GUIDE: The best guesthouses and B&Bs in South Africa
The guest houses we have selected are real nuggets. They are as good as a hotel but cheaper and more user-friendly. The hosts who received us have always been fantastic. They are full of great advice and have helped us book many excursions. In addition, all the best guesthouses and B & Bs South Africa which we recommend are extremely well located. We strongly recommend them if you have a budget to keep but do not want to compromise the standard and comfort of your room. On the other hand if the budget is your N ° 1 priority, we advise you to read our article "South Africa's best value for money accommodation" who also recommends quality guest houses but cheaper and less extraordinary.
NB : These superb guest houses are quickly full, so remember to book well in advance so as not to be disappointed before leaving for South Africa…
Consulting : Saving money by favoring guesthouses over hotels is good, but we still recommend that you treat yourself for a night or two during your itinerary and make your trip to South Africa unforgettable. You can find a list of all the dream hotels we recommend here: The best dream hotels to stay in South Africa
And here you will find our articles on the different routes to visit the country if you are still unsure: The best routes to visit South Africa
Contents of the page
The best guest houses and b & b to sleep in Cape Town, South Africa
These B & Bs and guesthouses are all in the same price range and offer a similar level of service. These are the rare pearls of Cape Town that combine central location, inexpensive cheap price and comfort.
1. The Villa Rosa: the best Sea Point Guest House in Cape Town
Located on the heights of Sea Point in Cape Town, The Villa Rosa is a super charming guest house. The building is very pretty and the interior elegantly decorated. You are 5 minutes from the main road in this area of Cape Town where you will find many bars, cafes and restaurants. We recommend the Mojo Market for a good evening atmosphere. They have many restaurant stalls, often live music, and a huge beer bar.
Check availability2. The Blue House Guest house: a B&B near Kloof Street, Cape Town's busiest street
The Blue House Guesthouse is a very well run B&B in the quiet and affluent district of Tamboerskloof. You are a stone's throw from the Beleza café for good breakfasts or just opposite there is the trendy Power and Glory bar where you will always find a good atmosphere. Plus, you're a 5-minute walk from Kloof Street, Cape Town's busiest street. This B&B is definitely one of the Cape Town's best guesthouses in South Africa.
most : they have a small swimming pool to refresh you in summer.
Check availability3. Villa Zeezicht: the best guesthouse in Gardens and Oranjezicht in Cape Town
Villa Zeezicht is a guest house built in a pretty traditional Cape building. It is located between Gardens and Oranjezicht which are the safest residential areas in the city center. You are less than a 5 minute drive from all major attractions. From the villa, you have a superb panoramic view of Cape Town below and Table Mountain above.
Check availability4. Bergzicht Guest house: the B&B with the most beautiful view of Table Mountain in Cape Town
Bergzicht Guesthouse is located at the foot of Signal Hill, at the top of the hill in the quiet and affluent Tamboerskloof district. Its location offers spectacular views of Table Mountain from its large deck and pool. This B&B is ideally located to be both 5 minutes from downtown Cape Town as well as Clifton Beach via the Kloof Neck Pass (by car). The Guest House is very well kept with attention to every detail. We felt right at home in South Africa!
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Cape Town in South Africa
To discover the region:
- Discover the most beautiful areas of Cape Town in South Africa
- Cape Town's must-see excursions in South Africa
- Best things to do in cape town
84 on Fourth and Arum Place Guest House: quality B & Bs in Johannesburg, South Africa
84 on Fourth et Arum Place Guesthouse are the two quality guesthouses we recommend in Johannesburg. Arum Place Guest House is a little more expensive but the decoration and the services are a little more upscale. In addition, these two B & Bs are located in the trendy and bohemian district of Melville, which is home to many artists. We recommend them if you want to sleep in Quality Guest Houses close to everything without breaking the bank.
