South Africa is a beautiful country with a rich history connected to Black culture. Today, it is thriving as a hotspot for tourism on the African continent. In 2023, 3.5 million people visited South Africa, and the numbers have continued to grow in post-pandemic years. Now, Black-owned hotels and stays are working overtime to accommodate excited tourists exploring the country.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate boutique hotel or a private villa for your upcoming group trip, Black-owned hotels in South Africa have much to offer. Although there aren’t many Black-owned hotels in the country, check out these six accommodations to see what works best for your next trip.
Daze House
Located in Observatory, Johannesburg, the Daze House is an art-forward hospitality experience. The boutique hotel is a favorite for travelers visiting South Africa. Each room is painted in vibrant hues with matching bedding and decor. The rooms are inspired by different African countries, and online reviews praise the hotel staff for their outstanding service.
- Location: Johannesburg
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Before You Go: If you’re traveling with a furry friend, Daze House is a pet-friendly hotel.
iKaya Lodge
At the iKaya Lodge, African heritage is celebrated throughout the property. It’s the epitome of home away from home, and guests enjoy the warm, vibrant atmosphere the staff creates. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and boutiques for you to explore.
- Location: Cape Town
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Before You Go: One of the best things about the iKaya Lodge is the fantastic views from the Table Mountains.
Villa 37 On Westridge
Travelers seeking privacy and luxury in South Africa should book a stay at Villa37. The villa has coastal views of the sea and is perfect for large groups or families. It has four large bedrooms, a private pool, a full kitchen, a patio, and more.
- Location: Umhlanga
- Type of Accommodation: Villa
- Before You Go: The villa is in a prime location less than 20 minutes from the King Shaka International Airport, Chartwell Drive, and Gateway.
Curiocity
Curiocity has many accommodations spread across South Africa. The brand offers homey, affordable spaces for travelers who want to connect and immerse themselves in the local culture. The properties are hotspots for group travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads.
- Location: Multiple Locations
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Before You Go: Some of the Curiocity locations have live music on the weekends, providing guests with easy access to entertainment.
Kruger Shalati
Wellness and nature are the focus at Kruger Shalati. With rooms built into a suspended train car, the accommodation is unique and provides majestic views of the surrounding national park. They have rooms in the train car and the connecting bridge house. The suspended train car hangs over the Sabie River. In the 1920s, guests would ride up to the same spot Kruger sits today to explore the park. Now, travelers in South Africa can have the same experience. A stay at Kruger is decadent and immersive into South Africa’s wilderness terrain.
- Location: Kruger National Park
- Type of Accommodation: Suspended Car Train
- Before You Go: Kruger has three swimming pools for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Soweto Hotel
The Soweto Hotel is a historical gem in South Africa. The Black-owned, woman-owned hotel honors the country’s Black history by honoring the Black struggle to end apartheid. Soweto received a four-star rating from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. It has standard and presidential room styles, all decorated to tell the country’s history.
- Location: Johannesburg
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Before You Go: If you’re interested in learning more about Black South African history, the hotel staff at Soweto can help guests find tours and activities in the city.
Next time you’re in South Africa, book a stay at a Black-owned hotel or accommodation for prime hospitality, sheer opulence, and a unique experience. Depending on your accommodation preferences, they have something for every traveler.
