Destinations

South Africa

It dazzles, enchants, and lures you in

In the words of Rudyard Kipling, “It is hard to resist the lure of Africa.” We'd argue it’s even harder to resist South Africa — a country of eternal contrasts, intense raw beauty, and amazing people. It dazzles, enchants, and mesmerizes with white powder beaches, rugged coastlines flanked with dramatic mountain ranges, rolling vineyards alongside pristine fynbos, and the wild African bush. Its incredible diversity is overwhelming, and any bucket list of must-sees will be overflowing, in a constant state of flux.

The Offbeat Goat’s collection of favorite design-led, immersive, and sustainable stays and experiences in South Africa focuses on the regions of Cape Town, Overberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands, Karoo, Tswalu Kalahari, Madikwe Nature Reserve, Marakele Nature Reserve, and Greater Kruger.

Regions.

Exploring South Africa through our curated lens

Featured

Cape Winelands

Rolling vineyards dotted with white gabled farmhouses, manicured lawns, and the most charming of towns brimming with cafes, galleries, and wine to your heart’s content.

Greater Kruger

Greater Kruger includes South Africa’s oldest and largest national park and surrounding game reserves, offering excellent game viewing and a proper first-time introduction to life in the African bush.

Madikwe and Marakele

The Madikwe private reserve is a must-see for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path safari experiences and community-based wildlife conservation. And Marakele National Park is the perfect wildlife sanctuary offering the Big 5 against a backdrop of wide-open grasslands and majestic mountains.

Cape Town

The “mother of all cities” offers a mind-boggling collection of restaurants, museums, shops, and galleries.

Gaansbai & De Hoop Nature Reserve

A treasure trove of spectacular landscapes, dune fields, fynbos fauna, remote beaches, and plenty of relaxation and outdoor fun.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Endless swathes of undulating sands punctuated with thorny acacia trees, desert scrub, and the occasional cactus, the vast red-hued Kalahari Desert is a must-visit destination.

Karoo

With large swathes of sparsely populated semi-arid desert, stark mountains, and open plains, Karoo is often regarded as the last frontier of South Africa.

Sustainability spotlight.

South Africa is making impressive strides in the sustainable tourism space and has become a mecca for eco-savvy travelers. The country offers an incredible selection of off-grid, low-impact stays committed to conserving land, protecting wildlife, and supporting local communities. In the past, South Africa's ecotourism efforts primarily concentrated on preserving nature and wildlife, especially within private reserve concessions.

Nowadays, the success of sustainable tourism also relies on the active participation of local communities in safeguarding the land and its wildlife. We are proud that many of the hoteliers we spotlight are shifting the narrative on sustainability and enacting positive change in local communities.

Stays.

Celebrating that sweet spot connecting style, sustainability, and immersion.

Featured

Grootbos Nature Reserve

A splurge-worthy eco-forward lodge offering a unique rustic-luxe getaway and unforgettable coastal experience

Johannesdal Villa

An eclectic rustic-chic farmhouse imbued with all things whimsical and beautiful.

Babylonstoren Farm Hotel

A sophisticated 18th-century Cape Dutch farmhouse exudes a minimalist grace and relaxed country-house sensibility.

Singita Sweni Lodge

A swanky design-savvy jungle hideaway tucked away in the Lebombo mountains near the Mozambique border.

Garonga Safari Camp

An intimate African bush getaway set in the Makalali Conservancy and Drakensberg mountains.

Nthambo Tree Camp

A budget-friendly treehouse-style bush camp in the intimate Klaserie private nature reserve.

The Outpost

Ultra-remote design-worthy safari lodge set in the northern part of the Kruger with views of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers.

Molori Safari Lodge

A stylish uber-swanky bush getaway overlooking the Dwarsberg Mountains and Madikwe Valley.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

A sleek, tastefully designed off-the-grid getaway overlooking the pristine coastline of De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Akadémie Street Boutique Hotel

An intimate characterful guest house located in the heart of Franschhoek on a sleepy tree-lined street just a short walk from the town center.

Samara Karoo Lodge

A safari-chic homestead flaunting wide-open vistas and old colonial charm in the heart of the Samara private game reserve.

Marataba Conservation Camps

Adventure meets sustainability at this conservation-centric Waterberg Mountain Lodge.

Singita Boulder’s Lodge

Cleverly designed contemporary sanctuary along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand (Outer Kruger).

Tanda Tula Field Camp

A secluded off-grid luxury bush camp along in the heart of the Timbavati Reserve.

Boschendal Cottages

A farmhouse-chic wine stay experience surrounded by farm life, vineyards, and the mountain fynbos.

Tarkuni Homestead

A splurge-worthy desert-chic homestead in the grasslands of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

A minimal footprint beach getaway of stilted wooden pods perched high above a dramatic and pristine coastline.

La Grenadine Petit Hotel

A small boutiquey guesthouse tucked away in a 19th-century farmhouse offering french country-style interiors with a modern twist.

Silo Hotel

A mecca of art, architecture, and style in a renovated grain silo in the hip mixed-use harbor area of Cape Town.

Jonkmanshof

An 18th-century Cape Dutch farmhouse in Karoo oozing beauty and simplicity.

Farm 215

Eco-chic modern fynbos suites surrounded by vineyards, flowered fields, and unbeatable mountain views.