Page 384 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

382  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Guesthouses and
B&Bs
Accommodation in small
guesthouses and B&Bs, which
are often private homes, has
become very popular,
especially along the Garden
Route and in bigger cities such
as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth
and Johannesburg. Some are
simple, practical overnight
rooms, while at the more African art and artifacts in a contemporary settting at Derwent House, Cape Town (p384)
luxurious end, rooms may be in
historic buildings or particularly in the cities and along the game-viewing activities such
scenic locations. The hosts, who coast. For more details, it is as drives or walks. Guests tend
concentrate on a small number worth acquiring a copy of the to stay at least two nights to
of guests staying only a night or accommodation guidebook appreciate the experience.
two, take pride in being able to published by Coast to Coast.
provide personal attention. This is available for free from
Breakfast is almost always hostels and the listings are on National Park and Game
Reserve Accommodation
included and, in some places, the website. No age limit is
evening meals can be prepared imposed on guests, but a laid- Rest camps are the less
if you make prior arrangements. back attitude is required. expensive alternative to
For listings look at the web- Most hostels offer dorm beds luxurious safari lodges and are
sites of the national association in communal rooms, as well as found in national parks and
of guesthouses, Guest House private accommodation with provincial game reserves (see
Accommodation of South either shared or private pp66–71). Most of them offer a
Africa (GHASA), or the bathrooms, and some have variety of facilities such as
Portfolio Collection. space to pitch a tent in their swimming pools and shops
garden. Other facilities usually selling basic provisions and
include a self-catering kitchen, firewood, and some may have
City Hotels
TV lounge, Internet access and an additional restaurant and
There is an excellent choice of swimming pool. petrol pump.
hotels in South Africa’s cities. Accommodation is nearly
While B&Bs and guesthouses always self-catering and options
often offer a personal Safari Lodges range from small rondavels
experience, larger city hotels The safari lodges in most sleeping two people, to chalets
tend to provide a more private reserves (see pp66–71) and bungalows sleeping six or
anonymous environment cater for affluent visitors. They more. At reception in the larger
but more facilities, such as a typically offer excellent cuisine, rest camps, like those in the
restaurant and bar on site and luxurious pseudo-rustic Kruger National Park, it is also
often a swimming pool and spa, accommodation, highly skilled possible to arrange guided
and long reception hours. staff and game rangers who game drives and walks.
ensure that guests see as much Accommodation in national
of the African wildlife as parks across the country is
Budget Accommodation
possible. Rates are typically booked through South African
There are many private high, but they are inclusive of National Parks (SANParks),
backpackers hostels, especially all meals, most drinks and while in the Western Cape the
smaller nature and game
reserves are managed by Cape
Nature and those in KwaZulu-
Natal by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Under Canvas
Camp sites can be found
throughout South Africa, and
camping equipment can be
bought or hired locally. Many
sites are run as part of a local
caravan park, or a beachside or
mountain resort, and all the
national parks, game and nature
Villa Lobengula, a luxury safari lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve, Port Elizabeth (p388) reserves have them. Communal

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