South Africa deserves being called the world’s adventure capital. Located on the southernmost tip of Africa, it offers a dramatic and diverse landscape featuring the Kalahari and Karoo half-deserts, lush forests, abundant wildlife, mountain ranges, Indian Ocean beaches, Cape Wineland vineyards, and canyons making it a haven for adrenaline junkies. If you don’t fancy going on a safari, beachcombing, bungee jumping, surfing, deep-sea fishing, mountain biking, skydiving, or any adrenaline-infused outdoor activity, then head off to the city. Cape Town, one of the world’s most sophisticated cities, is a fusion of cultures, food, and people with a wide variety of options ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive. Experience the rustic South African lifestyle by booking one of the best huts in South Africa that we’ve listed below. It will make your visit to the “Rainbow Nation” unforgettable.
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 08, 2024.
1. Cozy cabin in Nuy Valley (from USD 57)
The cabin is hidden in the mountains of Nuy Valley sandwiched by Worcester and Robertson. It’s near a wine farm, restaurant, and Saggy Stone craft brewery and 90 minutes away from Cape Town. This lovely rustic cottage with stone walls and grass roof has a modest space for two guests. The simple open layout fits a cozy queen bed, some shelves, and a tiny seating area. There’s a kitchenette with a stove, mini-ref, sink, and free coffee. The tiny bathroom has a toilet, sink, and rainfall shower. Park freely on the property and soak in the outdoor hot tub while enjoying mountain views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the location was stunning and the cottage was cozy with great amenitiesthe outdoor hot tub is an absolute treat and the cottage was very comfortable and well-equippedthe cottage is cosy and very comfortablethe cottage itself is quaint cute and comfortable and complements the nature of the location extremely wellcomfortable cottage great braai facilities and the hot tub to top it allCleanliness:
very relaxing and peaceful place for a private getaway and everything was very cleanthe cabin is very cosy and comfortable as well as super cleanhouse itself is clean and corresponds to the description and photos providedeven though it is in the mountains the cottage is squeaky clean and very welcomingHost:
the host was really nice and sweetjackie was a kind host and the space was amazinggreat beer friendly staff super chilled atmosphere and fabulous foodalthough we didn't meet jackie she was helpful friendly and efficienthost provides everything you need go out of their way to help out with anythingRead more reviewsLocation:
stunning location remote cottagethe location is perfectit’s like poetry this placewhat a remarkable location; with a building that has been so lovingly curatedstunning location beautiful cabin and incredibly helpful host
Superhost
2. Luxurious tree house with high ceilings (from USD 45)
Temple Botanica is a huge wooden treehouse built high above the ground on a property surrounded by trees and mountains. It’s made from a mix of concrete and wood featuring high ceilings, hardwood flooring, and big windows with beautiful outdoor views. Use the spacious covered balcony to eat, lounge around, and have a barbecue. The main floor is an open plan with a lounge, dining area, and a huge fully equipped kitchen. The loft-style second floor features a lounge, hammock swing chairs, a huge desk, and enough cozy beds to sleep eight guests. A walkway from the house leads to the garden with an eco-pool, parking area, and a mountain trail. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, heating, TV, hot water, and free essentials. Luggage dropoff and long-terms stays are allowed.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
i specifically checked about pool cleanliness prior to check in and was told its a natural filtered poolclean air tranquil and a very large lush forest garden to strollHost:
cheers to great hoststhe host are also very lovely and laid back peoplewonderful gracious hosts who were willing to help at the drop of a hattranquil peaceful place with a caring hostthe home the property with greens all over and the great hosts made our stay really enjoyableRead more reviewsLocation:
great location inspiring space and magnificent surroundingsgreat location close to centre of johannesburgthis is a great locationexcellent location near restaurants and shopswhat an amazing place it could not be situated more perfectlyMonthly discount: 30% off
3. Cozy tented cabin with views (from USD 42)
This unique tented cabin with a thatched roof is 26 km (6.15 mi) to Clanwilliam and 1.2 km (.75 mi) from a Waterfall hiking trail. The hut is spacious, self-catering, and cozy for three guests. A brick wall separates the space between the bedroom and fully stocked kitchen area. Enjoy views of Cedarburg and an olive grove through the wide picture windows while lying on the huge beds or relaxing on the loungers being warmed by the fireplace in the bedroom. The private bathroom is complete with a shower. Nearby is an infinity pool where you can enjoy a relaxing swim. Basics like free Wi-Fi, heating, hot water, free essentials, and free parking are provided.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cabin was lovely really clean and very comfortableHost:
