TRAVEL
Travelling for Conservation in South Africa
South Africa is a land of vast, wild beauty – a place where golden savannahs meet deep green forests, and where mountains, oceans, and wide-open skies converge to create one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the rolling dunes of the Kalahari to the mist-kissed Drakensberg peaks, from our soft, powdery beaches to our winding rivers rich with life, every landscape tells a story of nature’s extraordinary resilience and wonder. This is a country that invites you not just to explore, but to connect – deeply, meaningfully, and with purpose.
Our wildlife is the heartbeat of our nation. South Africa is home to iconic species that shape our identity and inspire our love for conservation. I’ve had the immense privilege of working hands-on with Rhino, Suricates (Meerkats), Pangolins, Lions, and Elephants – along with many other species who have touched my life in ways words can barely describe. Each animal holds wisdom. Each one reminds us that the Earth is not ours to dominate, but ours to care for.
Our national parks, protected areas, and biodiversity hotspots are the threads that hold the fabric of our wild spaces together. These sanctuaries protect threatened species, safeguard precious ecosystems, and ensure that future generations will still hear the roar of a lion at dusk or watch a rhino grazing quietly in the morning sun. Protecting these places is not just environmentally important – it is spiritually important. It is an act of love and guardianship.
When we choose to travel for conservation, we travel with intention. We walk softer. We listen more deeply. We support ethical tourism that uplifts wildlife, restores ecosystems, and empowers communities who coexist with the natural world every day. By exploring South Africa’s beaches, mountains, deserts, forests, and rivers with care, we become part of a larger story – one that protects the living heritage of this land.
On this page, I’ll be sharing personally recommended places to stay – all locations where I have travelled, experienced, and at some felt a true sense of connection to both nature and conservation. These spaces have inspired me, healed me, and reminded me of why we protect our wildlife with such devotion.
Welcome to a journey that honours the Earth.
Welcome to a journey driven by love.
THANK YOU
Thank You to Our Accommodation Sponsors
To our generous sponsors,
Thank you for making it possible for us to continue our conservation work across South Africa. Your support in providing accommodation has allowed us to travel safely, reach vulnerable wildlife, and work directly with the species who need protection most – from rhinos and elephants to pangolins, lions, suricates, sea turtles, and so many others.
Your kindness helps us stand where we are needed, whether on remote beaches, in dense bushveld, or within our precious parks and reserves. Because of you, we are able to respond faster, work more effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters: safeguarding the animals and natural spaces we love.
I am deeply grateful for your belief in this mission and your commitment to conservation.
Thank you for helping make this important work possible.
SA National Accommodation: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng
Coastal Towns: Blaauwberg, Dwarskersbos, Elandsbaai, Knysna, Port Alfred, East London, Durban
Namibia
ACCOMMODATION SOUTH AFRICA
Hotels & Lodges
1. Southern Sun Hotels
From Cape Town’s ocean horizon to Johannesburg’s bustling heartbeat, from Bloemfontein’s quiet warmth to Durban and Port Elizabeth’s coastal charm, from Hermanus’s whale-watching shores to the towering majesty of the Drakensberg – Southern Sun Hotels have offered a sense of home wherever conservation work has taken me.
What makes the Southern Sun group so remarkable is the consistency of comfort, kindness, and care across every city. Their spaces are beautifully maintained, thoughtfully designed, and deeply welcoming, with staff who go out of their way to make travellers feel supported and safe. Whether surrounded by sea, mountains, or city lights, each stay has provided rest, grounding, and the energy needed to continue the conservation journey.
Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town
https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-waterfront-cape-town
Southern Sun The Cullinan Cape Town
https://www.southernsun.com/the-cullinan
Southern Sun Bloemfontein
https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-bloemfontein
Southern Sun The Marine Port Elizabeth
https://www.southernsun.com/southern-sun-the-marine
uMhlanga Sands Resort Durban
https://www.southernsun.com/umhlanga-sands-resort
Cabana Beach Resort Durban
https://www.southernsun.com/cabana-beach-resort
Garden Court uMhlanga Durba
https://www.southernsun.com/garden-court-umhlanga (site search)
Garden Court Sandton City Johannesburg
https://www.southernsun.com/garden-court-sandton-city
Southern Sun Rivonia Sandton City Johannesburg
Check site search on southernsun.com
Mount Grace Hotel & Spa
https://www.southernsun.com/mount-grace-hotel-and-spa
Beacon Island Resort Plettenberg Bay
https://www.southernsun.com/beacon-island-resort
2. Aquila Private Game Reserve
Aquila is a breathtaking sanctuary where the spirit of the Karoo meets the heartbeat of wildlife conservation. Set against dramatic mountain ranges and wide open plains, this reserve offers a powerful sense of wilderness. The landscapes feel ancient and alive, while the animals – from Elephants to Lions – move with quiet dignity.
