Unusual Quirky Stays in South Africa

Experience Unusual and Astonishing Stays in South Africa: From Treehouses in the Garden Route to Eco-Friendly Hotels in Cape Town

What makes South Africa so Special?

South Africa as a whole is unique from anywhere else in the world. It has friendly warm people, diverse cultures, breathtaking beaches, it is rich in history, safaris and Big 5 encounters, mountains to hike, waterfalls to chase, forests, incredible cycle tours, motorcycle tours, wine tours, matchless shopping, delectable cuisine and so much more. Today travelers want more than a “normal” hotel to stay at, they desire a wealth of experience to capture in their hearts where the encounter will be remembered forever!

South Africa has nine different provinces, each one has prodigious beauty and stays of its own. To understand the true country you need to travel to numerous of these provinces.

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Unusual Stays For Adventure Travelers in the Cape

The Cape is the Western Cape (paradise in heaven), Northern Cape and Eastern Cape (which is often forgotten as one of the most beautiful areas in South Africa).

1. Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Prior to your leaving South Africa, stay for a night or two! I stayed here at a conference for a couple of years and understand why it is regarded as Africa’s Greenest Hotel. A huge amount of “natural” encompasses the hotel, as it should be, and is just around the corner (500 meters) of Cape Town International Airport.

The swimming pool has no chemicals, but nature itself does the cleaning, an added appeal of the indoor gym, yet by riding those bicycles or using the equipment, you are driving the energy of the hotel and you are awarded a Verdino. Outside, there is an outdoor workout area and a jogging path through the indigenous plants. (I don’t do the running bit, but the morning walk is gorgeous!)

Book your Eco-Tour when you make your booking! A tour of the hotel, not just any hotel, but sustainability at its core. “Not only is the building sustainable, but green principles, processes, and measures ensure all operations are eco-friendly and continually assessed for improvement.” Best bookings can be made through booking.com.

2. Teniqua Treetops in the Garden Route

Hide away from reality and live your childhood dream of staying in a treehouse in a forest of 36 hectares. Don’t be scared, this eco-lodge, off-the-beaten-track, 3-star accommodation is a wonder to behold in the Garden Route! Furthermore, the lodge strives to minimize its energy ( solar panels) usage and water wastage.

The closest town is Sedgefield, about 20 minutes away, so you do need to stock up before arriving.

This is a hikers’ heaven! Hike down through the forests of a million voices as the leaves whisper, birds cry, and monkeys call out their secrets, down to the Karatara River. Quench your thirst in the “coco-cola” river and cool your body off as you take a dip. Find that waterfall you have been chasing and meditate on the flowing waters. A perfect stay to wash your soul!

Relax at the onsite fully licensed bush bar “De’ Adder Padda”, thereafter return to your stilted suite and have a Weber braai on your decked patio. Relax in your bath or shower that is open to the forest, with all your onsite luxuries provided.

Gaze above the treetops at the sunsets and listen as the night creatures take over the forest. There is a swimming pool and games area if you need them, although you can drive out and view other attractions. I am sure you will just want to remain at your piece of treetop in a world of the forest. What more could your holiday offer? Do your bookings through Tripadvisor.

3. Planet Xancara: mystical place on the West Coast

Located on the West Coast, close to the Verlonenvlei Nature Reserve, only just over 2hrs from Cape Town. Verlonenvlei is one of the largest freshwater estuarine in the Western Cape. Around PX, discover one of the oldest heritage sites and see the ancient San paintings on the rocks that were painted over 160 000 years ago.

This is a secret modern glamping experience, blending your accommodation into the magnificent rock experience. Your fee includes all top-class meals and drinks, and in total, this “planet” sleeps 16. Your tents have no walls but mosquito nets and are placed amongst the rocks, including the luxury of double beds, tables and lamps and a bathroom make up your suite, but far enough from the other tents to allow privacy.

No need for fancy clothes or false pretenses, your presence blends with nature that surrounds you. You must enjoy hiking to appreciate what PX has to offer. Make friends you never knew you wanted, have a massage, and cool off in the crystal blue pools. I hope you appreciate music as this is played during the day and evening.

2 Unique Places to Stay in the North West Province

The North-West Province lies on the border of Botswana, centrally north of South Africa, often a forgotten area to the traveler but has the superb Pilanesberg National Park with upmarket game lodges with all the Big 5 game.

Further pleasing accommodation is placed close to Rustenburg and just south of the Magaliesburg Mountain Range where you discover the mammoth Hartebeespoort Dam, whilst the shape of this dam wall you will not find anywhere else, and the wall was built with 250 000 bags of cement.

1. Sun City and the Lost Palace

When you come to South Africa, you MUST stay a few nights at this stunning “city“. Close enough to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve for you to venture out early on a game drive. Nothing like this is found anywhere else in the world!

Sun City really has it all! Only 2 hours from Johannesburg this hotel, casino, Valley of the Waves, bird sanctuary, and the largest man-made maze in Southern Africa is a city of its own. So many activities to do from helicopter rides, skiing, observing crocodiles, and zip lining!

What I like about Sun City is the accommodation that fits your pocket. From the 5-star Cascades Hotel, Soho or Cabanas and the Palace is beyond stunning, very international, exquisitely decorated, and if your pocket can afford it, worth the stay.

Buses run up and down, taking you where you would like to go if you do not feel inspired to walk. My preferred whenever I go (as I design and sell our products to the gift shops), is the Cabanas. I stay down near the water’s edge. Monkeys, meercat, blue cranes, and owls become my early morning companions.

Two world-class golf courses were designed by our famous golfer Gary Player. As I love golf but am still very novice, this suits me perfectly. I can play at my own speed. Take your mountain bike and explore the enormous “city”.

Tripadvisor is the best to book through. They show the specials and the best prices.

What is truly exciting is the shaking bridge that goes from the Cascades to the Valley of the Waves. Yip, it shakes!

2. Excalibur Boutique Hotel

Live those mythical stories you read as a child! Castles, knights, rivers, and enchantment. Stay in one of the 10 charming, picturesque bedrooms with a bathroom en suite and delight in the medieval recipes that have been transformed into delicious cuisine, surrounded by decor appropriate for the era.

Excalibur is close enough to Sun City and the Pilanesburg Game Reserve for you to go on a day outing from the boutique hotel and relish both worlds! Make sure you do your booking through booking.com to get the best value for money.

Quirky Place to Stay in the Free State

I am sure you have heard of Clarens in the eastern part of the Free State. This town is a devoted vacation getaway in the foothills of the Maluti mountains, known as the arty town with quaint, unique shops and cafes, boasting of producing some of the best landscape artists as the views are spectacular.

Rapunzel Tower: Castle in Clarens

I heard about this castle tower for the first time when my daughter, husband, and kids went to Clarens for a holiday. My son-in-law took my four-year-old grandchild to stay over for a night. She was so delighted that she was staying in Rapunzels tower, that she burst into tears. This memory will stay with her forever! Make your booking through Tripadvisor.

Unusual and Remarkable Stay in Limpopo

Limpopo province has parts that are part of the famous Kruger National Park. It borders Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. When staying in Limpopo make sure you visit the fossil-rich caves of Makapansgaten.

Outpost Lodge – Rare Earth

Look out upon Luvuvhu River valley which is connected to the lodge by a walkway and approaching you will see the lodge is cantilevered high above the bushveld. Become part of nature as you lie in bed each morning, open to the elements, exposing stars at night that are so bright you feel as if you can touch them.

Earthy decor does not distract from the magnificent environment.

Relish in the evening meals alongside a campfire and hear the echo of the wildlife calls, although bring your hiking boots as the guided walking safaris are an experience never to forget. Booking can be made through booking.com.

3 Bizarre and Unusual Stays in Mpumalanga: “Place where the sun rises”

“South Africa gives me a perspective of what’s real and what’s not real. So I go back to South Africa to both lose myself and gain awareness of myself. Every time I go back, it doesn’t take long for me to get caught in a very different thing. A very different sense of myself.“

Dave Matthews

So much to see and do in this glorious, picturesque province, also known as “Paradise Country”. The southern part of the Kruger National Park is part of this province. From the Blyde River Canyon, magnificent waterfalls, panoramic passes, rivers, mountains and Ndebele People with their colourful designs, secretly hiding in the terrain, private upmarket game lodges.

Kruger Shalati: the Train on the Bridge

Fifty feet above the Sabie Sands River, this luxurious hotel within a stationary train on a historical railway track and bridge, made up of 13 carriages, allows the guest the best viewing spot of the Kruger National Park, with 24 en-suite rooms and a lounge carriage.

The 1950 carriages were refurbished to the now lavish accommodation and lounge. The floor-to-floor-ceiling glass allows you continuous viewing. Imagine looking out your window, down at the herd of elephants or pride of lions drinking from the river below. How unique and bizarre is this! Just love the pool! Book your stay at the Train on the Bridge through booking.com. Very few places get a 9.9-point review!

Graskop Hotel: an art gallery in a hotel

“The Graskop Hotel is centrally situated on the Mpumalanga Escarpment at the start of the Panorama Route. On our doorstep, you have the famous Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, and the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest. Graskop is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, streams, tree ferns, and hiking trails.” – Graskop Hotel website

I have stayed at this hotel many times over the last 26 years. Art is everywhere! Each room showcases South African contemporary art, which is so incredibly rare and irreplaceable. Cuisine that is generous and breakfasts scrumptious. There is no breakfast set menu, so what you desire that morning is made for you. Dinner is a three-course meal with vegetables and herbs fresh from the garden.