matthys and his son are great hostsmatthys is a wonderful host and check-in despite us arriving late was seamlessRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is stunning and my glamping stay was wonderfulgreat stylish and well-equipped cabin in a wonderful location
4. Lovely hut beside the river (from USD 61)
Book this lovely hut if you will go fly fishing at the Vaal River. The hut is on a vast farm with relaxing mountain views at the back. It’s beside a river built with a lovely grass roof and a spacious deck. Grill some barbecues and dine al fresco or lounge on the deck seats while enjoying river views. Inside is an open plan with a sleeping area, dining, lounge, and fully stocked kitchen. To sleep four guests, there’s a queen bed and two sofa beds. Basic comforts like a private bathroom with hot water and toiletries, TV, laundry facilities, and free parking are provided. Long-term stays are allowed.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
sparkling clean awesome shower wish we could have stayed longerRead more reviewsHost:
our host leon was very kind and tended to our queries swiftly
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
South Africa Tour Guide
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. “I’m always a... Read more
Tours by Jakes
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5. Beautiful rustic sea-view cottage (from USD 45)
The rental comprises two lovely Rondavel huts built beside each other facing the beach. They are surrounded by a lush forest. Both huts feature modern circular interiors each containing a spacious bedroom with a double bed that sleeps two guests and an ensuite bathroom with a tub. The bigger one among the two huts also contains a fully stocked kitchen, dining area, and lounge sharing the open plan. The huts can be rented separately or together to accommodate six guests. It’s the perfect base if you are exploring the nearby Transkei Will Coast, Mazeppa Bay, and Shixini (a secluded river).
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
our room was simple but super clean with fresh smelling linen and towelsHost:
thank you margo for being such a wonderful hostmargo is a lovely host and makes you feel very much at homemargo is a super knowledgeable host and has put so much love and care into this accommodationmargo is a great host and adds value in many ways with local tips and friendly advicewrong margo was kind enough to help us out with both meat and fishRead more reviewsLocation:
it is in the most beautiful setting a few minutes walk from the beachpeace and quiet at its best
6. Gorgeous self-catering stay in a farm (from USD 53)
Dargle Forest Lodge is a gorgeous cabin in a farm up in the woods of Inhlosane Mountain. The rustic wooden interiors are furnished with simple pallet furniture and thick cushioned sofas. The living room shares the open plan with the breakfast nook and a fully equipped kitchen. Dine in the screened-in covered porch with marvelous mountain views. Two spacious bedrooms contain enough thick beds to sleep four guests and a crib for a baby. Enjoy comforts like air-conditioning, heating, hot water, free parking, and free toiletries. Feel free to roam the countryside by driving, biking, or hiking. The farm’s Spaza shop sells assorted items.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
some of the best views to wake up to and go to bed toRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the space was clean and described well
7. Wooden cabin in Tesselaarsdal (from USD 26)
If you are hiking up the Tesselaardsdal mountains, then make this cozy cabin your home base. The two cabins are in a friendly countryside community and if combined can host four guests. Each cabin features wooden interiors and vaulted ceilings. The two bedrooms are furnished with a double bed and one has an additional sleeper couch. The cabins are equipped with a small kitchenette, a breakfast nook, and a bathroom. There’s a covered patio for dining al fresco, grill barbecues or cook pizzas in the traditional stone oven. A tiny garden surrounds the perimeters and features a hammock for taking naps.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was tidy and clean and the nature supported the relaxing atmosphereHost:
hennie greeted us with a smile and chat and all the neighbours waved and were super friendlythe neighbour welcomed us in a very friendly way and opened and showed us the cabinRead more reviewsLocation:
very friendly community beautiful area and very cute place
8. Solo accommodation near the airport (from USD 15)
The property is in Edenvale in a quaint, tree-lined neighborhood 10 minutes away from Johannesburg International Airport. Up for rent is a tiny wooden cabin which is a separate structure adjacent to the owner’s main house. It’s a cozy place to sleep one guest with its thick cushioned single bed, a TV, a cabinet, and a kitchenette. There’s an ensuite bathroom with wooden interiors featuring a tub, toilet, and sink with free essentials and hot water. Guests may use the outdoor pool in the garden for a few laps and use the tiny patio for relaxing right outside the unit.
