26 Best Hotels in The Northern Cape, South Africa

To experience one of South Africa's most beautiful and isolated parks and gain insight into an ancient culture, stay at this simple but comfortable lodge, owned by the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities and located deep in the desert, 32 km (20 miles) along a track across the red dunes of the Kalahari. The main reception area and rustic en-suite chalets (built with clay, wooden poles, and thatch to authentically blend with the environment) overlook a heart-shaped salt pan. Activities include game drives in an open safari vehicle, walks with San trackers, and watching San artists at work. At night, the stars are dazzling, especially at new moon; a telescope combines modern technology and ancient tradition as the San share their legends of the night sky with you.

In the middle of a row of guesthouses, the Riviera is an oasis of personal attention, charm, and tasteful interiors. Hostess Anneke Malan loves to chat and will readily tell you all there is to know about Upington and its environs, but she's sensitive enough to leave you alone if you want quiet. In summer, breakfast is served on the veranda in the garden, from which you can also embark on a river cruise.

Set in labyrinthine gardens amid expansive vineyards on Kanoneiland (Cannon Island) in the Orange River just outside Upington, this handsome guesthouse has a mix of large rooms filled with imaginative, handcrafted and/or up-cycled furniture and fittings and more modest, but equally homey, doubles. During a stay here, you can enjoy access to the fabulous grounds, wonderful food, and a luxurious spa with a tucked-away garden treatment area if you want to be in nature during your massage. The lovely setting encourages you to walk around the island and discover its history and people—this is slow country, and interactions with the local farming community are enlightening. An excellent breakfast is included, and delicious dinners are also served.

The tents at this bush camp—which is a short drive, partially along an easy dirt road, north of Garies and is open in and out of Namaqualand's world-renowned wildflower season—are on raised wooden decks and have basic bathrooms, gas heat, and spacious decks but no electricity (although you can charge phones in the dining tent). Activities include cozying up by a fire in the kookskerm (boma), going for drives and hikes, or enjoying a sundowner while taking in breathtaking views.

Remote in location, 30 minutes from Springbok, this is the real deal if you want comfort and solitude with big skies in a desertlike location. Although there's an abandoned open-pit mine in the background, it oddly enough fits in with the sparse landscape—even the pool looks as though it's been carved out of the rocky substrate. The guesthouse is owner Annie Vonk-Apollis’s tribute to her family in the form of a B&B on the farmland where she was raised. The house—decorated with family photographs, Annie's grandmother's loving restored furniture, and memorabilia celebrating the Apollis clan—has three, large, en-suite bedrooms, a lounge-cum-dining room area, a kitchen, a garden, and braai area at the back. With a well for water and solar panels for electricity, it's something of a self-sufficient oasis in an otherwise barren desert. But all the surrounding emptiness is quite something to behold, especially at night when you cast your eyes up to the star-studded sky. You can also order dinners, picnics baskets, and cheese platters.

South African National Parks (SANParks) offers clean, self-catering, brick-faced chalets that can sleep two people or a small family and are near the visitor center and the main falls viewing areas. Although they don't take advantage of the setting and aren't aesthetically pleasing, the chalets are functional, with braai (barbecue) areas and fully-equipped kitchens; some have TVs and a few have views from a sit-out area in front. The nearest town with decent shops is Kakamas, 40 km (25 miles) away, and you should definitely stock up on groceries before arriving because the on-site restaurant is only adequate, and the camp's overpriced shop sells more junk food than items with which to prepare decent meals. There are a couple of pools to refresh in, and the camp affords immediate access to hiking routes. Forty campsites are also available.

Comprising some of the oldest houses in town, some dating from 1855, and made up of three rooms in the main house and a handful of self-catering cottages, Bedrock is delightful, with interiors decorated with Africana and antiques that give it the atmosphere of an old-fashioned inn. Some rooms look out onto the street and offer sheltered areas with a pool to cool off in during summer (October through April). The cottages have fully-equipped kitchens (restaurants, shops, and bank are within walking distance), braai areas, internet, and TVs. Since they were built across the road from the beach more than 100 years ago in the old wood-and-iron mode, each of the houses has its own individual style and history. Meals can be arranged on request.

In a 100-year-old house on leafy Elsemere Road, in the heart of historic Belgravia, this charming guesthouse is within easy walking distance of many of Kimberley's historic attractions, including the McGregor Museum, Dunluce, and the Rudd House. The furnishings are tasteful and homey and include antique wooden furniture, Persian carpets, and prints of Dutch masters and South African landscapes. In addition to two rooms in the main house, one of which has its bathroom outside the room, there is a self-catering cottage. It retains its original Oregon pine floors and pressed steel ceilings. Most of the cupboards are original, glowing with a new coat of paint.

In a real story of community uplift, a Nama teacher (originally from Namibia) and her family in the Augrabies Falls village have uniquely decorated rooms in their old house near the hot springs on the Riemvasmaak community trust land. Those lucky enough to be spoiled by Elisa's family within their homestead could share a meal, experience the quiet of a remote wilderness area, and get a glimpse into the ways of the local people. The three rooms in the guesthouse are technically self-catering, but dinners with the family can be arranged.

This small guesthouse offers big hospitality and the closest thing to cosseting luxury that you'll find in the immediate vicinity of Augrabies Falls. Situated 3 km (2 miles) from the national park, it's on a large property with its own airstrip and, consequently, has a bit of a small desert-oasis resort atmosphere, with an unusual avenue of very tall palm trees out front. The food and service are good, and the rooms are cushy rooms with dressing gowns and walk-in wardrobes. A lovely wooden deck equipped with sun beds and tables and centered on an enticing swimming pool (really needed in summer) is a gorgeous sanctuary after a day exploring this lesser-known corner of South Africa. A three-bedroom villa offers greater privacy.

Built in 1907 as a wedding present to Lady Mary Oppenheimer, this exquisite guesthouse lets you see how the rich and famous lived it up at the turn of last century. The current owners successfully maintain the national monument's old English Victorian decor and atmosphere while imbuing each room with a different design. Small details include handmade chocolates (created by the in-house chef) on pillows, turndown service, and slippers and gowns laid out with care. The exclusive Butlers restaurant ($–$$$) and its tea garden have officially been demystified by locals, after having been the private domain of guests for many years. Fine dining accompanied by white linen and fine silverware makes this the place for the discerning diner who likes to linger over a meal.

A perfect overnight stop on the way to or from the Kgalagadi National Park, this typical South African homestead, 50 km (31 miles) north of Upington, caters to all budgets. It comes complete with a farm stand and traditional boere kos (farm food) and snacks such as ginger beer, biltong, and tipsy tart (a deliciously rich brandy-infused tart). In addition to the guesthouse, which sleeps eight (breakfast and dinner can be arranged), you can opt for the six-person self-catering bush camp, which consists of a thatch roof and walls lovingly created from three thornbushes, or get even closer to the earth by camping next to a rainwater dam that welcomes 145 bird species. Energy is generated by a solar method as well as a wind charger at night.

Offering clean, comfortable self-catering accommodations just a short drive away from the Twee Rivieren gate to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this is the kind of unique place that's worth seeking out. A compelling narrative is often the key to getting the most out of a destination, and retired zoology professor Anna Rasa (herself a story) translates the story of the broader Kalahari and the transfrontier park exceedingly well. Observe the meerkat family on her 9-acre property, go on a game drive, and learn about this bewitching landscape and its inhabitants. Morning and evening walks are very popular, with the sundowner drives a favorite. Tours are offered in both German and English. There are also some bush-camp accommodations for those who would rather rough it.

On the west side of the Magersfontein Battlefield, Langberg is far removed from the buzz of city life. Rooms here are all part of restored thick-walled, whitewashed farm buildings that date back to the days of the diamond rush. It's an operating game and cattle farm—raising buffalo and sable, roan, and 21 other antelope species—and hunting for kudu, gemsbok, and other antelope can be arranged. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is excellent. A three-course meal is served every night except Sunday and typically includes such hearty dishes as homemade chicken pie and venison fillets stuffed with dried fruits. Meals aren't included in the lodging price—breakfast costs R35 and dinner another R65 per person—but Langberg is inexpensive considering the luxurious service.

