South Africa is a country with a rich heritage and a blend of different cultures. It is also blessed with breathtaking landscapes, offering visitors a unique view of the African experience. The picturesque countryside is perfect for sightseeing, and its inner cities are hubs for thriving businesses and busy lifestyles. Whether you visit South Africa for business or for pleasure, you are sure to get a dose of natural beauty. With the country’s diverse ecosystem, several companies and industries, hotels included, have recognized the need to be more eco-friendly. But being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your comfort. Here is a list of elegant and cozy eco hotels in South Africa for you to check out.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and the property's commitment towards eco-conscious practices. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 20, 2025.
1. The Peech Hotel (from USD 267)
Extensive and delicious breakfast, two on-site restaurants, though one may be closed on certain days.
Reasonable pricing for a boutique hotel in a secluded area.
Secluded and tranquil, far from city attractions but safe and secure.
Beautiful gardens, two small pools, and entertainment streaming options.
The Peech Hotel is a chic boutique hotel in Johannesburg, centrally located in Melrose. The Peech offers its guests a fitness center, a bistro restaurant, and tastefully decorated rooms that are spacious and very comfortable. Each stylish cabin in this hotel is fitted with king-size beds, and comes with its own private bathroom, complete with rain showers. The hotel uses several measures to stay eco-friendly, including reducing its energy consumption by using heat pump water systems, reducing waste, and engaging in community outreach programs.
The Peech Hotel
Address: North Street
664.44 km (412.9 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
2. Tsala Treetop Lodge (from USD 739)
Tsala Treetop Lodge offers unique lodges located right in the heart of a scenic forest park. Its suites and villas are designed like treehouses with private outdoor decks, infinity pools, living rooms with fireplaces, and minibars. All the bedrooms have a view of the forest canopy, and guests are offered 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. This eco-friendly property uses only fresh, organic ingredients for their meals, and they recycle all the waste to reduce their carbon footprint. This a beautiful place where you can enjoy some natural beauty.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Address: Off N2, 10 km from Plettenberg Bay
588.03 km (365.4 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
Other eco-friendly properties in South Africa
3. Farm 215 Private Nature Reserve (from USD 192)
Delicious breakfast platters, hot breakfast, and dinner with vegan and vegetarian options
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped units
Secluded and private location near Gansbaai, offering stunning mountain and ocean views
Beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails, honesty bar, and fresh water lap pool
Enjoy an unforgettable experience in comfort and luxury at Farm 215 Private Nature Reserve. This secluded retreat right in the heart of Uilkraal Valley offers fantastic, eco-friendly accommodations in the countryside. The country houses stay green by using a renewable energy source: solar power. They recycle all their waste, and water is collected from a mountain catchment area. The rooms are comfortable and fully-furnished, and you can admire the beautiful landscape from your balcony. Free Wi-Fi is provided, so you can stay connected. Activities on offer include horseriding, cycling, and hiking.
Farm 215 Private Nature Reserve
Address: Farm 215 Hartebeeskloof & Koudeberg
934.45 km (580.7 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
South Africa Tour Guide
Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
Tours by Thabang
4. Bulungula Lodge (from USD 12)
Quaint and beautiful, Bulungula Lodge offers traditional guest huts by the sea in the Elliotdale district in Bulungula. This property provides a great, eco-friendly accommodation with a fantastic view of the sea. The lodges are managed by the Xhosa community, and everything runs on solar power. You can choose between a single, twin, or double room, and there is also a central living area with a kitchen and bar. You can still have hot water for your shower because heat is produced in paraffin-powered rocket showers. Each hut has access to electric lights and amazing views.
Bulungula Xhosa Community Lodge
Address: Bulungula river mouth Farm 37, Elliotdale district
14.43 km (9.0 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
5. Thonga Beach Bay
Exceptional food, special celebration cakes, private dining with sea view
Luxurious but natural finish, world-class service, special celebrations
Magical setting in dense forest with stunning beach, harmonious with surroundings
Beautiful isolated location, private beach, excellent diving, attentive staff
Sitting along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline is the beautiful and eco-friendly Thonga Beach Lodge. With well-furnished rooms sitting on stilts, this unique accommodation offers you a chance to enjoy picturesque grounds surrounded by a beautiful dune forest, and close to a pristine beach. This property stays eco-friendly by minimizing its environmental impact, encouraging conservation, issuing reusable bottles, and using low energy light bulbs. Guests are free to relax by the private beach, or indulge in a full body massage at the spa and wellness center.
Thonga Beach Lodge
Address: Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Elephant Coast
630.93 km (392.1 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
6. Umlani Bushcamp (from USD 183)
Superb and delicious meals with limited dinner choices, but great quality.
Reasonable rates for a unique bush experience.
Set in the heart of nature with abundant wildlife, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Rustic yet comfortable accommodations, limited Wi-Fi, outdoor shower, and solar-powered camp.
Located amidst a classic African safari camp, Umlani Bushcamp is a fantastic, eco-friendly accommodation situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Guests here are offered traditional African reed and thatch huts that are beautifully furnished, complete with en suite bathrooms and open-air showers, cradle lanterns, and mosquito netting over the bed. This camp lodge stays green by using solar power, bio-degradable cleaning products, and organic ingredients to prepare meals. They also recycle and compost all waste. Enjoy daily game drives, candlelit dinners, and guided bush walks in this safe, comfortable abode.
Umlani Bushcamp
Address: Enkhulu Gate, Arygle Road
883.75 km (549.2 mi) from Hole-in-the-Wall
Stay eco-friendly in South Africa
South Africa is blessed with a remarkably diverse ecosystem, and its beauty attracts visitors from all around the world. Stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and amazing people offer you a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. You can enjoy all these without having to worry about your carbon footprint. Stay in any one of these eco-hotels in South Africa, and live your best, green life.
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