1 on Fourth Guest House
Book in advance 84 on Fourth Guest House :
Check availability2. Arum Place Guesthouse
Book in advance Arum Place Guesthouse :
Check availabilityPablo's House: our favorite for the best Guest House in Johannesburg
Pablo's House is for us THE best Guest House in Johannesburg and even the best accommodation in town. It too is located in the heart of Melville. This is our favorite neighborhood because it is trendy, safe and central (Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum, Maboneng or Rosebank Mall are only a maximum of 15min away). You have access next to the B&B to lots of delicious restaurants (we loved 'NCW' and 'the little house'), trendy bars, hipster cafes, vintage shops, etc ... In addition, the guesthouse is built on the highest point of Melville, offering wonderful panoramic views from your room's balcony or the restaurant terrace (which makes fantastic wood-fired pizzas). Tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, the design of the rooms is superb. We literally fell in love with this establishment. The photos speak for themselves… With a swimming pool surrounded by greenery, a bar, a restaurant and spa treatments, we are far from the traditional guest house and closer to a boutique hotel… The best it is that you certainly pay a little more than the B & Bs mentioned above, but much less than a hotel that would offer the same quality of service. At this price, it's really cheap! The service is excellent, the staff very friendly, the atmosphere calm and the rooms nickels (they even have Netflix!). Book quickly because they only have 8 rooms!
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Johannesburg in South Africa
To discover the region:
- Cultural day in the Soweto district of South Africa
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Johannesburg
Admiralty B&B: the best B&B to stay in Muizenberg, South Africa
Our favorite in Muizenberg is theAdmiralty B&B. Located on the banks of Lake Sandvlei, this guest house offers a much quieter environment than on the seafront. It is equipped with a swimming pool and you can take the bikes from the guest house for an excursion to Muizenberg town center in just 10 minutes. The rooms overlook the lake and there is even a pedal boat if you want to take a ride on the water. We liked the very peaceful terrace and especially its view of the mountains. The hosts were very welcoming and did everything to make our stay as pleasant as possible. To conclude, we loved this guest house which for us is the best B&B to stay in Muizenberg!
Check availabilityChartfield Guesthouse: the best guesthouse in Kalk Bay, South Africa
If you are not into the surfer atmosphere, we recommend the village of Kalk Bay, located just a few minutes from Muizenberg. This quiet little town is filled with artists and bohemian shops. To stay there, the best hotel but also the best value for money is Chartfield Guesthouse. This B&B is central and relaxing. It offers a beautiful sea view, delicious and inventive breakfasts, a pleasant swimming pool and the most comfortable rooms in the village. In the evening you can walk to Cape to Cuba for a drink while listening to their live music and we recommend eating fish & chips at Kalky's next door and having lunch at DaleBrook Cafe the next day before you go .
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Muizenberg in South Africa
To discover the region:
- Visit of the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of South Africa
- The best coast stops between Muizenberg and Hermanus in South Africa
Boschendal Cottages: the best guesthouse to sleep in a South African vineyard
To find accommodation on the South African wine route, we think there is even better than the charm of Franschhoek or the entertainment of Stellenbosch. There is the beauty and tranquility of a vineyard. Many wine estates offer rooms and the best guest house of them is by far Boschendal Cottages. This vineyard, which dates from the 17th century, offers the most authentic experience of the wine route. Everything you eat or drink here comes from their organic farm. In addition, you have the chance to sleep in an exceptional place surrounded by vineyards. The view of the mountains and the valley from the terrace is breathtaking. The small studios for rent are located in period buildings built according to Dutch architecture (Cape Dutch style). But rest assured, the interior has been tastefully renovated. Regarding the activities, as you are in a vineyard, you can visit the estate and their wine tasting! They also offer horseback riding and mountain bike tours. In short, it is the ideal choice to isolate yourself far from the city.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend on the South African wine route
To discover the region: The best tour to visit the South African wine route
Sabie River Bush Lodge: the best Guest House north of Kruger National Park
To be close to the Kruger National Park, we recommend the Sabie River Bush Lodge located next to the Skukuza gate gate to the North. It is for us the best Guest House of the region. Located on the banks of the Sabie River, this lodge offers a magnificent view of the national park and the animals that bathe there: hippos, crocodiles and in the evening antelopes and elephants drink there. You can admire this landscape from the swimming pool, the bar or the restaurant. Also you have the choice between luxury tent or normal room.
Our little tip : nothing better than going on a safari while spending a night in a (luxury) tent!
Check availabilityHamiltons Lodge & Restaurant: the best Guest House south of Kruger National Park
If you want to see animals drinking along the river at dusk without paying a fortune to stay inside Kruger National Park then the tip 500 meters from Malelane Gate (literally) is the Hamiltons Lodge & Restaurant. It's here best Guest House to stay near Malelane gate south of the Kruger National Park.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend at the Kruger National Park in South Africa
To discover the region: Discover the best route to visit Kruger National Park in 2 days
The best Hermanus Guest Houses or B & Bs in South Africa
These accommodations have all been recommended to us from reliable sources as being the best Guest Houses and B & Bs in Hermanus in South Africa! Those are Quality guesthouses, well located and all affordable. We are sure that you will have no complaints!
