Hotels continue to open around South Africa as small boutiques and large chains like Marriott continue to get in on the country’s growing tourism industry.
Here are two new properties, along with with a tree house to try out on your next trip to South Africa.
City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City, Midrand
City Lodge Waterfall City (Midrand) / Courtesy of clhg.com
Located in Midrand in the heart of Waterfall City is the newest addition to City Lodge Hotel Group’s portfolio, City Lodge Hotel Waterfall City.
The hotel opened in December 2014 and features 149 rooms, though as of now, only the first 35 rooms are open — the other rooms will be fully opened in February.
Some of the amenities include a sundowner bar, swimming pool, fitness room, and wireless internet throughout the premises.
It also happens to be in a convenient location, only 15 minutes from Sandton’s CBD, five minutes from Midrand’s CBD and the Gautrain station, and 40 minutes from the CBD’s of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Business travelers will enjoy the convenience, as it’s also close to conference venues such as Gallagher Convention Centre and Kyalami Racetrack & Exhibition Centre.
Waterfall City is a multi-use property that is being developed near the future Mall of Africa shopping center.
Protea Hotel Mowbray, Western Cape
Protea Hotel Mowbray / Photo courtesy of proteahotels.com
This new hotel is set inside a historical Cape Dutch Manor is set to open on February 1.
It will mostly target corporate travelers, though the cushy confines would certainly make a great weekend getaway out of Cape Town
The hotel will feature 70 rooms, an elegant boardroom for up to 12 delegates available to all guests and serve a full English breakfast daily in the restaurant.
Additional amenities include a swimming pool, bar, lounge, landscaped gardens, secure onsite parking, and separate baths and showers.
It’s conveniently located for weekend getaways in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, only 10 minutes from Cape Town CBD and the V&A Waterfront, and just 15 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
Kameeldoorn Tree House, Mokala National Park, Northern Cape
Mokala National Park / Shutterstock
While it’s been open for awhile now, this tree house perched inside a giant acacia tree in Mokala National Park is any kid’s (and many adult’s) dream vacation.
The location inside the park and stunning views are the biggest draws, but we think the tree house itself is also super cool.
Inside the tree house is a wooden and thatched-roofed cabin with a double bed, shower room and small kitchenette with a gas burner.
For those wanting modern conveniences, be mindful there is no electricity on the premises.
However, with views overlooking Kameeldoring Pan where you can just wait and see wildlife come by, you will quickly forget about these conveniences.
The property is conveniently located in Northern Cape, and is just an hour drive away from Kimberly.
Mokala is SANParks newest park (opening in 2007) and offers a landscape of acacia woodland in the south of the park, with grassy plains in the north (perfect for game viewing).
The tree house can only be booked directly via the park by calling (053) 204 0158.
For a quick glimpse inside the beautiful location, check out this video from Ian McNairn.
