9 Best Holiday Houses In South Africa - Updated 2024

Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 5 min read

Discover the Rainbow Nation’s historically rich Johannesburg, dazzling Dolphin Coastline’s playful dolphins, and Capetown’s bustling golden sand beaches. Thrill-seekers will be awestruck as great white sharks perform high-flying aerial manoeuvres while hunting Seal Island’s seals. While sipping a glass of award-winning shiraz, wine-lovers can savour panoramic views of Stellenbosch’s lush vineyards and mountains outside of the vibrant Mother City. Kruger National Park’s expansive Serengeti grasslands teams with leopards, zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and more to excite adventure enthusiasts. To experience more of this country’s varied topography and cultural diversity, check out our list of the 10 best holiday houses in South Africa.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Stylish waterfront apartment (from USD 50)

Come discover the wonders of Capetown by staying at this stylish one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. With its cool grey-hued interior and modern decor, visitors will feel relaxed while visiting the Mother City. The airy private balcony is an ideal retreat for unwinding after surfing False Bay’s powerful waves while avoiding fearsome great white sharks. Prepare a healthy breakfast in the kitchen before pedal boating along Sandviel Lake’s winding, watery canals towards the Muizenberg Mountains. Then relax in the palm and citrus tree-filled garden while enjoying a spectacular sunset over the mountains.

Stayed at this property?
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
233 reviews   Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the smart tv with full dstv and netflix - perfect for the rainy days
this apartment is gorgeous it has all the amenities you could think of and more including netflix
lovely find the apartment was even better than the photos
comfortable amazing bed (sleep like a dream) bbq with coals fully stocked a welcome bottle of wine
we had an absolutely fantastic stay at this wonderful apartment
Cleanliness:
the place was sparkly clean and absolutely beautiful
everything was clean and so inviting and very well equipped
tha place is so clean and it's very nice
wonderful space private clean and unique
the place was clean and stunning i would definitely visit the place again
Host:
the host is always the to respond to any questions thank you
great host so helpfull and kind
the hosts were excellent in terms of everything
our hosts were more than helpful and an absolute delight to deal with
herbert goes above and beyond to make your stay perfect and is an excellent host
Location:
the place is near to blue route mall which was good
location next to the lake was perfect
the location of the flat is in a quiet and safe area
this is a great place really well kitted our even down to the kayaks
plenty of brochures are neatly placed near the main door that come handy for tourists
Read more reviews

2. Charming treehouse with mountain views (from USD 64)

While visiting South Africa, reserve this breezy two-bedroom treehouse nestled among Port Elizabeth’s diverse forests. After an exciting safari adventure chasing cheetahs, ostriches, lions, and giraffes, soak in the porcelain clawfoot tub. Then, prepare dinner in the kitchen before settling into your spacious loft for the night. Each morning, wake up to sweeping views of the mountains through your glass patio doors during your vacation. Delight in breakfast on the patio before venturing over to Bayworld to experience its dinosaur exhibits, seal performances, and wildlife encounters.

Stayed at this property?
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
856 reviews   Wifi Available
Treehouse 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen stuff hot water and a nice bathroom with a panorama nature view
loved the cozy bed nooks upstairs and windows all around to appreciate the views while still feeling private
most romantic atmosphere during the evenings the best was the bathroom which was beyond expectations
bathing and showering is lovely being surrounded by trees
fabulous place really quirky amazing bathroom can't be missed
Cleanliness:
it was super clean well equipped and cozy
all was very clean and very good equipped
the place is clean and tidy and have everything you need which is very considerate to the travellers
Host:
great host who was very helpful
very friendly and helpfull host with quick responses
itβ€˜s a beautiful house and the hosts were very helpful
really great place to stay friendly hosts and very helpful local tips
this part of port elizabeth is really beautiful too great hosts that were really helpful
Location:
thanks to michael for this wonderful place
if you don't mind the street noise it's a great place to be near pe
this is a really popular place to stay for a reason
it’s a really nice experience and the place is so cute
the location is very good to go the beach and several restaurants within 15 min
Read more reviews

3. Cozy studio on Craigrossie Game Farm (from USD 22)

Discover South Africa’s beautiful countryside while staying on a game farm. The cozy studio with roomy loft has a kitchenette, a bathroom, a living room, and spacious grounds. After admiring Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s zebras, dinosaur skeletons, and colourful sandstone cliffs, enjoy a waterfront dinner. In the morning, delight in breakfast along the waterfront while listening to native bird songs against the backdrop of majestic Mount Horeb. After strolling through Free State National Botanical Garden’s floral displays, enjoy a sunset picnic on the lawn with a bottle of Amarula.

