South African travellers have traditionally preferred and enjoyed relatively cheap self-catering accommodation. The increase in international tourism since 1994 has sadly decreased the supply of this much sought after accommodation type.

	Photographer: EcoTravel Africa

There does, however, seem to be a comeback and the supply of affordable self-catering accommodation is once again increasing.

An option for international travellers is the emergance of up-market backpackers, which offer, twins / doubles / triples and sometimes en-suite budget accommodation at very reasonable prices. Please note that the self-catering facilities are most often shared with other guests and the dormitories!

For greater privacy and independence, one can select a self-contained and fully equipped self catering unit, apartment, cottage or holiday house where each unit has its own fully equipped kitchen.

Visitors exploring the countryside find staying on a farm enjoyable, and economical – such holidays are especially popular with families, with milking to watch and animals to stroke. Sample mother nature at her best.

Working farms offer overnight accommodation for the enjoyment and education of guests. Choose self catering or catered accommodation with delicious farmhouse cooking; private self-contained cottages or lodging in a traditional farmhouse.

A selection of South African self catering establishments, ranging from luxury to budget:

Phumula Kruger Lodge
This 3 star rated lodge offers luxury self catering, fully catered and bed & breakfast accommodation in Marloth Park, a proclaimed Nature Conservation Holiday Town sharing a +- 17km common border (along the Crocodile River) with the Kruger National Park.

Alkmaar Farmstay
Alkmaar Farmstay offers B&B and selfcatering and is set in the heart of the Lowveld in the Schagen Valley on the Maputo Corridor 10 minutes from Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga.