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Top 10 Hot Springs to Rejuvenate in South Africa
Hot springs have been known to therapeutically enhance one’s health, wellness, and overall mood (aside from providing the opportunity to bond with loved ones!). It’s not surprising then that these hot springs are popular across the globe.
Luckily, South Africa also has a ton of these places for you to try. We listed down the best hot springs for you to dip into as you travel your way across the rainbow nation!
1. Shu Shu, Eshowe
From tourism_kzn
Address: Eshikishini, South Africa
Website: https://eshowe.com/shushu-hot-springs/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
If you want to feel really close to Mother Nature, then Shu Shu Hot Springs might be the spot for you. This is an all-natural hot spring that bubbles from the ground up during certain seasons (specifically during mid-winter or July).
Visiting with your family and friends during winter is also a treat, as the water levels of the hot springs during this period are low, revealing unique rock formations in the vicinity.
Regardless of your time of visit, the area is gorgeous and surrounded by lush greenery!
| Pro Tip: You can camp around the hot spring ideally during July, but you do need to bring your own supplies and camping equipment. There are no nearby stores, so you need to bring your essentials (e.g. food) before heading out. |
2. Lilani, Greytown
From voice_japan
Address: Eshane, South Africa
Website: https://www.greytown.co.za/lilani.html
Contact Number: 072 515 6236
Operating Hours:
- Depends on the tour arranged
Lilani Hot Springs is a great spot to visit if you want to enjoy hot rejuvenating waters while taking in the rural feel of the area. There are a total of 4 pools in the area, and you can choose which ones you want to use depending on your preference.
Once you’re done dipping in the soothing waters of the hot spring, you can take a stroll around the property to take in the sights. Nature lovers will have a field day here thanks to the different flora and fauna one can encounter onsite.
| Pro Tip: You can book a tour of the Lilani Hot Springs by calling Ms. Colleen at 072 515 6236. Once you’ve booked your tour, you can then choose to stay overnight in the area by renting either a flat or a rondavel (traditional stone house). |
3. Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort
From ubongi_mazibuko
Address: Paulpietersburg, South Africa
Website: https://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/NatalSpa/
Contact Number: +27349950300
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, Check-in time of 2:00 PM and check-out time of 10:00 AM
Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort is one of the most ideal spots in South Africa to recharge and rejuvenate thanks to its well-curated and top-notch facilities and activities. Aside from the hot springs, they also have a pool, an aquapark, and a sauna.
Once you’ve had your fill of the different activities and amenities they have on the property, you can then check into one of their elegant rooms right inside the resort. You can go for one of their Deluxe Double Rooms for 2 guests or their family room for 4.
| Pro Tip: The best thing about this resort is that you don’t have to travel far to get some delicious meals or enjoy a couple of drinks. They have 2 restaurants (The Big Rock and Bistro) and 2 bars (Raptors Bar and Boulders Bar) that you can try! |
4. Warmwaterberg Spa
Address: Scenic Cape Route 62, South Africa, Warmwaterberg, 6750, South Africa
Website: https://warmwaterbergspa.co.za/
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Open 24 hours
Warmwaterberg Spa boasts one of the best hot spring experiences in the country with its hot mineral waters and a plethora of choices when it comes to accommodations and activities. You can go for either their studio houses, timber chalets, or caravans.
There is also the option to go camping with the spa’s 25 different grassy campsites. From your camping area, you can head down to the hot waters of the springs any time of the day you want, or you can simply stay in your chosen accommodation and relax!
| Pro Tip: This site is a self-catering accommodation, which means it’s ideal for those who want to DIY (such as their campsite set up). There is a bar and a restaurant here that are full-service, but other than that, it’s just you and nature! |
5. Goudini Spa
Address: Wyzers Drift Road, Rawsonville, 6845, South Africa
Website: https://goudinispa.co.za/home/
Contact Number: +27 23 349 8100
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Check-in time at 2:00 PM and check-out time at 10:00 AM
Goudini Spa promises an activity-filled holiday that will make you wish you had more time for your holidays. On top of their healing mineral baths and hot pools, guests can enjoy their tennis and volleyball courts along with their game room and trail hikes.