1. The Potting Shed Accommodation
Book in advance The Potting Shed Accommodation:
Check availability2. House on Westcliff
Book in advance House on Westcliff :
Check availability3.Walker Bay Manor
Book in advance Walker Bay Manor :
Check availabilityFor further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Hermanus in South Africa
To discover the region: See whales and dive in cages with white sharks at Hermanus
Stay in St Lucia in South Africa in the best guesthouses in the city
We recommend three B & Bs in St Lucia which are the best guesthouses in town. The three are equal: they are all comfortable, well-kept and clean. We have never had a bad return.
1. Avalone Guesthouse
Book in advance Avalone Guest House :
Check availability2.iGwalagwala Guest House
Book in advance iGwalagwala Guest House :
Check availability3. Bhangazi Lodge
Book in advance Bhangazi Lodge :
Check availabilityFor further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Saint Lucia in South Africa
To discover the region:
- Guide to the best activities of St Lucia in South Africa
- Go on a safari at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa
Moontide Guest House: the best B&B around the Wilderness in South Africa
Moontide Guest House is an upscale guesthouse more expensive than The Old Trading Post but cheaper than a hotel for an equivalent service. It is for us the best B&B around the Wilderness. This corner of paradise located on the edge of the lagoon offers a magnificent view of the expanse of water. You have breakfast (which is very good) on the terrace facing the lagoon and you can swim there without leaving the residence. It is impossible not to fall under the spell of such a relaxing place nestled in the middle of the lush nature of the garden route. You will regret staying only one night!
The + : The kayak trips leave directly from the shore of the B&B.
Check availability
For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Wilderness in South Africa
To discover the region: The best Wilderness activities on the Garden Route
Mount Sheba, A Forever Lodge: the best accommodation near the Blyde River Canyon
Mount Sheba, A Forever Lodge is located at the exit of Graskop near the Blyde River Canyon in the middle of nature. It is an opulent establishment that is for us the best in the region. It offers a swimming pool in summer, a mini-golf course and even a game of pétanque! In winter, you will appreciate the fireplace in your room. This lodge is for you if you seek tranquility !
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Blyde River Canyon
To discover the region:
- Explore the waterfall route between Sabie and Graskop
- The best sites of the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa
Berghouse and Cottages: the best B&B near Royal Natal Park in South Africa
Berghouse and Cottages is a Guest House located just 15 minutes from Royal Natal National Park. You can also admire the incredible view of the Amphitheater from your terrace. The rooms are very well kept and the accommodations are all chalets with panoramic views of the mountains. The place, surrounded by nature, is very relaxing and it is for us the best B&B in Mont aux Sources in South Africa. The guesthouse also offers many activities on site or in the surroundings such as horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, nature running, fishing, bird watching and 4 × 4 trips. Plus they have a pool for walkers with sore legs!
most : breakfast is served in bed! The dream especially if you go there like us in winters and it freezes out of bed!
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near Royal Natal Park in South Africa
To discover the region: Explore Tugela Falls, the 2nd tallest waterfall in the world
Zuurberg Mountain Village: the best B&B in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
We chose to sleep at the guest house in Zuurberg Mountain Village which is located right at the entrance to Addo Elephant National Park and it was a very good strategic choice that we highly recommend. Perched on the heights, the guest house offers a breathtaking view of the South African reserve! In addition, it is the best value hotel in the vicinity of Addo Elephant Park. The chalets for rent are comfortable, inexpensive and have a very nice swimming pool surrounded by a manicured lawn which is often visited by monkeys. You add to all this a very good reception and you get the best B&B in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa !
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
To discover the region: Go on a safari in the Addo Elephant park reserve
Sunshowers Plett: the best guesthouse to sleep in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa
Sunshowers Plett is a Guest house which is located right in front of the lagoon of Plettenberg Bay, which makes it the ideal place if you want to spend time at the beach. The majority of the rooms are small apartments with very spacious kitchens. They are well appointed, clean and have a great view. The combination of location, price and comfort of the rooms make it the best guesthouse to sleep in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa
To discover the region:
- Plettenberg Bay and Robberg National Park
- The best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer
- Guide to the best Garden Route stops in South Africa
Malachite Manor: the best B&B to stay near Sani Pass in South Africa
The very pretty 'Guest House shop' Malachite Manor was our favorite in Underberg. While more expensive than the two previous options, this bed and breakfast is also more opulent. This is ideal if you want a romantic setting and 4 star service. The room was lovely and the bed soft. We recommend that you eat in their restaurant in the evening. It's the best in the region! Situated at the foot of the Drakensbergs in a beautiful part of South Africa, each room offers spectacular mountain views. All this helps to make it hands down the best B&B to stay in Underberg near Sani Pass in South Africa.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near Sani Pass in South Africa
To discover the region: The best recommendations for visiting Sani Pass
Zesty Guest house: the best B&B in Port Edward near Oribi Gorge in South Africa
For those heading to the Drakensbergs, we advise you to sleep in Port Edward after visiting the Oribi gorges. Zesty Guesthouse is the guest house that offers the best prices in town. It offers cozy, bright and clean rooms. Nothing to say about the service either. This Guest House offers all the comfort you need for a restful night. It is for us the best B&B in Port Edward in South Africa.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa
To discover the region: Hiking in the Oribi gorges in South Africa
Franklin View Guest House: our favorite B&B to sleep in Bloemfontein in South Africa
We recommend the B&B Franklin View Guesthouse which has an exceptional view of the city from the top of the hill. Its pretty rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean and the view from our balcony was top notch. This is our favorite B&B in Bloemfontein and the asking prices are affordable so why go without?
Check availabilityLiedjiesbos B&B: the best guesthouse in Bloemfontein, South Africa
For a good alternative to Franklin View Guest House, we recommend that you book at the very pretty architect house of Liedjiesbos B&B. The service is good and the rooms are comfortable. The decoration is perfect throughout the house. Even the garden and the swimming pool have been tastefully designed. It's a little more expensive than Franklin, but it's also a lot more opulent. This guesthouse is definitely the best guest house in Bloemfontein in South Africa.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Bloemfontein in South Africa
To discover the region: How to reach Bloemfontein in South Africa from Lesotho
Sir Roys At The Sea: South Africa's Best Port Elizabeth Waterfront B&B
Sir Roys At The Sea is a charming Guest House ideally located on the seafront close to restaurants. Its rooms are clean and spacious and the building is pretty with a view of the harbor. The welcome was friendly and it's for us the best B&B in Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
most : the Guest house is served by the Baz Bus.
Check availabilityTreetops Guest house: the best B&B near Port Elizabeth Airport in South Africa
Treetops Guesthouse is ideal if your flight is early the next day. Indeed, it is only 1km from the airport. It has a few restaurants nearby and a mini-market. You can use the garden barbecue if you feel you are grilling. Its rooms are comfortable and well equipped. The service is perfect and they have a nice garden with a swimming pool. To top it all, its prices are incredibly low for the service. It is by far the best B&B near Port Elizabeth Airport in South Africa.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Port Elizabeth in South Africa
Essenwood House and Coweys Corner: the best deals in Durban, South Africa
Essenwood House et Cowey's Corner are the two good plans from Durban because they offer excellent value for money. These Guest Houses have large, clean and well appointed rooms. We have selected them for their comfort, price and location. Indeed, they are well located: you can eat and drink in Florida Road at night in just 10 minutes! Also, the welcome is charming and we are sure that you will not regret spending the night in one of these South African guest houses.
1. Cowey's Corner
Most Cowey's Corner : Its generous and succulent English breakfast.
Check availability2. Essenwood House
Most Essenwood House: Its magnificent colonial-style building with a beautiful view of the garden and its very pleasant swimming pool.
Check availabilityGoble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat: Durban's best B&B in South Africa
Goble Palms Guest Lodge & Urban Retreat is a beautiful guest house and it is for us the best B&B in Durban easily. The villa is simply sublime: colonial architecture, lush nature, refined decoration, rooms worthy of kings and queens, breakfast terrace with sea view, perfect swimming pool, extremely pleasant garden, warm lounge, etc ... It is a real haven peace close to downtown which has a busy list of regular customers! In short, a little piece of paradise in South Africa not to be missed if you are passing through Durban.
The + : the welcome and the attentions of the staff to make your stay pleasant are highly appreciated.
Check availabilityFor further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Durban in South Africa
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