Top guest reviews
Host:
great hosts great location great hospitality great valuewayne is a wonderful host and the house was beautiful and always cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
good location close to everything you need uber didn't cost a fortunegreat locations and the neighborhood is very quiet and safe
9. Fascinating hideaway in Olifants River Bush (from USD 87)
In the Big Five area of Greater Kruger Park on the Olifants River shores near Phalaborwa of Limpopo province is the Mfubu Lodge. It is a cluster of three fully equipped huts connected by floating walkways that accommodates a total of eight guests. Though the native huts are made from wood and grass materials, these are equipped with modern appliances. Each hut is a huge bedroom with a seating area, a furnished patio, a chest of drawers, ceiling fans, and beds with mosquito nets big enough to sleep at least two or three people at one time. You can ask for extra beds with an additional fee. The bathrooms, dining area, kitchen, and lounge area in a separate structure. Swim in the outdoor pools while watching hippos and elephants bathing in the nearby river. The lodge offers game drives and provides snacks and a landrover for an extra fee.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the swimming pools were very well taken care ofthe accomodation is very nice with everything you need (excellent bed nice kitchen enough space)make sure you are prepared for the cold when you get out of your warm bedCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortableit was clean and tidy and oli enoch and michael were very friendly and helpfulthe accommodation had all the required materials for us to use when cooking with a wonderful spacious kitchenloved the stone cottage nice cozy and clean :) would recommandHost:
lovely host and nice guide and staffamazing place with really nice hostthe host is super friendly and helpfullthe staff is very friendly and helpfulloli and staff are very kind and helpfullRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice location and special accommodationamazing location you don't get any closer to nature than you do heregreat place to stay if you want to get away from the cityideal for a group as we had the place to ourselvesand it is such a peaceful and interesting place to just sit and relax
10. Refreshing sights from Castle View
Castle View is on a small farm in Champagne Valley 23 km (14.29 mi) away from Winterton. The rental is a Zulu Rondavel, a self-contained circular cottage that is excluded from the main farmstead. The interiors are all white and modern with an open plan featuring a queen bed and a single bed that sleeps three guests and an equipped kitchenette with a dining area. There are two lovely bathrooms – one with a tub and the other has a stand-in shower. Outside is a refreshing view of the fields and mountains. There’s a jungle gym for the kids to play on and opportunities to go camping, horseback riding, bird watching, taking canopy tours and more. You are provided free essentials, heating, hot water free Wi-Fi, and free parking during your long- or short-term stay.
Cathkin Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
307.13 km (190.9 mi) from Dimalachite River Lodge -Vaal river - ParysAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean house the most beautiful surroundigswe slept three nights in luke and lyse cottage it was perfect very clean and quietthe location and view is great the accommodation is clean and spacious and well equippedthey are very hospitable and it is very cleanHost:
they are very available and thoughtful hostluke and lyse are wonderful hosts their farm is quiet peaceful and lovelybeautiful place with very welcoming and kind peoplethey are great hosts and have two friendly dogs running aroundluke is a very nice host and can help you to plan your tripRead more reviewsLocation:
it's a good place to explore the central and northern drakensbergeall in all the rondavel was a super place to stay for hikes in champagne valleywe came to drakensburg area to hike and loved coming back to the quiet private and cozy rondavel
Rainbow nation’s cool huts
What is amazing with these huts is that despite the limited space they can offer all the best creature comforts a traveler needs. These huts come in different designs and some could really look elegant inside and out. Even if they look native, they have all the modern comforts for a luxurious stay. Include them in your travel plans the next time you visit South Africa.
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