10 Top-Rated Lodges in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Thunzi in isiXhosa means "in the shade," describing a typical lazy afternoon in the forest valley. This tranquil sanctuary of coastal forest can be found 20 minutes West of Port Elizabeth and is nestled at the base of a 44 hectare private valley overlooking a pristine and lush river wetland. Luxury 4* Self-catering Chalets are fully equipped and have their own private boma's nestled under a milkwood/acacia tree in the indigenous forest where family and friends can gather and enjoy a few drinks and braai (barbeque). Added extras for your convenience include various DSTV select, dressing gowns, air-conditioning, tea/coffee amenities, mini chocolates, heating, hair dryer, daily housekeeping service and laundry facilities. There is a free Wi-Fi hotspot at the reception area and cellphone reception throughout the estate. Guests can enjoy bird watching, bass fishing, forest walks, spa treatments as well as beach walks and sand boarding at the Maitland Beach only 3km from Thunzi. Gourmet picnics are on offer Tuesdays to Sundays and you don't have to be an overnight guest to enjoy this - day visitors more than are welcome!

VALLEY BUSHVELD COUNTRY LODGE is an owner managed upmarket four star Guest Lodge (B&B) close to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Eastern Cape is called 'Naturally South Africa's Best' with a million hectare of malaria-free, big 5 game viewing, fantastic beauty and endless beaches. The Lodge is situated on a private game reserve which boasts over 17 species of wild game animals and antelope. Our beautiful lodge overlooks a valley and rocky cliffs - an exquisite, once in a lifetime scenery. Bright orange sunsets add to the romance. In the distance if you should want to explore the valley, you will discover a little river, natural rock face and a natural unharmed environment with its own wildlife. Spoil yourself in the while sipping on South African champagne and fine wines. The view from the is out of this world and you have the chance to spot wild antelope. We offer safari tours to Addo and open vehicle tours to view the giraffes close.

Amani Guest Lodge, tucked away within the tree-lined suburb of Walmer, Port Elizabeth, is a welcoming retreat for those seeking the best of city living, combined with the warmth and comfort of a true African lodge. "Amani" is a Swahili word that means 'place of peace,' carefully chosen to represent the sheer luxury and relaxation of this sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city living. The African cultures are known for their warmth and hospitality. Amani Guest Lodge is dedicated to maintaining this important theme, treating each guest to a unique, indulgent experience during their time in the Friendly City, as Port Elizabeth is affectionately known. Our sophisticated decor, attention to detail and graceful gardens all play their part in ensuring that our guests are pampered and relaxed at Amani Guest Lodge. In addition, Walmer is centrally located. Amani Guest Lodge is, therefore, within a few minutes' drive of the airport, major shopping centres, doctors, hospitals and even the beautiful beaches for which the Eastern Cape is known and loved. *** New ownership since 25th February 2016 ***

Lauricedale Country House and Garden Rooms is a self-catering facility on a smallholding in the tranquil suburb of Theescombe, Port Elizabeth. It’s a peaceful and relaxing environment which is perfect for families, groups of people, couples looking for a peaceful, romantic getaway or a person on their own just looking for some peaceful time to themselves. For those participating in sports events, there is ample space for the storage of equipment and vehicles.

Shamwari Game Reserve - The Pride of the Eastern Cape!Bayethe Lodge offers the ultimate in Luxury Tented Accommodation.Bayethe is a splendid stone walled & thatch roofed Lodge with a large Deck Area overlooking a Waterhole. There is a double volume Lounge & Dining Area which spills out onto the Deck which is adjacent to the outside Boma for traditional fireside Dining under the stars. The 9 Luxury Tents are camouflaged under trees allowing for ample privacy & unsurpassed comforts. Each Tent is Air-Conditioned & heated & has an En-Suite Bathroom, Shower, private Plunge Pool & viewing Deck.The 3 Premier Tents at Bayethe Hills are the ultimate in tented luxury. These Tents offer the additional luxuries of a Fireplace, Satellite TV, Plunge Pool & Hammocks suspended out of the wooden Decks. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.

Kleinrivier Mountain Escapes is situated only 70km from Port Elizabeth on a 3000Ha wilderness area sharing two borders with Groendal Nature reserve, just north of Uitenhage, in the picturesque Eastern Cape. Kleinrivier offers you the ideal breakaway from the pressures of city life. Explore pristine mountain fynbos, rest in the shade of riverine forests or stroll through Karoo tropical thicket . Be startled by the thunder of kudu breaking cover and amazed at how nimbly klipspringer leap from boulder to boulder. Enjoy tranquility and comfort at our various accommodation, whether you are a group of family and friends or looking for a romantic break away, we have the ideal solution. Options include our Black Eagle Tented Camp, The Dassiekrans Cabins, Peppertree Cottage and Soetdoring Campsite, each offering privacy entwined with nature and a unique wilderness experience. The accommodation is ideal for birders and hiker. If you prefer a more laid back approach then just wait on your deck and the birds will come to you! For those with a little more energy there are a number of hiking trails to explore and mountain pools to swim in as well as our Stone Mountain Lodge slackpacking option.

Shamwari Game Reserve - The Pride of the Eastern Cape!Eagles Crag is nestled in a Valley & provides the ultimate Luxury for the most discerning of Travellers. Each of the nine Superior Rooms has been built to maximize the privacy of the Guest in the most tranquil of settings. The En-Suite Suites boast a Private Deck with Pool, as well as, Indoor & Outdoor Showers. Decorated in light & contemporary colours, with wall-to-wall Glass Doors on two sides, these Suites provide stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. There are various dining venue options to enjoy the exquisite cuisine served at Eagles Crag. There is the upper floor Dining Room, the expansive balconies with stunning views of the cliff, the lower deck & the outdoor Boma under the stars around the fire. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.