Where to stay in South Africa

South Africa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There is a rumor that every other house in South Africa is a B&B. We are sure this is an exaggeration but only a slight one. There are literally thousands of B&Bs, guest farms, lodges, game parks and other variations on the same theme. So how to sort them out?

An organization called The Portfolio Collection (Box 132, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town, South Africa; phone [+27] 21 689 4020 or visit www.portfoliocollection.com) makes the job a lot easier. They publish three pocket-sized guides: “The Country Places Collection,” “The Retreats Collection” and “The Bed and Breakfast Collection.” The B&Bs, lodges, etc., in these publications pay to advertise, but, importantly, they are vetted by Portfolio, which sets a very high standard.

In addition to the three publications, at their excellent website you can view all the establishments and book them either directly (e-mails for the individual properties are provided) or through Portfolio.

For our trip to South Africa a few years ago we booked directly, eliminating the middleman, although the middleman in this case can be helpful! There is a huge range of choices.

TIM BROSNAHAN
Montreal, France

Editor’s note: The Portfolio Collection also has properties in Swaziland and Mozambique. The pocket guides are free of charge. On the website, the traveler can specify price — budget, middle, upper, top end — and desired amenities such as restaurant or self-catering, working farm, golf, whale-watching, etc.

Examples of properties listed in 2005 ranged from the Beachwalk B&B in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, for R220 (near $34) per person, sharing or R345 ($53) single… to the Sediba Private Game Lodge in Welgevonden, South Africa, offering private lodges plus a spa, gym, massage therapist, restaurant and more, for from R3,700 ($567) sharing or R4,500 ($689) single.