6 hotels you didn’t know existed in South Africa

Many say that all hotels are the same.  Seen one; seen them all. However, this may not be the case when it comes to these 6 hotels you didn’t know existed in South Africa. Whether you’re looking for luxury and originality or just something less ordinary, this collection of interesting (and some quirky) hotels will spark your curiosity.

1. Tsala Treetop Lodge

Set amidst a rich section of indigenous forest along the famous Garden Route of South Africa is this African inspired Tsala Treetop lodge. Luxurious suites sit high up amongst the treetops with views that sweep across the peaceful forest and distant hills. It comes with all the bells and whistles while still maintaining a certain air of mystery and history. Stories of the ‘Tsala’ civilisation transports you back to an ancient time and a land rich with promise. Sitting out on your private deck or dining at the delightful in-house restaurant, Zinzis, you will find this hotel inspiring, original and decadent.

2. The Shoe Guesthouse

This unusual giant shoe-shaped building can be found along the Panorama Route of South Africa, in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The Shoe Guesthouse has comfortable stone chalets that come with just the right fittings and furnishings to make your stay just pleasant. There is a tea garden, art gallery, museum detailing the history of the area and even a cave tourist attraction with seven underground rooms. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but if the shoe fits…

3. Accommodation in a Jail

Ever thought about spending a night in jail just so you’d have a good story to tell? Well, now you can at this really quirky hotel that many people don’t know exists. Accommodation in a Jail (Ou Tronk), in the little Free State town of Philippolis, is exactly that. You can stay in one of the old cells that were previously used to detain criminals. Kept mostly the same the rooms are only 2m x 3m with the original doors and walls of the jail. They have added the necessary modern conveniences so you don’t feel completely locked away but you will get the feeling. Certainly a place one could escape to (or from).

4. Tipi Bush Camp

Inspired by the traditional ‘tepees’ of North America, this bush camp is located very close to the magnificent Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape and is a great way to experience camping in the South African bush. Each ‘Tipi’ is tucked amongst the dense bush and has all the obligatory self-catering amenities. The tents have fantastic views over a valley that is often teeming with game, regularly that being elephants, and are secluded from one another offering plenty of bush tranquillity. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned camper this unusual ‘hotel’ will appeal to everyone.

5. Old Mac Daddy

Old Mac Daddy is truly a unique establishment that can be found on the pine slopes in the orchard-rich Elgin Valley of the Western Cape. A hotel with a collection of vintage airstream trailers each matchlessly decorated to creative and completely original themes such as: ‘Give Bees a Chance’ or ‘For Better or Boerewors’. With wooden decks alongside the trailers, extensive views of the valley beyond, luxurious extras like hammocks, mini bars and even a mini beach; this is definitely not your run of the mill trailer park. Once you stay in one you’ll want to go back and visit again and again to see them all.

6. Castle in Clarens

The self-catering Castle in Clarens guesthouse is right in the heart of the Maluti Mountains that border Lesotho just outside the little arty town of Clarens. Built to resemble the towers and castle of the famous fairy-tale of Rapunzel, this perfect replica will whisk you away to a land of royalty, luxury and imagination. With various elements brought in from various corners of the world such as cornerstones from Windsor Castle or tapestries from Dubai, this castle is definitely real and not make-believe. Even if you’re not into fancy schmancy castle stuff, you’ll go and stay here just for the remarkable view.

These 6 hotels will surely give you an interesting travel story to tell and are well worth a visit. You’d be hard pressed to choose to stay at only one but if you had to, which of these would you book into?