Johannesburg is South Africa's largest and fastest-growing city and is built on a history of racial division that achieved its most dramatic form in the twentieth century policy of strict separation known as apartheid.
South Africa: Five cool and unique places to stay
Beds with a Difference: My Search for South Africa’s Strangest Places to Sleep
I’ll say this for South Africa: it does not do things by halves. I went out there expecting mountains, wine and the odd lion, and came back having slept in a converted railway carriage parked on a bridge, a grain silo, and something that was, by any reasonable definition, a caravan park with ideas above its station. I am fairly sure my late mother would not have approved of any of it, which is precisely why I enjoyed it so much.
The thing about South Africa is that it’s roughly the size of France, Spain and Germany put together, with eleven official languages and a history that could keep a university department busy for several lifetimes, so it was never going to be short of surprises. What did catch me off guard was quite how much effort had gone into the accommodation itself. In most countries a hotel is a box with a bed in it and you’re grateful. In South Africa, rather a lot of people seem to have decided that the building should tell you a story before you’ve even unpacked your washbag. So that’s what this post is about — a handful of places I stayed, or nearly stayed, or gawped at from the road, that had rather more going on than your standard three-star with a kettle and a sachet of instant coffee.
1. Sima Cade Bush Retreat – Magaliesburg, Gauteng
Sima Kade (Tree of Life) is nestled in a private valley in Magaliesburg, about 30km north of Johannesburg. Built using stone and wood from the valley the three separate, self-catering venues mimic the surrounding environment, flowing from forest to river-side to grass along stone pathways. Designed as sustainable off-grid retreats for total immersion in the natural environment, Sima Kade is truly at one with its surroundings. The venues are ideal for groups, ceremonies, outdoor enthusiasts, retreats and totally private, secluded stays.
This is the perfect base for exploring the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Addo Tipi Bush Camp – Addo National Elephant Park, East Cape
Addo TiPi bush camp prides itself on being an environmentally friendly, eco-tourist destination and offers a unique setting in the Addo Afrique estate game reserve, bordering the Addo Elephant National Park.
Three large 6.3 metre diameter TiPi’s, based on the American Indian style can each accommodate 4 people on a self catering, un-serviced basis. All you need to bring is your food, toiletries and clothing. Don’t forget your drinks, cameras and binoculars.
Each TiPi is secluded and offers beautiful panoramic views over a valley teeming with game. For the energetic, there are numerous walks within Addo Afrique, where you may roam un-escorted through a wide variety of non predatory game like Ostrich, Giraffe, Kudu, Eland, Bushbuck, Nyala, Impala etc.
The main gate to the Addo Elephant National Park is 15 km to the west. All roads are tarmac surfaces. By either of two routes, Port Elizabeth city centre and airport is 80 km to the South-South-West.
3. Santos Express – Mossel Bay, Western Cape
The Santos Express Train Lodge is a genuine train situated on the Santos Beach in Mossel Bay with all cabins facing the sea. With the ocean so close, you can’t really beat its unbelievable position and exquisite views. An invigorating sea breeze keeps everything cool even on really hot days.
The Santos Express Train Lodge opened its doors on 1 December 1994. Nine decommissioned coaches were procured from South African Railways and fitted with the necessary plumbing and electricity. These coaches were similar in style to the Transkaroo first class, which operated on South African lines during the seventies.
Originally it provided only accommodation, but due to its uniqueness and location, it proved very popular, especially with foreign visitors and it was decided that a restaurant was needed to complete the experience. The accommodation was upgraded and a bar and restaurant were added.
4. Platbos Forest Cabins – Gansbaai, Western Cape
Tucked into the Baviaanspoort Hills on Grootbos Road between Stanford and Gansbaai, Platbos Forest Cabins occupies one of the most quietly extraordinary settings in the Western Cape — Africa’s southernmost ancient indigenous forest. The reserve is home to trees between 1,000 and 5,000 years old, their gnarled canopies forming a living cathedral that makes even the short walk from your cabin feel like stepping back in time. It is an endangered habitat, covering less than 0.05% of the Western Cape, and the privilege of sleeping beneath it is not lost on guests.
Accommodation comes in five distinct forms — from the romantic, off-grid Honey Bee and Bush Buck Suites (each with a private hot tub) and the charming Old Olive Cabin beside an 800-year-old wild olive tree, to more rustic glamping options at The Forest Camp and the secluded Owl Camp beneath a white stinkwood. The units are unconventional: canvas walls roll up to open the space entirely to the forest, and guests rely on solar lighting, gas cooking and wood-burning stoves. It takes a little effort, but the reward — waking to birdsong and dappled forest light — is something few other stays in South Africa can match.
5. The Grand Daddy – Cape Town, Western Cape
With its rooftop Sky Bar, outdoor cinema, Airstream trailer park and coolly elegant rooms, this recently refurbished boutique hotel has a young, funky character that will suit those wanting an urban central-city base, close to the Long Street’s action and Bree Street’s hip restaurants and bars.
It’s located on busy Long Street, a five to 10-minute stroll to the heart of the city’s nightlife district. Grand Daddy is very much an urban experience, with no real views or grounds other than the rooftop. This is very convenient – aside from the plethora of restaurants and bars in the city, the Waterfront is a 20-minute walk away, and the nearby MyCiti bus stop connects you to most of the city’s top attractions. If you have a car, complimentary parking is available a block away.
More to Explore
