An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels South Africa are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Cape Town and then beyond in Namibia.
Best Eco Tours in South Africa
1. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels South Africa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat is located at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. It features a spa and wellness centre, heated outdoor swimming pool and lush garden. Free WiFi is available.
The elegantly decorated, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a seating area. Each room includes under-floor heating and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en-suite bathroom has a bath, shower and bathrobe.
Bushmans Kloof serves breakfast daily and offers Cape Contemporary Cuisine and fresh organic products from the garden. The Wine Cellar boasts a variety of South African wines and guests can relax and enjoy a glass of wine in the bar.
Set in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, this posh hotel in a Cape Dutch-style farmhouse is part of a wilderness reserve area, and is 35.2 km from Clanwilliam.
Bright rooms and suites with a mix of elegant and home-style decor offer tea and coffee making equipment, heated floors and free WiFi; some have private patios. Upgraded rooms and suites add flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and lounge areas; some feature fireplaces, and 1 has its own pool.
All meals are included, as are activities such as nature drives, rock art excursions and canoeing. There’s also a luxe day spa, a gym, 4 pools and a steam room.
Wonders of the outdoor and indoor variety abound at this enchanting, star-lit, nature-embracing wilderness retreat, where zebra roam the surrounding plains in the day and stars pierce the clear sky at night.
Located in boulder-strewn country, visitors can take safari drives in a nature reserve under the craggy Cederberg Mountains. Before our nature guide demonstrated such laser-like vision, we had been for an early morning ‘bush breakfast’ near a large watering hole and the day before had spotted zebra, springboks and been obstructed by a family of road-hogging ostriches.
The multi-award winning retreat, which also has a spa and wellness centre, allows guests to experience nature while enjoying the unassuming country style and supreme comfort of the lodge-style accommodation.
Cooing birdsong is pretty much all you’ll hear at night.
Thoughtfully designed and in harmony with its gloriously rugged surroundings, Bushmans Kloof is barely visible from the track that serves as the only route in and out. Rooms are nevertheless high spec, though without any of the fumbles you find in some high-end hotels. I walked back to my time-suspending quarters, named River Reeds 2, from a kingly evening meal to find a lit candle flickering in the bathroom and an African campfire story on my pillow. Goodnight, Anansi.
If you want a memorable luxury break in stunning surroundings – both inside and out – with fabulous food and wines and the best and friendliest service, then definitely come here.
If all you want is luxury all-inclusive, lying on a sun lounger by a pool then this is probably not for you.
Getting out into the amazing landscape, walking hiking, swimming, including seeing the stunning rock art and the wildlife, then coming back to the tranquility and seclusion of the lodges and their gardens is a special experience. You can do as little or as much as you want whatever your level of fitness.
The whole team here will do everything they can to ensure you have a unique break – with amazing and seemingly effortless service.
We had 3 days and nights here but I’d really recommend 4 in order to fully experience all the drives, walks, spa treatments, wine and gin tastings etc
Bushmans Kloof is a special place, managed by a special team. Thank you all for an amazing time.
How much does a room costs at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat?
Prices start 1001$/night for Luxury Double Room. The Deluxe Double Room is 1514$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.
This spacious, air-conditioned room features a patio, living and dining area. It includes a minibar and safe.
The en-suite bathroom has a bath, shower and bathrobe.
Where to book online – Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat – Eco Friendly Hotels South Africa – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in South Africa during Cape Town Minstrel Carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in South Africa on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Thaba Eco Hotel 4* – Eco Hotels Johannesburg South Africa
Surrounded by the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Thaba Eco Hotel and Spa features elegant suites. It offers a swimming pool, a spa, and function and conference facilities.
All rooms have flat screen TVs, heated towel rails, mini bars and complimentary snack hampers, as well as air con and high speed WI-FI.
Leisure activities include mountain biking, bush walks/drives, spa treatments or a special meditation trail.
This chic ecolodge with views of Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is supplied by rainwater and solar-powered geysers.
Upscale rooms with private terraces feature flat-screens, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffee making equipment; some have fireplaces. Upgraded rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows and upcycled furniture, while a pair of luxe suites add Nespresso machines, and wine and chocolates upon arrival.
Breakfast is available (surcharge). There’s a sleek restaurant, a cafe serving high tea, and a sports bar. Amenities also include a chapel, a spa and an outdoor pool, along with a kids’ club and bike trails.
Thaba Eco Hotel is a rare and valuable jewel surrounded by the Southern Johannesburg metropolis. It is situated in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve just 10 km from the city centre and has an abundance of indigenous trees, plants, birds and wildlife. Thaba is passionate about professional, service-oriented hospitality.
