Staying overnight in South Africa
During your lodge-to-lodge journey with South Africa Nomads, you'll sleep in carefully chosen B&Bs, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in the most beautiful spots in South Africa. You'll drive along the spectacular Garden Route in your own Suzuki Jimny (or in a spacious SUV if you're with 3-4 people) and settle in places we've personally selected. All the accommodations we work with have a rating of at least 8.5 or higher and are small-scale – no big hotel chains, just personal spots with character. In this article, you'll find out exactly what to expect during your road trip through South Africa.
Safety and comfort
A question we often get: is it safe to travel in South Africa? It's totally understandable to wonder about this. What’s good to know is that all accommodations are secured. There’s often 24/7 security or the places are monitored with cameras and fenced off. You’ll feel safe and at ease without feeling locked in.
You always have your own bathroom, so no hassle with shared facilities. Each room is nicely furnished and has everything you need for a comfortable night. After a day full of adventures on the road, it’s great to have your own little spot to relax.
The facilities in the accommodations
Each accommodation has its own charm and amenities. You'll stay in a cozy room with a private bathroom, where you can enjoy a great shower and relax. In most locations, a hearty breakfast is ready for you every morning – vegetarian options are available, so feel free to mention this in advance. From fresh fruit and yogurt to eggs and toast: you'll start the day well-fed.
Some accommodations have a pool where you can cool off during the day after a long ride in the South African sun. Others feature a cozy lounge or terrace where you can unwind in the evening with a glass of wine. Wifi is available almost everywhere, so you can easily upload your photos and stay in touch with home.
Most accommodations are located in nature or in charming coastal towns, so you're always surrounded by beautiful environments. In some places, you can enjoy views of the ocean, mountains, or bush right from your room. In the evenings, it becomes truly magical in some spots when the sun sets and the stars come out.
Between city and coast
During your trip, you'll also stay in vibrant towns like Hermanus and Jeffreys Bay. Here, you'll spend the night in small-scale hotels or guesthouses located right in the center or within walking distance of the main attractions. Convenient, because this way you can easily find a restaurant or bar in the evening.
In Hermanus, known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching, you’ll be within walking distance of the ocean. In just 100 steps, you’ll find yourself on the famous Cliff Walk Path. With a bit of luck, you might even spot whales from the shore during the right season. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the town center, where you’ll discover cozy restaurants and shops perfect for browsing.
Jeffreys Bay is the surfer's paradise of South Africa. You’ll be close to the beach, where you can admire surfers or take on the waves yourself. It has a laid-back vibe with nice cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy dinner in the evening.
In Cape Town, breakfast isn’t included with your accommodation, but that’s part of the fun. The city is bursting with great breakfast spots and coffee shops. You’ll be staying in the lively Sea Point area, where you can find all sorts of cool restaurants and bars.
Glamping under the stars
One of the highlights of your trip is the overnight stay in a luxury glamping tent. This isn't just any tent, but a spacious safari tent with a real bed, beautiful decor, and yes, a private jacuzzi. You'll be sleeping in the middle of nature while enjoying all the comfort you could wish for.
The glamping site is located in a stunning spot, overlooking the lush mountainous surroundings. During the day, you can enjoy the tranquility and nature around you, and in the evenings, you can snuggle into the jacuzzi under the starry sky. The warm water, fresh air, and the sounds of nature make it an unforgettable experience.
Here, you'll also have your own bathroom and all the amenities you need. It's the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, nature, and comfort.
In the middle of the wildlife parks
One of the highlights of your trip is staying near the wildlife parks. In Tsitsikamma National Park, you'll sleep in a lodge right in the heart of nature, surrounded by stunning forests and the sound of the wind through the trees. The park is known for its dramatic coastline, deep gorges, and ancient woods. You'll be in a place where you can truly feel nature – in the morning, you'll wake up to the sounds of birds and the fresh scent of the forest.
In Addo, you'll stay in a cozy B&B with a pool, just 15 minutes from the entrance of Addo Elephant National Park. This is perfect because you can head into the park early in the morning for the best chance of spotting wildlife, and then return to your accommodation in the afternoon to relax by the pool.
Between the vineyards in Franschhoek
When you say wine, you say Franschhoek. This famous place in the wine region near Cape Town is our favorite spot for wine tasting. You'll find beautiful wineries with Cape Dutch architecture, dozens of vineyards stretching up to the mountains, and a charming center where you can enjoy great food.
You'll stay in a cozy accommodation close to the vineyards with a view of the mountains surrounding Franschhoek. It's easy to grab an Uber to the surrounding wineries to wrap up your trip in style in South Africa.
