7 Vacation Ideas for 2025 in South Africa
If there’s one thing we love, it’s discovering places that make traveling feel effortless and magical. Over the past year, we’ve stayed at some truly unforgettable hotels and lodges across South Africa—each offering something special, whether it was warm hospitality, breathtaking views, or unique experiences that made us never want to leave.
If you’re looking for the perfect spots to add to your 2025 travel list, here are seven hotels and lodges we absolutely loved and highly recommend!
1. Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens – A Scenic Escape in the Mountains
We visited this hotel in October 2024 and had an incredible stay!
Clarens has always been on our bucket list of small towns to visit in South Africa. It’s the perfect mix of laid-back charm and adventure. Staying at Protea Hotel Clarens made the experience even better! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, and the attention to detail throughout our stay was top-notch. One of our highlights? The food—it was exceptional!
Things to Do in Clarens:
• Clarens Brewery – Craft beer tasting and brewery tour (R40+ per person).
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park – Entrance fees (R56 per adult, R28 per child), hiking is free.
• Basotho Cultural Village – Guided cultural tour (R70 per adult, R40 per child).
• Horse Riding – Scenic guided rides (R250+ per person per hour).
• White Water Rafting on the Ash River – Thrilling experience (R600–R850 per person).
• Quad Biking – Off-road adventure (R400–R600 per person).
• Clarens Golf & Trout Estate – Golfing with mountain views (R400+ per player).
• Lake Clarens – Free entry, ideal for picnics and fishing (permit required).
• Clarens Art Route – Explore local art galleries (free entry, prices vary for art).
• Abseiling & Ziplining – Adventure activities (R350+ per person).
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Clarens):
• Fuel: Around R1,500 round trip by car (depending on your vehicle).
• Toll Fees: R63 each way.
2. Muluwa Lodge – A Luxury Bush Escape in White River
We visited Muluwa Lodge in April 2024, and this getaway will forever be one of our favorites! It offers a unique experience compared to your typical hotel setup.
Muluwa Lodge is nestled in the Lowveld, providing the perfect blend of luxury and nature. If you visit, we highly recommend opting for the breakfast and dinner package—it’s worth it!
Things to Do in Hoedspruit/White River:
• Game Drives – Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park.
• Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise – From R390 per person.
• Panorama Route Tour – A full-day scenic drive (R1,200 per person).
Accommodation Prices:
• Luxury Safari Tent: From R2,500 per night.
• Superior Suite: From R3,800 per night.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to White River):
• Flights: From R2,000 return per person.
• Car Rental: From R500 per day.
3. Tsitsikamma National Park Rest Camp – Coastal Camping at Its Best
We camped here for one night in December 2024, and there’s something so fulfilling about sleeping under the stars. Camping by the coastline is a completely different experience!
Tsitsikamma Rest Camp offers an unbeatable location right on the Garden Route’s coastline.
Things to Do in Tsitsikamma:
• Suspension Bridge Walk – Free with park entrance.
• Kayaking & Lilo Adventure – From R695 per person.
• Snorkeling – From R300 per person.
Accommodation Prices:
• Camping (bring your own tent): R400 per person.
• Forest Cabins: From R1,600 per night.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Tsitsikamma):
• Flights to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): From R2,500 return per person.
• Car Rental: From R600 per day.
4. Blue Marlin Hotel – South Africa’s First All-Inclusive Resort
We visited this hotel in October 2024, and it’s a game-changer—South Africa’s first fully all-inclusive hotel!
Recently revamped, the Blue Marlin Hotel offers an incredible all-inclusive experience in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal.
Things to Do:
• Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching – Available directly from the hotel.
• Beach Access – Just steps away.
• Day Spa – Perfect for relaxation.
• Coconut Cove – Partying with an in-house DJ.
• All-You-Can-Eat Buffet & High Tea – Unlimited food and drinks!
• Kids’ Play Area – Ideal for families.
Accommodation Prices:
• All-Inclusive Package: From R1,900 per night per person sharing.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Scottburgh):
• Flights to Durban: From R1,800 return per person.
• Car Rental: From R500 per day.
Note: This hotel books out quickly, so plan ahead!
5. Hadeda Creek Adventure Camp – A Bush & River Retreat
Hadeda Creek offers two distinct experiences:
• Bush Camp – A secluded nature escape.
• Main Camp – Ideal for groups and team-building activities.
Things to Do:
• Quad Biking – From R450 per person.
• Horse Riding – From R400 per person.
• River Picnic – Enjoy a scenic meal by the water.
• White Water Rafting – From R700 per person.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Hadeda Creek):
• Driving Distance: Only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Joburg!
• Fuel & Toll Fees: Around R1,000 round trip.
6. Bellamaire – A Stylish Airbnb Stay in Gqeberha
We visited this gorgeous Airbnb in December 2024, and what a gem! These newly built apartments are a breath of fresh air in a developing city—definitely a proud moment for my hometown.
This Airbnb is perfectly located within walking distance of the beach and Boardwalk Mall.
Things to Do in Gqeberha:
• Boardwalk Casino & Mall – Free entry.
• Beach Walks & Dolphin Watching – Free!
• Addo Elephant Park – Entry fee R90 per adult.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Gqeberha):
• Flights: From R2,500 return per person.
• Car Rental: From R500 per day.
7. Bellevue Forest Reserve – A Hidden Gem Near Addo
We visited this place in December 2024, and it made for the perfect staycation! Located near Addo Elephant Park, Bellevue Forest Reserve offers a wildlife-rich safari experience.
Things to Do:
• Big Five Game Drives – From R1,200 per person.
• Giraffe Walks – From R650 per person.
• Visit Addo Elephant Park – A must!
• Nanaga Farm Stall – Don’t leave without stopping here.
Accommodation Prices:
• Luxury Tents: From R3,500 per night.
Estimated Travel Costs (Johannesburg to Bellevue Forest Reserve):
• Flights to Gqeberha: From R2,500 return per person.
• Car Rental: From R600 per day.
Which one of these destinations is on your 2025 bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
1 comment
Please plug me with more local travel tips