Staying at Aquila is both peaceful and emotional: early morning game drives, sunsets that turn the sky to fire, and the comforting sounds of nature at night. It is a place where conservation is lived, not spoken – and where every sunset reminds you why this work matters.
Aquila Private Game Reserve
🌐 Website: http://www.aquilasafari.com/
📞 Phone: +27 21 430 7260
3. Falaza Game Park & Spa, Hluhluwe
Falaza is a serene blend of luxury and wild Zululand beauty. Nestled near the iconic Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, it offers a rare sense of calm while still being intimately connected to wildlife. The tented suites, surrounded by trees and birdsong, create a feeling of softness and gentle retreat.
What stands out most is the tranquillity: peaceful pathways, a soothing spa, and landscapes that carry the rhythm of the African bush. Falaza is a place to breathe deeply, to reconnect, and to feel the healing presence of nature.
Falaza Game Park & Spa
🌐 Website: https://falaza.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 35 562 2319
4. Mseni Beach Lodge, Sodwana
Mseni Beach Lodge is a hidden paradise where lush coastal forest opens into sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. With footpaths leading directly to some of South Africa’s most untouched beaches, it offers a sense of true escape.
The sound of waves is constant, soothing, and alive. Sunrises feel magical, colours shifting over the water as the day awakens. The lodge’s warm atmosphere, natural wooden finishes, and friendly staff make it a haven for anyone doing conservation work along the coastline – especially near turtle nesting beaches and thriving coral reefs.
Mseni Beach Lodge
🌐 Website: http://www.mseni.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 72 061 9672
5. Coral Divers, Sodwana
Coral Divers is the heart of Sodwana’s diving community, surrounded by sand, forest, coral reefs, and warm ocean currents. It’s a place full of life – not only in the water, but in the energy of the camp itself.
From early morning dives to evenings spent sharing stories under the stars, Coral Divers embodies adventure and connection. The reefs nearby are some of the most vibrant in the world, making every stay memorable. Whether diving, looking for turtles or simply reconnecting with the ocean, Coral Divers provides the perfect base to be reminded of what is important.
Coral Divers
🌐 Website: http://www.coraldivers.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 33 345 6531
6. La La Nathi Country Guest House, Harrismith
Tucked into the quiet countryside near Harrismith, La La Nathi feels peaceful, homely, and beautifully South African. Rolling lawns, open skies, and mountain views create a soft, comforting atmosphere.
The guest house is known for its heartfelt hospitality – warm rooms, delicious meals, and the gentle calm of farmland landscapes. It is the kind of place that allows you to rest deeply, gather strength, and enjoy the simplicity of nature’s stillness.
La La Nathi Country Guest House
🌐 Website: http://www.lalanathi.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 58 623 0282
7. Dundi Lodge, Augrabies Falls
Located near the powerful Augrabies Falls, Dundi Lodge offers a blend of luxury and rich Northern Cape tranquillity. The lodge is elegant yet grounded, mirroring the desert colours and rugged textures of its surroundings.
What makes this stay unforgettable is its closeness to the falls – a natural wonder that roars with life, especially after rains. The landscapes feel ancient, vast, and spiritually grounding. Dundi provides comfort in the middle of this dramatic beauty, making it a perfect base for conservation work in arid regions.
Dundi Lodge
🌐 Website: http://www.dundilodge.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 54 451 9200
8. DeStijl Gariep Hotel, Near Colesburg
DeStijl Gariep Hotel overlooks the expansive Gariep Dam, with views that stretch endlessly across water, sky, and semi-desert. Its modern interior contrasts beautifully with the natural surroundings, creating a refreshing sense of balance.
The tranquillity here is unmatched: wide balconies, gentle breezes, and sunsets that paint the water in gold and pink. It is a peaceful stopover during long conservation journeys – a place to rest, reflect, and admire one of South Africa’s most scenic water bodies. Too beautiful.
Do not miss the sunrise.
de Stijl Gariep Hotel
🌐 Website: https://destijl.co.za/
📞 Phone: +27 51 754 0060
9. Shark Bay Boutique Hotel & Spa, Langebaan
Set along the breathtaking Langebaan Lagoon, Shark Bay Boutique Hotel & Spa feels airy, light, and deeply soothing. The turquoise waters, soft white sands, and bird-filled salt marshes create a coastal dreamscape.
This hotel blends elegance with natural beauty – stylish rooms, warm service, and views that calm the soul. It’s a perfect retreat after days spent exploring the West Coast, where conservation meets the sea breeze and wide, open skies.
The Shark Bay Boutique Accommodation & Spa
🌐 Website: https://www.thesharkbay.com/
📞 Phone: +27 80 000 8792
10. Mount Grace Hotel & Spa, Magaliesburg
Mount Grace is a mountain sanctuary: quiet, luxurious, and surrounded by the soft rolling hills of the Magaliesberg. The fresh air, lush gardens, and endless birdlife make it a rejuvenating escape from city life.
The hotel’s spa is a highlight – serene, soothing, and surrounded by trees. Mount Grace is a place to pause, reset, and let nature restore you. Whether resting between conservation trips or seeking peace after time in the field, this hotel offers comfort in every detail.
Mount Grace Hotel & Spa
🌐 Website: https://www.southernsun.com/mount-grace-hotel-and-spa
📞 Phone: +27 14 577 5600
11. Fordoun Hotel & Spa, Midlands
Nestled in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Fordoun is a countryside retreat filled with charm, character, and natural grace. The rolling hills, misty mornings, and green pastures create a setting that feels almost otherworldly.
The hotel itself is warm, elegant, and rich with history. The spa is exceptional – known for healing treatments, quiet spaces, and a deep connection to the land. Fordoun is the kind of place where inspiration flows easily, making it ideal for rest, writing, reflection, and restoration.
Fordoun Hotel & Spa
🌐 Website: https://www.fordoun.com/
📞 Phone: +27 33 266 6217
ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA’s PARKS
SANParks – South African National Parks
SANParks holds the soul of South Africa’s wilderness. Across this extraordinary country, from the fynbos valleys of the Cape to the wild bushveld of Mpumalanga, from the arid sculpted sands of the Kalahari to the lush forests of Tsitsikamma, SANParks protects the living heartbeat of our land. Every park, each campsite, every wooden cabin or rest camp has its own rhythm, a quiet reminder that nature is still powerful, ancient, and deeply sacred.
Staying in SANParks accommodation is unlike staying anywhere else. You feel the wildness the moment you arrive: the smell of dust after rain, the sound of francolins calling at dawn, the hush of night as stars settle over the landscape. These are not just places to sleep – they are gateways into ecosystems where lions roam, elephants wander, rhinos graze, turtles nest, and delicate species fight for survival far from human noise.
Whether resting in the heart of the Kruger, waking up to ocean winds in the Garden Route, or sleeping beneath the vast skies of the Kgalagadi, SANParks offers an experience that is grounding, humbling, and deeply restorative. Their accommodations are simple but warm, practical yet full of character, always positioned to keep you close to the wild spaces we strive to protect.
In collaboration they provided access to the frontlines of conservation. Together making it possible to work alongside the very wildlife that inspired this journey and the Knysna Seahorse who depend on protected areas to survive. Their parks are lifelines for biodiversity, and their hospitality has helped make vital fieldwork possible.
SANParks is not just a place to stay; it is a partner in preservation.
A guardian of landscapes. A protector of wildlife. A reminder that South Africa’s natural heritage is worth every effort we make to defend it.
SANParks – South African National Parks
🌐 Website: https://www.sanparks.org/
📞 Central Reservations & Head Office: +27 12 428 9111
📧 Email for reservations: reservations@sanparks.org
📍 Street Address: 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa