoor areas where you can gaze at a star-filled sky. 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. Lions and elephants have also been successfully re-introduced.

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. 

With seven luxury suites tucked away inside a thick, lush indigenous dune forest (plus one on a dune with magnificent views), this exclusive hideaway was Cintsa's first and 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 with beams and the bathrooms have large open showers and baths that overlook the 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.

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.

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 pale greens and blues, 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 a bit. Other children's activities include things like kite-building, making plaster casts of lion tracks, or fishing with a ranger. 

Thatch roofs and earth tones are part of the traditional African kraal (settlement) feel at this villa set around a central lawn and pool area, with stunning views and rooms facing outward for privacy. All rooms have outdoor and indoor showers and open onto a private veranda. Two rooms and the suite have private plunge pools. Meals are served around a fireplace, and you may choose wines from the extensive cellar. As a villa, this lodge can only be booked as the whole property (ideal for a group), not per individual room.

If you're looking for the perfect place to share a safari with a group of people, this is a fabulous option—although suites can also be rented individually. One of the area's original homesteads, the Restoration Hardware meets African Pottery Barn–decorated house has four suites, each with its own verandah overlooking the surrounding mountains. Bathrooms are huge—just try to resist getting into the claw-foot tub which has been drawn for you after the evening game drive. The living space is made up of numerous cozy seating areas where you can spend hours reading, chatting, playing board games, or sipping drinks. The pool overlooks the property's natural waterhole—you never know what you might see taking a drink. The house has a dedicated staff, including a ranger, who takes care of your every whim.

Slightly bigger than Uplands Homestead, the Manor accommodates up to eight guests and offers the same superb service and exclusivity. It's a farmhouse in contemporary style with handmade clay chandeliers, cowhide rugs, vintage ball-and-claw armoires, and huge bathrooms with claw-foot tubs. Built around a small central lawn with a swimming pool, the four spacious rooms look outward into the bush for privacy. You have your own chef and game ranger, and you call the shots. This is a great option for families, as you can take the little ones on game drives or leave them behind with babysitters. It's also a good deal for three couples traveling together (and a great deal for four).

From the moment you reach this seaside retreat, it's all about relaxation, and that's exactly what Texan Rip Miller wanted in his property. There are no set times for anything; game drives can be taken whenever you want. Guests can take guided nature walks on the beach or get a range of treatments in the full, on-site spa. The property has wide vistas and soothing ocean views from the ocean suites and lodge. If you're dining on the deck keep an eye out for whales (June–November) or game around the water hole. The four ocean suites have decks, his-and-her bathrooms (one has the tub and one has a shower) with Molton Brown bath products, and canopy beds with views of the beach and ocean below, as well as a flat-screen TV that comes out of the dresser at the foot of your bed. Lodge suites, on the lower level of the main lodge, have similar amenities, including balconies, and open into a game room with shuffle board, a pool table, and a large flat-screen satellite TV so you won't miss any of those important games back home. The suites are perfect for a group traveling together. Another great option for a large group is the owner's villa complete with full kitchen and chef.

Situated on a 34,594-acre private concession within the Nyathi section of Addo Elephant National Park, River Bend consists of two exclusive-use houses—Peppergrove House and Long Hope Villa—and RiverBend Lodge, which has eight superb villas. The atmosphere perfectly balances the feel of a sophisticated, comfortable country house with all the facilities of a game lodge. Plus there are views in every direction, and often animals to see, especially at the waterhole that lies just beyond the electric fence that surrounds the property. At the lodge, spacious public rooms, filled with antiques and comfy couches, are in a beautifully renovated farmhouse and outbuildings. The guest rooms are in individual cottages with private verandas dotted around the lovely gardens; some have outdoor showers and each is uniquely decorated with a different color scheme. In addition to the usual game drives, you can tour the adjacent citrus farm. Peppergrove House is on the same grounds as the lodge, but it's completely self-contained, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Long Hope Villa is a short drive away and, having been built as a farmstead in the early 1800s, has a completely different atmosphere—it's full of authentic antiques, including furniture and fittings, and has its own outdoor area with a hide for viewing animals, a dedicated safari vehicle and ranger, and a chef who prepares meals in your private kitchen. Note that RiverBend specializes in family safaris—the lodge has a dedicated play-lounge with a TV and a safely enclosed playground for children.

Riverdene combines the great food and service of Shamwari's other lodges with a much more child-friendly atmosphere and a rather unprecedented number of facilities designed to keep youngsters engaged and entertained, making it the ultimate safari accommodation for younger families. The building itself is an elegantly restored frontier homestead with a modern and unpretentious design, and the lodge is styled in soothing pale earthy tones and decorated with lovely botanical prints. There's the usual infinity swimming pool, a very comfy lounge and bar, and a pretty courtyard dining area and boma, the latter of which has fine views over Bushman's River. But what really stands out here is the considerable efforts to make children feel like they're the center of attention: The "Kids on Safari" Adventure Centre is an expansive indoor and outdoor area where children get color-coded wristbands so they know which parts of the playground are best for them—there's a massive wooden jungle gym, mini climbing walls, ziplines, a swing bridge, a sandpit, and a treehouse. The playroom is fully supervised and there's a host of dedicated nannies so you needn't worry when out on a game drive.

Named for a Xhosa chief and in fact pronounced sag-ee-leh, this six-bedroom private villa puts guests in the heart of a marvelous wilderness area where you have the run of magnificent grounds with exquisite views onto a thrilling and vast landscape populated by animals that regularly make an appearance. The lodge, which was formerly rented on a room-by-room basis, is thatched and has a huge open-plan living area with a two-way stone fireplace separating the lounge-cum-TV room from the dining area. All six suites face the (generally dry) Bushman's River. The lounge area opens out onto a beautiful wooden deck and plunge pool overlooking the reserve. There's a second pool inside a sunny courtyard that has a shallow area for children. As a private rental, it comes with your own chef, game-viewer and ranger, and a small staff to take care of you, including child minders when necessary; it has all you might require for a comfortable getaway in nature, plus a pool, a romantic boma and a bespoke spa and fitness center. 

If you're a small family or a bunch of friends and want to have a genuine, very exclusive, out-of-Africa experience, then stay at this restored 1905 colonial farmhouse. There are three spacious en suite bedrooms with balconies furnished in early Settlers style, albeit with contemporary enhancements, and you'll have your own tracking and guiding team, plus a dedicated chef. The game-viewing experience is excellent, and you'll have memorable moments sitting around a blazing log fire as you swap fireside tales in the evening. Try one of Kwandwe's specialist safaris that range from learning about carnivore research to walking trails and excursions revealing the colorful past of this area, which is steeped in cultural, military, and archaeological history.