safari lodges
Kruger National Park
South Africa
Kruger National Park, Limpopo, South Africa, South Africa
Exclusive private concession inside Kruger National Park
From $1,800 / night
Check ratesUnusual hotels in South Africa: 4 stays worth the trip
4 hand-picked stays in South Africa, from safari lodges, train hotels and beyond. Prices start around $900 a night at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve; our highest-scored pick is Rovos Rail.
Editor-ranked. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure. Prices are typical nightly ranges; check live rates.
Compare at a glance
| Stay | Where | Type | Typical price / night | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singita Lebombo Lodge | Kruger National Park, Limpopo, South Africa | safari lodges | $1,800 - $4,500 (Ultra-luxury) | Wildlife photographers | Check rates |
| Rovos Rail | Pretoria to Cape Town (and beyond) | train hotels | $2,800 - $18,000 (Ultra-luxury) | Luxury rail travel enthusiasts | Check rates |
| Londolozi Varty Camp | Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga | safari lodges | $1,200 - $2,800 (Luxury) | Leopard enthusiasts | Check rates |
| &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve | KwaZulu-Natal | safari lodges | $900 - $2,200 (Luxury) | Couples combining bush and beach | Check rates |
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train hotels
Pretoria to Cape Town (and beyond)
South Africa
Rovos Rail
9.8Pretoria to Cape Town (and beyond), South Africa
Widely acclaimed as the world's most luxurious train
From $2,800 / night
Check ratessafari lodges
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
South Africa
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Birthplace of the modern luxury African safari concept
From $1,200 / night
Check ratessafari lodges
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Seven distinct ecosystems within a single reserve, sand forest to wetland
From $900 / night
Check ratesWant more options around South Africa?
Quick answers
What are the most unusual hotels in South Africa?
Our top pick is Rovos Rail in Pretoria to Cape Town (and beyond). We list 4 standout stays in South Africa, including safari lodges, train hotels.
What is the cheapest unusual hotel in South Africa?
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal) has the lowest typical rate on our list, around $900 - $2,200 per night. Rates vary by season, so check live prices.
When is the best time to visit South Africa for these stays?
May to September for best game viewing in dry season; November to February for birding; May to September for dry season visibility; year-round for leopard sightings; Year-round for the Cape Town route; dry season for East African routes