Stayed at this property?
Clarens, Free State, South Africa
521 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire guesthouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice view beautiful sunset good wifi clean room and so kind trish & john
the view and the facilities itself is stunning
we had a comfortable stay in their well equipped loft room attached to their house
Cleanliness:
the sheets are clean and crisp
the place is super clean and very stylish
spotlessly clean comfortable and in a beautiful setting on a game farm
a beautiful sparkling clean accommodation with everything you need and more
we were warmly welcomed by john and trish and the loftbis sparkling clean and well-equipped
Host:
they were very friendly and helpful hosts
amazing place hospitality was incredible and hosts were the sweetest
great hosts and amazing accommodation
hosts were very friendly and welcoming and the space made us feel at home
trish and john were very friendly hosts
Location:
location was perfect quiet yet close enough to the town of clarence
very good location and host
a beautiful restful place out of the hustle and bustle of clarens but conveniently close
friendly and close to clarens
lovely location - in the country but so convenient for clarens
Read more reviews

4. Peaceful apartment for couples (from USD 29)

This charming two-tiered apartment with a cosy loft, an airy living room, and a kitchen is ideal for couples and solos visiting South Africa. Hyde Park Shopping Corner with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment options are a short drive from this charming apartment. After encountering snapping crocodiles, hefty hippos, and leggy giraffes at Johannesburg Zoo, unwind in front of the flat-screen TV. There are plenty of cupboards to store groceries bought at Randburg Wholesale Market if you decide to cook. Enjoy a leisurely bubble bath in the soaker tub after experiencing the hot summer breezes swirling through Beachwood Garden’s floral tunnel.

Stayed at this property?
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
326 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i love my cooking so really enjoyed the gas stove and cast iron pots and pans
very quiet and comfortable place to stay
Cleanliness:
it was clean and homey
lovely clean neat and safe place
spacious clean private and very comfortable
very clean spacious and has everything you need
private clean spacious and comfy
Host:
the host is extremely friendly and helpful
thanks for being a great host tracy
very helpful host and willing to assist with more than the usual
tracy-lee is an amazing host friendly professional and extremely helpful
thank you to tracy and her husband for hosting us
Location:
great location and beautiful house
cute place located across from a pub
lovely sized kitchen and located in walking distance to restaurants
central to all the cool spots in jozi
great location with very cute pub nearby (good gins)
Read more reviews

South Africa Tour Guide

Thabang Molefe

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

South Africa Tour Guide

Jakes

Jakes

Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. β€œI’m always a... Read more

Tours by Jakes

5. Modern condo near the beach (from USD 29)

Travellers looking to explore Durban’s never-ending attractions will be a few steps from its pristine shoreline and plethora of restaurants. Being steps from the beach provides guests with easy access to activities such as volleyball, surfing, and sunset oceanfront picnics. The sofa with beige leather sectional is an excellent place to crash after hiking Valley of a Thousand Hills. After a morning filled with riding waterslides at Wet ‘N Wild Water Park, wash off the chlorine in your black-and-white tile shower. Then prepare a quick meal before journeying to PheZulu Safari Park to encounter towering giraffes, bounding gazelle, and playful lion cubs.

Stayed at this property?
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
323 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE CONDO 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i enjoyed the air conditioning as durban can get super warm
stylish and comfortable furniture
loved the fact that you offered an iron ironing board beach towels and the washing machine
shuaib and his team made our stay very comfortable with everything we could need available to us
the apartment has a full compliment of towels linen and a well stocked utilities cupboard
Cleanliness:
clean and comfy with modern touches
it was very clean and tidy
thank you for hosting us the apartment is clean with a lot of clean bedding towls etc
clean comfortable and good value
clean and even had a washing machine
Host:
the host was very responsive and attentive
host good at communicating and helping
most amazing host was a pleasure staying at shuaibs host
and the landlord is sooo friendly and helpful
shuaib is a great host
Location:
the location was amazing walking distance to everything
place is very well located
great place with perfect location
nice place in a great location
nice location just on north beach
Read more reviews

6. Luxurious two-bedroom nature lodge (from USD 130)

Each day, experience breathtaking sunrises over Drakenburg Mountains while vacationing at this two-bedroom nature lodge. While enjoying breakfast on your master’s patio, you may be surprised by zebras passing by. After a hike through the rugged nature preserve, indulge in a refreshing dip in the pool before making dinner in the stone-walled kitchen. After dinner, slip out to stargaze while lounging on the terrace’s comfy furniture before retreating to your master suite. Guests visiting this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site will experience South Africa’s unmatched natural beauty and exotic wildlife daily.

