Top 10 Hotels in Salem (from $30) 2026 - Competitive Prices

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Our top choices for Salem hotels

African Safari Main Lodge | Terrace/patio

1. African Safari Lodge

Makhanda

Izak

$63 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total with taxes and fees

2. Seven Fountains Farm

Makhanda

"A really lovely and relaxing place to spend a few days whilst visiting the game reserves. Very attentive staff, a large and comfy bedroom A lookout deck, pool, hammock and outdoor seating area are all lovely, and would be fabulous in warmer weather. Three course dinner (set menu) was delicious and all home-prepared on site. The dining room is also very nice, and we were seated right by the fire - very welcome in August. The shower did go cold on us twice, but I think in winter it's harder...

Eleanor

$73 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Total with taxes and fees

3. 137 High Street Guest House

Makhanda

Dale

$78 nightly

Aug 14 - Aug 15

Total with taxes and fees

Economy Studio | Premium bedding, laptop workspace, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

4. AppleBee Guest Cottages

Makhanda

"No livestock or manger to be seen, but we came less than an hour after a last minute booking and were welcomed graciously, despite arriving near midnight on Christmas Eve. Beautiful little flat, well maintained and clean, gated parking and a lovely hostess. Stocked well with a continental breakfast, which we enjoyed at midnight and again in the morning... we’d not found any shops or restaurants for dinner due to the holiday. "

capepamela

$73 nightly

Aug 5 - Aug 6

Total with taxes and fees

5. Bartholomew's Loft

Makhanda

Sindiswa

$57 nightly

Aug 9 - Aug 10

Total with taxes and fees

6. Pumba Private Game Reserve

Makhanda

Manuel

$489 nightly

Aug 6 - Aug 7

Total with taxes and fees

7. Umbono Private Lodge

Alexandria

$155 nightly

Aug 7 - Aug 8

Total with taxes and fees

8. Kingston Farm

Bathurst

"One of the best stays we have ever had! We came in late but the place and the people were warm and welcoming. The breakfast was quite literally the best I’ve ever had. Homemade bread and pastries still steaming when she brought them out! Everything gourmet and fresh, every detail of place settings planned to perfection. My wife and I were truly impressed with everything! We just love people who put that much passion into welcoming others into their home. Bravo!"

James

$53 nightly

Aug 7 - Aug 8

Total with taxes and fees

9. Amabwe Guest House

Makhanda

$64 nightly

Aug 30 - Aug 31

Total with taxes and fees

10. Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa

West Bank

Hercules

$108 nightly

Aug 2 - Aug 3

Total with taxes and fees

11. My Pond Hotel

Port Alfred

Reinhardt

$56 nightly

Aug 12 - Aug 13

Total with taxes and fees

12. Ikwanitsha Lodge

Paterson

$152 nightly

Aug 5 - Aug 6

Total with taxes and fees

13. Kowie River Guest House

Port Alfred

Alistair

$87 nightly

Aug 8 - Aug 9

Total with taxes and fees

14. Bukela Game Lodge Amakhala Game Reserve

Paterson

"Bukela is a beautiful stay, facilities are great, friendly staff and our ranger (Sim) was very knowledgeable. Foodwise is really below average, just not good especially for a 5* resort. It felt like diner was prepared during the day and heated up in the evening, just not fresh. Breakfast was really poor. Only meal that was good was the lunch. No snacks during the day. Due to this matter i will not likely to visit Bukela again nor reconmend to anyone which is regretful as the staff and facilities...

Mingyuet

$537 nightly

Aug 2 - Aug 3

Total with taxes and fees

The Flatlet | Laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free), bed sheets

15. 1 on Ross

Makhanda

Stuart

$70 nightly

Aug 30 - Aug 31

Total with taxes and fees

16. Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Sidbury

Tatianna

$497 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Total with taxes and fees

17. Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve

Paterson

Susanne

$580 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Total with taxes and fees

18. Woodbury Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Sidbury

"Staff and guides were all excellent and thoroughly enjoyed the drives. Lodge and food also excellent and we met some fantastic people, however we very very disappointed with our accommodation. We had expected an individual lodge in a private and peaceful setting however we were situated in a lodge attached to another lodge just above the main lodge and kitchen block. So we could constantly hear noise of the kitchen preparations,plates and bins being emptied and staff singing and talking rather...

Rachel

$745 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Total with taxes and fees

Luxury Tent (Safari) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

19. Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Paterson

$508 nightly

Aug 13 - Aug 14

Total with taxes and fees

20. Founders Lodge by Mantis

Paterson

Andrew

$841 nightly

Aug 30 - Aug 31

Total with taxes and fees

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Top Salem Hotel Reviews

HillsNek Safari Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve

10/10 Excellent

"Amazing stay at HillsNek! Beautiful accommodation, incredible safaris, delicious food and amazing hospitality."