Accommodations at this small, family-operated game reserve are in luxury tents under the shade of the indigenous camel-thorn trees, with each intimate and secluded tent including a viewing deck overlooking a water hole. The former farm was bought in 1991 by wildlife veterinarian Dr. Johan Kriek, who has developed it as a breeding area for rare antelope species, and the reserve opened its gates to the public only in 2006. It offers 36 different species, including the rare roan antelope and sable antelope, across 4,856 acres of privately owned land. Game-capture tours are also available, as are fly-in bushveld dinners and game-viewing from quad bikes. Facilities include a fully licensed bar, restaurant, pool, mobile spa, and its own helicopter airstrip and helipad; airport shuttle service can be provided from Kimberley. Day visitors are also allowed and encouraged, so you don't necessarily have to stay here.

In a tranquil part of the already sedate Belgravia neighborhood, this big, old, beautiful B&B offers all the comforts of home, with modern rooms, wooden furnishings, and a cottage feel. In warmer months, breakfast is served in a garden shaded by huge trees. The staff is unfailingly hospitable, even if management is not especially on-the-ball, and it's closer to the city center than the prevailing peace and quiet might suggest.

During flower season, this rustic-smart tented camp puts you in the middle of things—surrounded by low-lying mountains and, of course, fields of orange, yellow, and white flowers, with spectacular views all around. The sturdy tents have decent beds, smart linens, electric lights and blankets, and adjoining "donkey" showers that are filled with heated water each evening and morning (the chemical portable toilets are less appealing, though). Lots of thought goes into providing luxurious meals, and there's a cash bar, a comfortable open-air lounge, and limited Wi-Fi. If you do wish to have lunch alone, out in the middle of nowhere, the staff can pack you a picnic.

This lovely retreat in the countryside west of Springbok and overlooking the Spektakelberg Mountains and has five, large, individually decorated rooms (with impressive en-suite baths) in an upscale Dutch Cape–style guesthouse; three quaint, architecturally unique Mountain Suites designed to emulate the surrounding boulders; and two self-catering cottages. The Mountain Suites are the most exclusive and memorable option, in terms of both design and location. Ancient granite rocks are incorporated into their interiors, and their private decks have stellar views. Dinners are three-course feasts of robust Namaqualand home cooking, with a good choice of wines to wash it all down. In the morning, take it all in before heading out for a long walk amid the blooms. Regardless of which accommodations you pick, you'll need to reserve well in advance to stay here during flower season.

About 8 km (5 miles) from Springbok, in South Africa's oldest mining town, this hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Namaqualand, not only for the above-average accommodations and dining, but also for the friendly owner, Malcolm Mostert, who has created a homey atmosphere and who is a great source of information about what to see and do in the area. Interiors are done in a pleasing palette of tan, brown and white and decorated with photographs detailing the area's mining history. Guest rooms are simple, tidy, and comfortable. You can lounge in pleasant outdoor areas or beside the pool, a real boon in summer. Homemade curries, stews, and meat dishes such as spareribs and steaks are popular and recommended at the hotel's restaurant, where breakfast is also served. Next door is the Cornish Pumphouse, a fully intact steam-pump engine that's a landmark on Okiep's main road and the only one of its kind remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. Malcolm also offers several self-catering rooms and houses across from the hotel. 

A range of spotless, fully equipped, self-catering units across the road from the beach can accommodate individuals and groups. Just a mile down the beach from Port Nolloth, this is a safe haven for families in season. Tours can be arranged from the main reception area, and takeout and very decent breakfasts are available at the on-site restaurant, the curiously named Port Dump. Reception is friendly.