Stayed at this property?
5 reviews   Wifi Available
villa 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and well equipped
upon arrival we found a very clean and well-prepared home for us
Host:
communication with the owner prior to arrival was excellent along with the local property manager
Read more reviews

7. Traditional bush lodge with a backyard (from USD 92)

Nature lovers will love staying at this traditional bush lodge where they can encounter zebras, kudu, and antelope in their own backyard. Located on Crocodile River across from world-famous Kruger National Park is this amazing four-bedroom, four-bathroom Serengeti oasis. Each bedroom comes with an en-suite bathroom, thus shortening the bathroom lines. Visitors can watch lions and wildebeest drink alongside thrashing crocodiles from the riverbank. After an exciting safari adventure in Kruger National Park, recline on leopard-print sofas before preparing dinner in the rustic kitchen.

Stayed at this property?
21 reviews   Wifi Available
villa 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The home is spacious and comfortable with all the modern conveniences you need to feel right at home
The home backs up to Kruger crocodile entrance
tips gekregen over verschillende bezienswaardigheden en deze tips waren stuk voor stuk waardevol
we both had our own room with bathroom
eigen badkamer Het woongedeelte is riant
Cleanliness:
Beautiful house with top end furnishing and decor
The house was accurate to photos and description very African style Fabulous Equipped with everything you needed for self catering and very clean
Host:
Dealing with the owners was seamless and more than willing to help with any questions
Goed ontvangst door de behulpzame huiskeepers
de verkoelende splashpool heerlijk vertoeven met
Door de tips hebben wij alle mooie plekjes in de
Leuke comfortabele villa dewelke helemaal aan onze noden en wensen voldeed Netjes in orde en met voldoende huisraad
Location:
prima eten in een van de vele goede
It is also very convenient to the Crocodile Bridge Entrance to Kruger
moet je naar Villa Khamkirri in Marloth Park
moet je naar Villa Khamkirri in Marloth Park
Het is van alle luxe en
Read more reviews

8. Secluded four-bedroom house with an infinity pool (from USD 354)

Escape the bustling city life to experience tranquil Mossel Bay while staying at this secluded hilltop four-bedroom, five-bathroom compound. Each morning, guests can soak up the sweeping views of Mossel Bay’s coastline from their bedrooms. After checking out the exhibits at Maritime and Shell Museums, enjoy a restful swim in the infinity pool. Then dry off and prepare dinner in the kitchen to savour together at the glass dining table. Afterward, recline on the mocha leather furniture while searching for Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse’s beaming beacon piercing the bedarkened skies.

Stayed at this property?
11 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 3
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely terrace and swimming pool
Cleanliness:
the rooms are all luxury furnished and very clean
Read more reviews

9. Spacious house overlooking the ocean

Guest can admire South Africa’s phenomenally beautiful Dolphin Coast while staying at this golf estate in KwaDukuza. Visitors can enjoy unimaginably beautiful sunsets from their terrace while overlooking the ocean’s sapphire waters. Prepare a quick breakfast in the earthy kitchen before riding on horseback along the dazzling golden sand coastline. Then return to escape the blazing sun by relaxing in the solarium on cantaloupe-coloured couches. Enjoy a morning swim in the pool before walking down to the ocean looking for dolphins playing in the white-capped surf.

Stayed at this property?
KwaZulu Natal, Dolphin Coast, ZA
6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Experience South Africa's inspiring diversity

Discover the Rainbow Nation’s diverse culture, award-winning wineries, picturesque coastlines, and breathtaking nature preserves. From Cape Town’s colourful False Bay surf shacks to Limpopo’s impressive Kruger National Park, visitors’ bucket lists will be overflowing with adventure. After experiencing South Africa’s grandiosity, travellers will have many stories to recount while longing for a return adventure.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

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