Caves, trains, boats and treehouses - the quirkiest hotels in South Africa

From ancient caves to quirky teepees and a luxury boutique hotel atop a railways bridge in the middle of the Kruger Park, South Africa has lots of fun and unusual places to book a memorable stayover if you want something different from the usual. Here's a look at ten of the best.

GAUTENG

Charter a boat from Old Willow No. 7 Houseboat Charters

 

Rates: Boat rentals cost from R450 per person per night (weekdays), weekends cost more and there is a minimum booking of two nights.
Find out more and book at oldwillow.co.za

Adama's Artistic Chalets and Teepees in Dinokeng Game Reserve

 

There is no shortage of classic tented accommodation in South Africa where you get to sleep under canvas with all the convenience of an en-suite bathroom and kitchen facilities - an experience otherwise known as 'glamping'. Adama Chalets in the Dinokeng Game Reserve offers traditional glamping with a difference with the chance to sleep in a native American-style teepee. There are two teepees each with a double bed inside that come with their own adjoining boma area, bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.

Rates: Teepees costs from R1050 per night (sleeps two)
Find out more and book online at adama.co.za

The ultimate luxury rail journey with Rovos Rail

 

The ultimate in luxury travel, filled with the romance of a bygone age of Slow Travel. Disconnect from the busyness and book a one-way journey on Rovos Rail where you’ll be drawn back to the grace of Victorian luxury travel. Trains leave from Rovos’s private station in Pretoria and a number of journeys are available, including two-night trips to Cape Town or Durban and spectacular three-night journey to Victoria Falls. A true bucket list experience for any railway fanatic, service is exceptional and the on-board accommodation is among the most luxurious to be found on any train journey in the world.

Rovos Rail are now accepting bookings for travel in 2021 and 2022. Find out more about the different packages on offer at rovos.com

MPUMALANGA

Kruger Shalati's incredible train on the bridge

 

This remarkable new luxury safari destination has one of the most outstanding views on the continent, occupying an old railway bridge crossing the vast Sabie river in the lower Kruger National Park. Wake up to the most incredible views across the river from the comfort of your luxurious open-fronted room, cleverly transformed from a historic railway carriage, then take a dip in the statement splash pool deck that looks right out over the river. As with the best once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari experiences accommodation includes all meals and twice-daily guided game drives through the park.   

The Kruger Shalati is due to officially open in spring 2020. There are already a host of special early bird deals available online. Find out more at www.krugershalati.com

NORTHERN CAPE

Mountain Suites at Naries Namakwa Retreat

An extraordinary retreat in the middle of the Namqualand wilderness, in addition to classic guesthouse accommodation Naries also has three 'Mountain Suites' that have a very Flintstones feel to them. Designed to blend perfectly into the landscape each suite resembles a large boulder and you'll find that inside the walls are half manmade and half ancient rockface. Close to Springbok, this is the perfect bolthole for exploring the shipwrecks of the Northern Cape coastline and the blossoming spring Namaqualand flowers. 

Find out more and book online at www.naries.co.za

WESTERN CAPE

The Silo Hotel Cape Town

 
Cape Town's most exclusive new luxury hotel sits atop an old grain silo in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Rooms comes with a remarkable 5.5-metre window, described as 'pillowed glazing panels' providing the most spectacular sky-high views in town and contemporary artworks that reflect the abundance of art that lies below in the outstanding Zeitz MOCCA contemporary art museum. 

Find out more at  theroyalportfolio.com/the-silo/overview/

The Sky Room at Kagga Kamma in the Cederberg

 
Nestled deep in the scenic Cederberg Mountains, far from the buzzing lights and humming TVs of even the smallest town, this is your opportunity to get back to nature and sleep under the stars. The jewel in the crown is the Star Suite Open Air Room set on a private platform below the most astonishing hanging rock formation, three kilometres from reception. There’s a bathtub for a special soak under the stars as well as your own personal rock pool for a refreshing nighttime dip under the twinkling spread of the milky way.

The star room is only available from September- April (weather permitting). Guests who stay at the Star Suite have to be booked in at the Lodge in either a Hut or Cave Suite and can then add on to their stay by choosing the Star Suite at an additional cost.