This, along with the beautiful world class facilities and breathtaking natural surroundings, makes it the venue of choice for weddings and all special occasions. Thaba offers an idyllic setting in contemporary African style that will make your special day unique and unforgettable.
The Kraal Restaurant and Olive Tree Coffee Shop offer cuisine to satisfy the most discerning of palates with superb food and wine, delightful treats and rich aromatic coffee.
We booked a DBB with Thaba Eco and simply loved every moment of it. They are situated just south of JHB and you need not drive too far for a luxury break … we could not believe the exquisite views from our Luxury suite – food was absolutely great and the chef’s twist on ordinary dishes was very interesting … what stood out is the finer touch to make this romantic stay more special! Your friendly and helpful team succeeded in making us feel special and we will most certainly visit you again – no doubt we gladly recommend this place.
Thaba Eco Hotel is a tranquil home away from home, a must in Johannesburg. The staff are extremely friendly and competent. The rooms are amazing, the kraal restaurant offers a scrumptious menu, the waiters are on hand to assist. My overall experience was excellent.
This is a must visit on your next trip to Gauteng, a beautiful ECO FRIENDLY HOTEL in the middle of Johannesburg with amazing accommodation and the friendliest staff…. We have only stayed for two nights, our room was big and very neat. The food at Kraal Restaurant was fantastic and the costs are very reasonable.
The situation of this beautiful eco resort is perfect for guests arriving by air at ORT Airport, only a 30-40 minute drive, depending on traffic, as well as locals from Gauteng. The grounds around the hotel are beautifully kept and the paths through the indigenous bush and plantings are a joy. The meditation path near the swimming pool is very soothing to walk, except when music from the new Eco Bar intrudes. It is a pity it has been opened so close to the pool and walk.
Facilities and service are outstanding. Kraal rooms are very spacious and comfortable. TV reception is not good, but who needs TV in such a lovely surrounding. Lovely private stoep with birds and mongoose visiting. Restaurants are excellent, though erring on the side of tempting over-indulgence with too large portion size, and choice. All staff are friendly and well trained.
We have placed our solar farm at our entrance based on the best possible land space which can allow for maximum sunlight to make this project most beneficial.
We are currently saving up to 25% of energy since the solar farm has been active.
Our rooms have two different energy saving options in place. We feed our deluxe and VIP rooms with energy from the solar farm, and we have solar panels on the roofs of all of our Luxury room types which gives energy to each rooms geysers saving energy. We have installed Eco-friendly shower heads into all our rooms to ensure we save water.
We plant more trees than we cut out. The trees being cut out is to increase the parking capacity at the restaurant as this is a dire need currently. The trees cut out is used as compost for the new gardens and landscaping as they were in need of some attention. When we do plant new gardens we only plant indigenous water wise plants throughout as this has multiple benefits for our property. We are also pruning our trees at our church, and its gardens as the landscaping have become overgrown.
How much does a room costs at Thaba Eco Hotel ?
Prices start 178$/night for Deluxe Suite. The Suite Room is 327$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.
his stilted suite features panoramic mountain and valley views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. It is equipped with a satellite TV, Nespresso coffee machine, electronic blinds, safe, minibar and snack hamper.
The en suite bathroom offers a double vanity, separate bath and shower, heated towel rails and underfloor heating.
Where to book online – Thaba Eco Hotel – Eco Friendly Hotels Johannesburg – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in South Africa during Cape Town Minstrel Carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in South Africa on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Lodge Bulungula Xhosa Community Lodge – Eco Friendly Lodges South Africa
Featuring sea views, Bulungula Xhosa Community Lodge in Bulungula features accommodation and water sports facilities.
A continental breakfast is served each morning at the property.
The lodge offers barbecue facilities.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Situated on the breathtaking Wild Coast, the Lodge is nestled in one of the most beautiful locations in South Africa. … The Bulungula Lodge sustains local culture and the planet, and is 100% owned and managed by the vibrant, traditional Nqileni village, a Xhosa community.
If you want a real African way of living, go to the Eco Lodge Bulungula. You’ll get it. Situated in ancient Transkei on the Wild Coast, in a beautiful bay protected from the wild Indian Ocean, where you can swim, lovely nature, and a very natural art of living.
Nice hosts, nice village people, nice guests A bit weary to arrive, Baz Bus takes you to Matata and then you have to take a shuttle. But it is worthwhile.
The journey from the main road is somewhat arduous, (just over two hours over not great roads) but is interesting and gives you an insight into rural life in this part of South Africa. We had a rondavel for 4 which had nothing in it bar a double bed and two singles. Ablutions are communal (and eco friendly) as is the kitchen. We self catered but the hostel did provide food and it looked tasty.
The beach area is lovely to walk on and we saw lots of whales and dolphins. A particular highlight for us was spending time with Alon who is an autistic lad who spends a lot of time at the hostel. Please befriend him if you go, he is absolutely delightful.
The staff are wonderful and extremely helpful. You’re definitely off the grid and that fact makes it so much more relaxing (just be sure to bring cash to cover your expenses in case the internet connection drops out!). There are a handful of activities and i would suggest doing as many as you can! The nature walk with the Herbalist is apparently really good (although we didn’t have time) and the horseback ride is great (which we did). you’ll get to some breathtaking viewpoints! Just going out to the beach and body-surfing is great fun!
The meals were excellent (those big sandwiches are actually quite massive and could easily be shared between 2 ppl!).
we stayed in one of the rondavels (not luxury but comfortable and spacious) and our friends camped out overlooking the beach. We all had great sleeps!
Highly highly recommended…not only for the amazing experience but for the fact that your money is going back into the community there. A truly wonderful eco business model.
If you are after a genuine community experience and in a remote totally untouristy environment, this is the best possible place to go. The staff and community who run Bulungula are friendly and helpful, the rooms are simple but with the most picturesque views you can imagine. Electricity is solar, and the toilets are incredible eco composting toilets.
The tours run benefit the community participants directly. We would highly recommend the canoeing and Women Power tours. I really cannot say enough good things about this place. It is without a doubt somewhere we will go back.
How much does a room costs at Bulungula Xhosa Community Lodge ?
Prices start 35$/night for Standard Double or Twin Room with Sea View.
This twin/double room has a private entrance and garden view
Where to book online –Bulungula Xhosa Community Lodge – Eco Hotels South Africa – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in South Africa during Cape Town Minstrel Carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in South Africa on Booking.com or Skyscanner.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
4. Luxury tent Gorah Elephant Camp 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels South Africa
Gorah Elephant Camp is situated in the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park. It features a spacious swimming pool and an open patio offering views of the water hole. Free Wi-Fi is available.
Each tented luxury suite has a private deck with panoramic views and plush interiors. It comes equipped with tea-and-coffee-making facilities and the en suite bathroom has a shower with free toiletries.
Meals are served in the dining room at the colonial Gorah House and in an enclosed outdoor area around the fire, where guests can enjoy a gourmet barbecue and African cuisine. High tea is served every afternoon.
Set within Addo Elephant National Park, this stately, upscale lodge is set around a manor house built in 1856. It’s 12 km from the R342 road, and 30 km from the village of Paterson.
The 11 sophisticated thatched tents feature en suite bathrooms, solar power lighting and ceiling fans, as well as private decks with panoramic countryside views.
All meals are included, and stylish indoor and outdoor dining options are available. There’s a guest lounge with a wood-burning fireplace and a veranda with waterhole views. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, and daily game drives.
The beautiful old farmhouse is a perfect setting not only for cocktails and dining but with the waterhole only sixty yards from the terrace a suburb place to game view. Oh how i wish I could take all our friends for the Gorah experience. I have visited other game reserves in SA but Gorah beats them all. Than you Reinhart for showing us the small plants and explaining the eco system. As well as the Elephants eating just by our Jeep at night.
You have to quickly get used to the Eco Lodge concept of minimal power and no zircon or you will be very frustrated. Once over that transition things are a lot easier to deal with. After some lunch at the lodge we were taken to our tent to get settled in before the first game drive. The tents are very spacious and comfortable, but without aircon can get stuffy, so remember to get the staff to open vents etc. if needed. Our fan was a little noisy but not obtrusive.
The game drives were led by Devon who was excellent and very knowledgeable, entertaining and generally good fun. The safari trucks are open top, so remember a hat in hot weather, blankets and ponchos are provided if it rains or gets colder.
If you’re looking for Elephants, Gorah is the place. We saw a great deal of Elephants over the two days as well as a multitude of other animals including a black rhino. However, lions escaped us and no matter where we tried we didn’t get to see them. But that’s the fun of a safari, the unexpected and a few people complained on our trip about the wildlife, but my view was if you want guarantees go to a zoo…
This is a stunning place, the lodges are tented with thatched roofs. The interiors are so stylish and so comfortable, old colonial style. The staff are always happy to help and very friendly. Our guide Ashley was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and made our game drives very interesting. The main communal area was particularly beautiful at night completely lit with candles. We did have an issue with dinner one night, it wasn’t good but the next night it was delicious so they were forgiven!
The water hole at the main lodge attracts elephants, zebras, warthogs, water buffalo regularly so it’s great to sit on the verandah watching. It is a beautiful place and well worth a visit.
The rooms are amazing and very rustique. It is a tent with a beautiful view from the bed and a lovely little bathroom. There is no fence around the Lodges, so animals can be everywhere! But no worries, the lovely staff picks you up when it’s dark so you don’t have to walk from your room to the main lodge alone. Be aware that there is no AC in the rooms, however we didn’t mind this, since it gets quite cold at night and during the day you are busy with Safari, Swimming and relaxing outside anyways. There is a pool area, which is very relaxing, and the main house where all meals are served is also lovely.
Food was absolutely amazing, with a very traditional and chic cuisine and local ambiance. For lunch we didn’t have options, you get served a platter with several things on it, but there was definitely something for everybody!
How much does a room costs at Luxury tent Gorah Elephant Camp?
Prices start 1377$/night for Luxury Tent.
This luxury tent features a private deck with panoramic views of the reserve. It comes with tea -and-coffee-making facilities, a fan and safety deposit box.
The en suite bathroom has a bath and shower with free toiletries
Where to book online – Luxury tent Gorah Elephant Camp – Eco Friendly Hotels South Africa – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in South Africa during Cape Town Minstrel Carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in South Africa on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
5. Morukuru Beach Lodge 5* – Eco Friendly Lodges South Africa
Situated in De Hoop Nature Reserve, Morukuru Beach Lodge offers accommodation with free WiFi, as well as access to a hot tub.
The lodge offers a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hair dryer and bath. Some units feature a terrace and/or balcony.
A continental or buffet breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
Morukuru Beach Lodge offers an outdoor pool.
Upscale all-inclusive lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve, featuring dining, safaris & ocean views.
Beach House: designed around a lovely inner walled courtyard open to the sky but shielded from the wind, with a small plunge pool, hot tub and covered area with fireplace for dining. The airy, almost Scandinavian-style communal lounge comes with expansive views over the ocean through its wall to ceiling sliding windows, an array of sofas, cozy wood burning stove, and more tables and chairs for inside dining, as well as circular stairs up to the bar with more amazing vistas, sofas, ping pong table and an outdoor terrace perfect for stargazing. Four of the suites boast sweeping sea views while the fifth (honeymoon) looks east over the dunes, though it comes with outside tub and large deck to make up for it.
Eco-credentials: water comes from a 25 m borehole which is then apparently triply filtered and the staff village (round the corner) is covered in solar panels. There is no fridge in the room and because Morukuru is keen to minimise plastic, water is provided in glass bottles. Guides (and guests if they wish) usually pick up any rubbish they find on the marine walks (not that there was much).Food and drinks: included in the price, breakfast (8.00 – 9.30), lunch (13.00 – 15.00) and dinner (19.00 – 21.00) are served either indoors or out. Breakfast consists of a modest buffet featuring cereals, yogurts, fruit juice, fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses and charcuterie, plus the choice of a hot dish.
Guests are asked at breakfast what they want for dinner from a choice of three options, meat, fish and vegetarian though I believe special diets can be catered for. Entrée (set), main (meat, fish or vegetarian) followed by either dessert or a cheese platter. The food was the only slight let down, although well cooked and presented we felt there wasn’t really enough choice and it would get repetitive in the long run. While soft drinks, water and welcome drinks are complimentary, alcohol and sundowners aren’t and are settled at the end of the stay. Both the choice of wine (by the bottle or glass) and prices were very reasonable.
Activities: are also included in the price, with two offered daily, though guests can also go out on their own as the reserve is safe. The day’s activities are chalked on a board off the entrance but be sure to let the guides know what your interests are and they will do their utmost to accommodate them.
A charming team provides a very delightful hospitality and outstanding services. All is organized around your wishes and timetable. You just can relax and do nothing or have the whole day full of activities.
How much does a room costs at Lodge Morukuru Beach Lodge ?
Prices start 1119$/night for King Suite with Ocean View.
This suite has a balcony, seating area and soundproofing.
Where to book online – Lodge Morukuru Beach Lodge – Eco Friendly Lodges South Africa – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in South Africa during Cape Town Minstrel Carnival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in South Africa on Booking.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
