Best Family Hotels in South Africa

Overlooking the iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean, The Oyster Box is a 5-star hotel offering timeless luxury and comfort as part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and villas—some with private patios or plunge pools—each with handcrafted furnishings, complimentary Wi-Fi, and thoughtful amenities. Dining includes The Ocean Terrace, known for its famous curry and seafood buffets; The Grill Room, offering fine dining in a classic setting; and three distinctive bars: The Oyster Bar, the vintage-style Chukka Bar, and the rooftop Lighthouse Bar with panoramic ocean views. With two swimming pools, a serene spa, a private cinema, and a well-equipped gym, the hotel is ideal for both relaxation and celebration. Just steps from Umhlanga Village and the beach, the hotel is family-friendly, pet-friendly, and perfectly suited for honeymoons, group getaways, and memorable occasions. Free private parking is available.

- "Very good getaway for a couple of days but very expensive." - "Baie dankie Sereesha, Callum en die hele personeel vir julle uitstekende diens, vriendelikheid en professionele diens! O" - "Fantastic hotel and awesome Team!" - "Great stay at Oyster Box." - "From 15 to 85 years old - everyone loved the stay!" - "Always a pleasure to stay at the Oyster Box." - "Magnificent property with old world charm!" - "Our stay was spectacular"

Nestled at the eastern head of Knysna, this luxurious, pet-friendly hotel features a championship golf course, a restaurant and a spa. Free WiFi is provided. "All suites feature private bathrooms, fireplaces, smart TVs, and free WiFi. Our Nature Hot Tub suites offer a relaxing experience of wood-fired hot tubs surrounded by natural beauty, while our Sky Suites offer stunning views of the lagoon, ocean, or golf course. As a retreat, Pezula Nature Retreat places wellness as a priority and features a top-class wellness center and spa that includes a fully equipped gym, heated pool, sauna, steam room, invigorating rainforest showers, and exceptional treatment facilities Zachary’s Grill Room Restaurant, provides a delightful dining experience with a menu crafted for family dining, offering sustainable meal choices that support local farmers and businesses For outdoor enthusiasts, there are ample opportunities for adventure, from scenic hikes along the resident Fisherman's trail to exclusive trips to Noetzie Beach, a private beach on the Estate." "Central Knysna is is within 15 minutes' drive and George is 43 mi from Pezula Hotel.

- "It was marvelous." - "I enjoyed everything about the trip" - "Take a break from life and connect with yourself in a relaxing and enjoyable surrounding." - "The best anniversary ever(32 years)" - "It was exceptionally good." - "Staff went above n beyond, we got 7 star quality service" - "We had an absolute amazing stay and experience!" - "Would definitely rebook if in the area" - "perfect weekend get away" - "An amazing experience in my beautiful south Africa ... felt like I was in Monaco ..."

Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa in Herolds Bay features an 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els. The resort has 3 gourmet restaurants, an award-winning spa and panoramic views of the ocean and Outeniqua Mountains. All of the stylish rooms and suites at the Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa feature a spacious marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed rain showers, separate baths and environmentally friendly bath products. Guests can relax in front of the 32-inch LCD TV with cable and satellite channels. Cucina serves breakfast in a contemporary setting with indoor and outdoor seating, while meals can be enjoyed in a cozy environment at Herolds Bistro and Bar. The more casual Clubhouse Restaurant offers views of the surrounding golf course. Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa offers a range of traditional African remedies and European treatments in the Freesia Spa. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool and the gym, which features sophisticated cardiovascular and weight-lifting equipment. Other facilities offered include a tennis and squash court, a business and conference center, a whale viewing deck, and a Golf Pro shop. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from George Airport.