Alongside the hotel are Harries Pancakes and the Delagoa Curio Shop. Both are a must to visit! You can do your booking through booking.com.

Londolozi Private Game Reserve: ‘Protector Of All Living Things”

As you arrive at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be greeted by Federal Air VIP meet-and-greet service and fly directly to the Londolozi airstrip based in the Sabi Sands.

You have five different camps to choose from, all with total luxury and they are Varty Camp, Londolozi Tree Camp (my best), Londolozi Pioneer Camp, Londolozi Granite Suites and Londolozi Founders Camp. Each one has its own appeal.

My suggestion is to browse the Londolozi website where you can examine each camp individually. Each time I have been there on business, I feel totally inspired and exhilarated. This private game reserve is beyond spectacular and so unique! Nowhere else in the world will you be able to match this experience!

Crazy, Unusual Stay in Gauteng: “Place of Gold”

Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa, yet the population makes up more than a quarter of its population. Although Gauteng is the business hub of the country, it offers wonderful accommodation and activities, inside the cities and on the outskirts.

Forum Homini Boutique Hotel: 5-star cave environment

Crazy yet deluxe hotel based in the roots of the Cradle of Humankind, within a private game estate. Unbelievably extraordinary as the cave-style accommodation is astonishingly exclusive. Walk into your “cave” into the modern world of luxury.

Roots restaurant cuisine is only the finest, with all meals included in your price, serving fresh vegetables from the surrounding area, a 3-course breakfast, a 4-course dinner menu and an upmarket selection of South African wines to pair with your meal. Totally appetite quenching!

Unusual, Astonishing stays in KwaZulu Natal

Home of the proud Zulu people, a mountainous province, with hills scattering the inland (Valley of a Thousand Hills) and inclining up to the well-known Drakensberg Mountains. Durban, a coastal city and activity town running down south and north, allow the visitor to bask in the sun, watch the dolphins or go further south to the casino.

Warm waters are perfect for bathing in the sea in both summer and winter, as temperatures vary from subtropical to temperate. The higher one goes the colder it does get in winter.

KZN is known for its sugar cane, forests, waterfalls, amazing safari lodges, and hotels in the Drakensberg Mountains. Rhinos and cheetahs are the main wildlife of this region, but also other wild animals are in abundance in the reserves.

Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge & Traditional Village

Very different to a normal hotel. Get a truly South African cultural experience. Alongside the Gooderson DumaZulu Traditional Zulu Village, South Africa’s largest cultural village, you will find Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge at Bushlands Rd, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal.

Sleep in one of the 31 rounded-shaped traditional ethnic huts around a central cattle kraal giving you a true ethnic experience. The huts on the outside resemble one of the tribes of South Africa: Zulu, Venda, North Sotho, Xhosa, Swazi, Tsonga, and the colorful Ndebele. Inside you will find all the comforts and luxury the tourist requires, with decor colors that are earthy.

Breakfast and dinner are included in your rates, and the South African dishes are phenomenal! Bookings can be made through Tripadvisor.

Phinda Private Game Reserve: on 70 560 acres – andBeyond

“For 30 years, &BEYOND has been building a vision that, through the support of our guests, allows us to run sustainable operations in natural places that need to be preserved.”

andBeyond

At Phinda Private Game Reserve you come across the ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’; grassland, woodland, wetland and mountain ranges, forest, rivers, marshes, and pans. Close to the warm Indian Ocean where beaches have not yet been spoilt by man, whereby it is not often one has the opportunity to encounter the full recipe of nature at one destination.

One destination that no picture will even give you a glimpse of the secret that this place holds. You have to visit for yourself!

• Protected wildlife, including the Big 5
• 463 different species of birds
• Night and day 4 x 4 game drives, by experienced, qualified game experts
• Zulu trackers
• 6 marvelous, grand lodges to choose from
• Pure luxury accommodation within the bush

• Phinda Forest Lodge – suites surrounded by glass in the middle of a sand forest
• Phinda Mountain Lodge – perched on a hilltop overlooking the magnificent Lebombo foothills
• Phinda Homestead – decadent on the edge of the forest with a personalized butler, chef, ranger and tracker
• Phinda Rock Lodge – spectacular rock suites overlooking the out-of-this-world valley
• Phinda Zuka Lodge – luxurious wildlife retreat overlooking the waterhole
• Phinda Vlei Lodge – on the edge of the reserve overlooking the wetland system alongside the sand forest

Tripadvisor is the place to do your bookings.

“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?”

Brian Jackman

Have you had any unusual stays in South Africa? Tell us about them in the comments section below.