Woodbury Tented Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve

10/10 Excellent

"We had the most incredible stay at Woodbury Tented Camp in the AmaKhala Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived, Frankie made us feel so welcome, setting the tone for what turned out to be a truly memorable experience. The level of service was outstanding throughout. Athenkosi and Lizole looked after us beautifully during meals, always attentive, friendly, and ensuring every detail was just right. The game drives were a real highlight. Greg, our ranger, was fantastic—knowledgeable, passionate, and determined to give us the best possible sightings. We were lucky enough to see most of the Big 5 as well as giraffe and zebra, along with some unexpected treats like a black-backed jackal, a mongoose, and even a troop of baboons making an escape on our way out of the reserve. The tents were extremely comfortable, with everything we needed including air conditioning and heating, and the views over the reserve were simply stunning. Even the main pool overlooks the landscape, making it a perfect place to relax between drives. Meeting the owners, Gile and Jennifer, was another highlight. Their personal involvement and genuine care for guests really set this camp apart. This was a truly special experience, and we would absolutely love to return."

Safari Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent stay in Safari Lodge. Staff were super helpful and friendly. The game drives with Bon Bon were incredible as we saw so many animals and learnt about their behaviours. Each lodge was individually located so you had a strong sense of privacy. We even watched warthogs coming to drink at the water hole from our lodge. The food was very good. My one suggestion for improvement is either to have an indoor toilet near the dining areas or to spray the outdoor toilet with mosquito repellent each morning as the standing water meant it was full of mosquitos in the morning."

Pumba Private Game Reserve

10/10 Excellent

"This was our first safari which was absolutely amazing. We got to see 4 of the big 5. We had one of the bush lodges. The lodges themselves are beautiful and huge. Our only disappointment was that we were given one of the lodges without a view onto the plain and waterhole. I did request a lodge with a view but they cannot guarantee it. The bath is huge and the outdoor shower was fabulous. The food was really good too. The service and friendliness of the staff was impeccable. Our game driver was really knowledgeable and we got to see the white lions before anyone else showed up. The area is huge. You just never know what to expect. My only criticism was that in the book in your lodge they recommend that you tip the driver at least R300 per person per drive. Apart from this, it was a very memorable and delightful trip"

More cheap stays in Salem

Woodlands Cottages & Camping

Grahamstown Road R343 Kenton on Sea Eastern Cape

$26 nightly

$30 total

Aug 15 - Aug 16

Total with taxes and fees

Hotels in Salem with star-rating

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Salem?

Given Salem's distinct character as a tranquil, rural village, the best area to stay is within the village itself, particularly around the central common and along the main roads like the R342.

Salem Village offers a peaceful, rural retreat, characterized by its open spaces, historic church, and scattered farmsteads. The common is a central feature where local events sometimes occur, and the roads leading off it provide access to guesthouses and working farms.

This setting is ideal for couples seeking a quiet escape. They can enjoy leisurely walks, birdwatching, and the slow pace of country life.

What are the best family hotels in Salem?

For a family-friendly hotel in Salem, consider the Burlington Bush Cottages.

This 3.5-star property boasts a great 10.0 review rating and offers a range of features ideal for families. Guests can enjoy mountain views and a terrace or balcony with their accommodations. For active families, mountain biking is available nearby, and a beach is also within easy reach. The cottages provide bathrobes, adding a touch of comfort to your stay.

What are the most romantic hotels in Salem for couples?

For a romantic stay in Salem, Burlington Bush Cottages offers a wonderful experience for couples.

This 3.5-star accommodation, with an exceptional 10.0 rating, is well-suited for a romantic getaway. Many guests appreciate the beautiful mountain views and the private balconies, superb for enjoying quiet moments together. The cottages also offer bathrobes for added comfort, and there is a nearby beach for leisurely strolls.

When is the best time to go to Salem?

The best time to go to Salem, Eastern Cape, is during the South African spring and autumn months, specifically from September to November and March to May.

These periods offer pleasant temperatures, generally ranging from the low 20s to high 20s Celsius (70s to 80s Fahrenheit), and less rainfall than the summer months. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities like exploring the local farms, enjoying nature walks, or visiting historical sites like the Salem Church. Travelers looking for comfortable weather for sightseeing will find these months most agreeable.

For those interested in wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching, these shoulder seasons are also excellent. Many migratory bird species are present, and the mild weather makes for comfortable excursions.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Salem.

How much is the nightly rate at a Salem hotel?

Prices for hotels in Salem often vary, but you can find a great deal from $30 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.

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Our top choices for Salem hotels

1. African Safari Lodge

2. Seven Fountains Farm

3. 137 High Street Guest House

4. AppleBee Guest Cottages

5. Bartholomew's Loft

6. Pumba Private Game Reserve

7. Umbono Private Lodge

8. Kingston Farm

9. Amabwe Guest House

10. Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa

11. My Pond Hotel

12. Ikwanitsha Lodge

13. Kowie River Guest House

14. Bukela Game Lodge Amakhala Game Reserve

15. 1 on Ross

16. Kwantu Private Game Reserve

17. Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve

18. Woodbury Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

19. Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

20. Founders Lodge by Mantis

Top Salem Hotel Reviews

HillsNek Safari Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve

More cheap stays in Salem

Woodlands Cottages & Camping

Hotels in Salem with star-rating

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia