10 Cottages in Africa: Best hotel deals for 2023

The Retreat at Ngorongoro is a meticulously bird themed lodge set within 30 acres of land with clear emphasis on nature and birdlife in the area. As you walk around the lodge, you will be amazed at how nature has been integrated into this development. Due consideration has been made to ensure that space, privacy and close to nature experience is enhanced.

Asha Boutique Hotel is a charmingly small, intimate and exclusive beach lodge in Diani. It is lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean. It features six spacious Swahili-styled rooms clustered around a central pool and overlooking the silver-white sands of Diani Beach. Asha Boutique Hotel entrance is over a lily pond and stands amid exquisite tropical gardens.

We re running a small game farm on 87 hectares with a few giraffes, bontebok, springbok, eland, wildebeest,reebok, sables, kudu, steenbok, water buck and much more. A haven for wildlife with stunning views. Our 3 cottages offer our guests privacy and we guarantee you will see game during your visit. Fishing in full season at the farm. Guaranteed to catch something at the middle dam or the first bottle wine is on us! :) We also encourage you to walk or cycle the farm. We've built up some stunning picnic areas, ideal for sunsets. Families with kids, and lovers of nature are our favorite guests. Children get a chance to experience normal farm life at the bottom of the farm if they wish, and the green folks are welcome to collect their own veggies if they wish to do so. Permaculture and water conservation are a big part of our philosophy, and we try as best we can, to preserve the local ecosystem. We've done many mistakes on our farm, and we will make many more:)

Nestled amidst leafy Milkwood trees, on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon, The Milkwood Collection offers a variety of self-catering accommodation to suit everyone’s taste. Our waterfront villas, Milkwood Bay and Number Eleven offer five-star luxury with private swimming pools. For more affordable options, choose between Paquita – a villa perfectly situated on the water's edge – Horizon – a spacious family villa overlooking the bay – or one of Under Milkwood's 16 cosy two-bedroom timber chalets. Our properties are a short amble away from the famous Knysna Heads - the two impressive sandstone peaks guarding the Knysna Lagoon entrance which opens into the Indian Ocean. The Milkwood Collection is one of the few establishments in the area with direct access to the beach. The lagoon's calm and shallow shores allow safe swimming for kids and endless opportunities for water sports. The only challenge every morning is to decide between paddling a complimentary kayak or SUP board or enjoying a casual stroll across the wide stretch of beach during low tide.

Buckler’s Africa Lodge by BON Hotels is a luxury lodge boasting sixteen units including kitchenettes, bathrooms and air conditioning, located just minutes away from the Kruger National Park’s Crocodile Bridge Gate. Ranging from two-to four-sleeper options, Buckler’s is the ideal destination for a romantic retreat or exciting family getaway. Alcohol will not be sold on the property, but guests are welcome to bring along their preferred beverages for the duration of their stay, alternatively the team will be glad to facilitate, subject to prior arrangements made.

The Ivy Apartments are a collection of 9 luxury self catering one- and two- bedroom apartments, (breakfast by prior arrangement) situated uniquely on the main strip of Franschhoek Village. The apartments are fitted with bamboo flooring, air conditioning, modern integrated appliances and every convenience you could require. Safe and secure onsite parking. Sparkling pool for those beautiful summer days. Pet friendly, bring the whole family. Superior finishes and decor. Central heating, electric blankets and plush comfortable beds. Gowns and bottled water provided complimentary, refreshed daily. Daily cleaning service daily.

At the foot of the Middagkrans mountain and only a ten-minute walk from the beautiful village of Franschhoek, lies the historic Bo La Motte Farm, which has been returned to its 'Wine Farm' origins with the harvest being processed in the restored wine cellar. Only ten minutes walk from Franschhoek village, the gourmet centre of South Africa, Bo La Motte Wine Farm has five beautifully furnished self-catering cottages, all in their own unique settings around the farm.

Many a childhood would have been spent playing in the world of ‘make-believe’. Within this imaginary existence many of us will have climbed and played high up in the bows and branches and, for the lucky few, built a ‘palace’ in the sky. It is this nostalgic sparkle that is all too visible in the eyes of the ‘grown-ups’ who gaze upon Tarangire Treetops for the first time. Tarangire Treetops sits serenely on the border of the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. As you arrive at the Lodge, you are immediately greeted by a blaze of colour and a host of smiles all of which belong to the local Maasai tribesmen who have become part of the enchanting story that is Tarangire Treetops.

Raptor Rise guest farm was established in 2010 and has been built up over the years to offer guests the most enjoyable and relaxing time away from home. Located in Tulbagh’s incredible 'Valley of Abundance' only 121km from Cape Town and in the heart of the Western Cape Winelands, it's the ultimate countryside destination for rest and relaxation. The farm offers a variety of self-catering accommodation options, each with unique views of the magnificent surroundings – suitable for small, intimate getaways or large gatherings of up to 32 people. It's also the perfect accommodation option for wedding parties.

Stunning 4 Star graded self catering cottages, situated in the Hemel-En Aarde Valley of Hermanus.The eight cottages, which sleep from two to six guests, are tastefully decorated and fully equipped to make your stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible.Wake up to breathtaking views across the valley to the mountains beyond, and soak in the peace which surrounds this little piece of heaven and tranquil mountain retreat.Visit this mountain retreat for a weekend, or a weekday getaway only 1 ½ hours drive from Cape Town International Airport.