The best eco-friendly hotels in South Africa

South Africa

Finding hotels and other accommodations such as hostels and guest houses that are eco-friendly, green and fit for sustainable travel can be difficult. When traveling in South Africa, you’ll have lots of options to choose from though. In this blog I’ll tell you all about my favourite eco-friendly hotels in South Africa. 

‍This article contains links, some of which are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I earn a commission which allows me to fund this blog. I only post links of products and services I have used and enjoyed and that have truly benefited me on my travels!

Teniqua Treetops Karatara

Road tripping from Cape Town to Durban is always incredible. Maybe you’re even stopping on the way to ride horses along the incredible Wild Coast. Make sure to stop at Teniqua Treetops during your road trip to experience true sustainable travel. 

Horse riding at the wild coast, South Africa
Horse riding holiday along the Wild Coast

Mitford Hotel Morgan's Bay

The wild coast offers incredible horse riding, and while you’re on your once in a lifetime horsey adventure you’ll be staying in stunning hotels, or maybe even sleeping under the stars! You’ll need some accommodation before and after your horse riding holiday though. The most amazing place to stay at in Morgan’s Bay is certainly Mitford Hotel, especially for the eco conscious traveler! 

Hotel Verde Cape Town

Even though it is not officially located in the city of Cape Town, it is conveniently close to the airport. I always sleep here when I have an early flight to catch the next day, as the airport is quite far out of the city. The hotel offers a shuttle, and they have really managed to create a lovely and peaceful space here, despite being in the middle of all these concrete buildings. From the Verde hotel you can also head out to Stellenbosch for fabulous wine tastings, or go horse riding in Riverdale

Also read: What to do in and around Cape Town, South Africa

Wine tasting in South Africa during a horse carriage drive
Make sure to read this blog to learn about wine tastings with horses!

Urban Oasis Aparthotel and Spa Cape Town

Right in the middle of Cape Town’s stunning and historic city center, is the Urban Oasis hotel. From this incredible base you can explore all of Cape Town with ease. Besides the location being great, it’s also fully equipped with a kitchen and washing machine, so it’s a perfect fit for you if you’re looking to stay in Cape Town for an extended period of time! Their outdoor swimming pool offers a fantastic view of the mountains in and around the city. 

Hiking Lions Head in Cape Town, South Africa.
The mountains in and around Cape Town are great for hiking!
This photo is taken at the top of Lion's Head, with table mountain in the background.

21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence Cape Town

Honestly, I’ve never had quite the budget to stay at this incredible place. The ocean view, crazy beautiful architecture and probably the best location for any hotel ever make this place quite pricey. However, if you have the money, please go here and let me know how it was! 

Life on 3rd Johannesburg

Lots of flights land in Johannesburg everyday, and most people will arrive at Johannesburg airport before heading off to explore the rest of the country. The city might not have the best reputation, but it really is lovely to explore the city with a good guide. Life on 3rd is located in a lovely, safe and quiet neighbourhood of Johannesburg, the perfect location to rest before or after a long flight, or as a stopover before going on a horse riding safari!

Horse riding safari in South Africa
Horse riding safari in South Africa

24 On Basil Johannesburg

If you want even more peace and quiet before leaving Johannesburg, make sure to check out 24 on Basil. Located quite far out of the city center, you’ll certainly be well rested after your stay here. 

Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge Northern Drakensberg

This is one of my favourite lodges on the planet! Sure, I’m quite biased, as when I stayed here we watched the South African rugby team win the world cup and we had an amazing party. The vibe here is always great though, even when there isn’t any rugby on the tv! Make sure to stop here on your way to Lesotho or the Southern Drakensberg for an incredible horse riding holiday through the mountains. 

Horse riding holiday in the mountains of Lesotho
Horse riding holiday in the mountains of Lesotho

Ardmore guest farm Central Drakensberg

Ardmore is another great place to stop if you’re coming from Johannesburg and heading down in the direction of Durban. Here, you can already get a taste of the horse riding adventure that awaits you further south, as the guest farm, besides rafting, quad biking and golf, also offers horse riding!

Also read: Horse riding in the Drakensberg

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