- "A beautiful experience." - "Rugby tournament" - "I loved it" - "Was a short stay, breakfast was very good and our families rooms were together which was nice" - "Lovely stay!" - "Very comfortable and relaxed stay." - "Great and relaxing" - "Lovely place" - "Pleasant" - "Comfortable and upmarket, yet sole-less and impersonal.." - "A pleasant stay but could have been better" - "Pleasant, to short, but I’d like to re-visit"

Arniston Spa Hotel is located on coastal cliffs, just 1312 feet from Arniston Beach between two nature reserves. It offers panoramic views of the beachfront as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning and features full spa facilities, a swimming pool and a restaurant. The spacious rooms all come with balconies and seating areas with satellite TV. Some rooms also have a fireplace. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. At the Ginkgo Spa guests can relax in the Turkish steam room, two saunas, and several treatment and massage rooms. The restaurant overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers fresh local seafood. Arniston Spa Hotel is 14 mi from Bredasdorp and 27 mi from the Cape Agulhas southernmost tip of Africa. Cape Town International Airport is located 118 mi away.

- "Never been disappointed. Lovely atmosphere, comfortable bed" - "Wonderful time in Arniston" - "Marvelous!!!" - "Great service" - "Superb Hotel" - "Fabulous hotel but not enough to do in the village" - "Fabulous!" - "We'll be back" - "Great stay, welcome and friendly staff which made us feel like we were regulars, feeling spoiled." - "Awesome views! Sea view room a must!" - "Most enjoyable" - "Rejuvenating seaside stay in quiet hamlet"

This 4-star guest lodge is located on the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains and is home to a working ostrich farm. Old Mill Lodge offers air-conditioned rooms, some of which features a balcony overlooking the garden, river and mountain. Freshly-prepared meals can be savored in Old Mill Lodge’s restaurant, offering picturesque views of Grobelaars River. A range of activities are featured at Old Mill Lodge, Seasonal Working Ostrich Farm & Restaurant, Oudtshoorn including hiking, fishing and bird watching. There are 3 swimming pools, a trampoline, zipline, bunny and pony park, as well as boats on the dam. The impressive Cango Caves are just a 10-minute drive away.

- "Great stay in a tent by the river" - "A beautiful stay in an excellent location. this place is perfect for a family holiday." - "Wonderful stay at Old Mill." - "Awesome place and great value for money" - "It was brief, but wonderful" - "Calmness" - "Ideal location for visiting attractions in Oudtshoorn. Fantastic restaurant for dinner. Friendly and helpful staff." - "Good vallue for money" - "Excellent farm and location"

Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, The Estuary Hotel & Spa offers accommodations in Port Edward. The hotel has magnificent views across the estuary and beach. The rooms at the hotel come with a balcony, air conditioning and private bathroom with bath and shower. Each room offers satellite TV, tea-and-coffee making facilities and a desk. The Fish Eagle Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch an dinner and there is also a bar for cocktails and drinks. Other facilities and services at the hotel include conference rooms, banqueting facilities and babysitting services. Body treatments and massages can be arranged at the spa. There are several golf courses located nearby, such as Port Edward Country Club, Wild Coast and San Lameer. Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is within 15 minutes' drive.

- "Was a perfect weekend away. Totally relaxing. Cannot wait to go back" - "Love staying at the Estuary always value for money" - "Exceptional" - "Very good" - "Excellent stay" - "Beautiful stay before the start of the Pondoland Trail by WildChild" - "Thoroughly enjoyed our stay" - "Thank you Esturay Hotel. If we will have to stay in your area- you are our choice." - "Great location!" - "My stay was good and the was friendly starting from security guard, reception cleaning staff and wai"

Located in Ballito, 22 miles from Umhlanga lighthouse, The Capital Zimbali has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a garden. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a kids' club and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Rooms contain an electric tea pot, while certain rooms are equipped with a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a stovetop. The rooms have a closet. The breakfast offers buffet, continental or Full English/Irish options. The Capital Zimbali has a playground. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ballito, like cycling. Guests can use the business center or relax in the bar. Kings Park Stadium is 31 miles from The Capital Zimbali, while Umhlali Country Club is 5.2 miles from the property. King Shaka International Airport is 12 miles away.

- "Superb" - "My holiday was what I needed and more. Definitely coming back" - "Holiday of choice" - "Everything was perfect, friendly staff 😍" - "Amazing the service from the gate security to the restaurant staff, the room was neat the buffet was yummy we loved ever" - "Extraordinary, Exceptional & Experiential!!!" - "Exceptional" - "EXCELLENT" - "I received what I paid for and expected to get" - "Staff extremely friendly and excellent place to visit"