People come here as much for the living museum that owner extraordinaire Jopie Kotze has created as for the rest of the establishment, which originated as private homes, but it's a serviceable place to stay if you need to sleep over in Springbok. It's a family business, operated since 1947, when it was known as the Springbok Café and Private Hotel. Former tour guide Kotze's displays include a mineral collection, a photography exhibit on the Richtersveld and historic Namaqualand, and floral and landscape paintings by local artists. The mammoth operation sleeps 200 people in a variety of accommodations: rooms that sleep 2 or 3; family units that sleep 4 to 6; self-catering suites; and houses that sleep up to 13 people (note: avoid the rooms right behind the restaurant). Breakfast and dinner are available at the restaurant, and a gift, postcard, and curio shop carries a wide range of books. The restaurant (open until 10 pm nightly) has an eclectic menu that includes pizza, fish, burgers, and famous fries and milk shakes, as well as Jopie's "holy water."

Antelope often wander by Tswalu's exquisite main lodge, where the communal area features a series of terraced indoor and outdoor lounges that spill down to a pair of pools and a floodlit watering hole and where guest quarters consist of beautiful, freestanding, thatch-and-stone suites, known as "legae." The decor is minimalist and infinitely stylish, echoing the landscape in color and texture and incorporating local stone and wood, interesting art and artifacts, and unique light fixtures. The atmosphere, like the magical Kalahari surroundings is enchanting, and the service is intuitive and warm-hearted. The lodge is also resoundingly child-friendly and flexible, allowing you to set your own agenda (for example, having breakfast and lunch served whenever and wherever you wish).

In a private section of Tswalu, this exclusive, self-contained homestead—decorated similarly to the reserve's Motse lodge and offering much the same level of luxury—is perfect for families and other small groups since it sleeps up to 10 people in 5 suites and comes with its own chef, game vehicle, and tracker. The food is almost as memorable as the scenery, and every meal is served in a different location: on a lantern-lighted dune or alongside a crackling fire in the lodge's boma. There's opportunity here for one couple to relinquish their beautiful quarters for a night and sleep under the stars, either on the Molori star bed (where two children can also join), or at Naledi, an even more back-to-nature star bed experience in the mountains.

Tutwa is far flung but far from ordinary, a slice of luxury amid both Kalahari wilderness and Orange River oasis—you can head off on a game drive and return for a paddle on the river, potentially spotting more animals from your canoe. The game-viewing is spare but high-quality, featuring giraffe, wildebeest, eland, ostrich, and oryx by day and aardvark, jackal, aardwolf, and even leopard at night. What's most extraordinary, though, is the rocky terrain, comprised of basalt with rose-quartz shards measuring as much as a meter (3 feet) in both length and width. The lodge also offers opportunities to fly-fish and to learn more about San culture and history. The downstairs verandah suites and the four Annex suites upstairs—with their views—are the most desirable. Babysitting services and three self-catering cottages are also available.

This well-placed guesthouse for travelers on the road from Upington to Riemvasmaak Hot Springs also has a good restaurant, curio shop, and cocktail lounge (and even swings for kids in the garden). Comfortable rooms are all en suite, and the family rooms have separate entrances. It's a good choice if you have pets, since some rooms allow dogs. It's also en route to the Richtersveld, Namibia, and Namaqualand. The chef can prepare meals outside on the patio (summers are hot) or by the fireplace (winters are cold), or you may enjoy intimate dining at the restaurant.

If you can't make it to Kgalagadi, stay a few nights in a three-bedroom chalet or a simple bungalow at this beautiful lodge, owned by the provincial government and situated in the southern Kalahari within the 3,500-hectare (8,650-acre) Witsand Nature Reserve at the foot of the Langberg Mountains. Decent thatch-and-stone accommodations sit in thick bush under large camel-thorn tree, and the lodge blends in well with the reserve, which covers vast white dunes, up to 200 feet high and stretching across an area 9 km (6 miles) long and 4 km (2½ miles) wide. In hot and dry conditions, you can experience "roaring sands"—dunes that produce a deep hum when walked on (as the sand moves, air escapes, producing a vibration). Although not easily seen in their natural state, fulgerites, glassy gray tubes reconstituted from melted silica that was struck by lightning, are on display at the information center, as are 500-year-old ostrich eggs that were buried by Bushmen. The variously sized lodgings sleep between two and six people and have self-catering facilities and outside fire areas; you can rent bicycles and sand dune boards, and there are 4x4 trails to explore, for which a fee is payable.