You also don’t have to travel far for your other vacation needs, as the Goudini Spa has a convenience store and a restaurant. In addition, you can pamper yourself even further by getting a beauty treatment at the onsite beauty clinic.
| Pro Tip: Goudini Spa sometimes has special events or entertainment activities based on the season or holiday. As such, we recommend that you check out their website for any offers or ongoing promotions. |
6. The Baths, Citrusdal
Address: The Baths Farm, The Baths Road, 7340, South Africa
Website: https://thebaths.co.za/
Contact Number: 022 921 8026/7
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Baths Citrusdal is designed to be enjoyed with family and friends, and it shows especially with how their facilities are set up. You can choose to stay in one of their 16 chalets or 19 flats with braai areas and a kitchen to cook your own meals.
There are two large hot spring pools onsite with waters that average around 43 degrees Celsius—ideal for rejuvenation! Your group can also enjoy the other activities available at the resort such as their tennis court, trampoline, pool table, and kids playground!
| Pro Tip: If you want to further enjoy the rural vibe of the area along with the natural beauty of Citrusdal, then you can go hiking on any of the two scenic trails. You can get great views of the nearby river and possibly spot some wildlife. |
7. The Hydro and Spa at Badplaas
From mzwaba_blakz
Address: R38, Badplaas, eManzana, 1190, South Africa
Website: http://www.foreverbadplaas.co.za/
Contact Number: +27178448000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, Check-in time of 3:00 PM and check-out time of 11:00 AM
The Hydro and Spa at Badplaas is located in one of the most impressive resorts in South Africa. With tons of activities to do and lots of locations to discover, you can easily spend a couple of days at this resort that you probably have to extend your vacation!
Their hot spring pool uses heated mineral water that’s designed to rejuvenate your entire body especially if combined with other spa treatments being offered here (e.g., massage and sauna).
Other resort attractions to try include their water park and golf course!
| Pro Tip: If you want something more physically demanding while staying at the resort, you can also go on their mountain bike trail or engage in some paintball games. Just ask the resort staff about how you can avail of these activities. |
8. Klein Kariba
Address: 586J+Q7, R101, Bela-Bela, 0480, South Africa
Website: https://www.atkvoorde.co.za/Oorde/Klein-Kariba
Contact Number: +27147369800
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 AM
Klein Kariba Resort offers great versatility for its guests, and depending on your preferences, you can choose to relax and rejuvenate your own way! Aside from their hot springs and heated pools, they also have a cold outdoor and splash pool for you to try.
You also have the option to do unique activities here that you won’t find in other resorts. These include horseback riding, a game of rugby, a game of golf (on a miniature course), four-wheel motorcycle riding, and video games (during school holidays).
| Pro Tip: If you have the passion to do something death-defying, then there’s a nearby facility that offers parachuting and tandem jumps. Just inquire with resort staff about these nearby locations to avail of these activities. |
9. Riemvasmaak Hot Springs
From dallasafrica
Address: Riemvasmaak, South Africa
Website: https://www.riemvasmaak.co.za/riemvasmaak-hot-springs/
Contact Number: +27 73 383 8812
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Riemvasmaak Hot Springs has one of the most unique feels among the resorts on this list. It’s located in the desert wilderness surrounded by mountain cliffs and walls and rocky soil giving it more of an isolated and outer-space (lunar!) vibe.
Their hot springs here are divided into two portions—a circular one where you can sit and relax with your group and a rectangular one for dipping or swimming. They’re all set against the backdrop of granite cliffs, making these pools ideal spots for some photos!
| Pro Tip: While the resort offers accommodations such as 4-bed and 8-bed chalets, you should bring your own cooking utensils and supplies. You also need to bring your own supply of water (4 litres per day per person, according to the resort). |
10. Cradock Spa
From hope_ndamase_
Address: S32.1357678, E25.6250337 8.5 km North of, Cradock, 5880, South Africa
Website: https://showme.co.za/tourism/cradock-mountain-hot-springs-eastern-cape/
Contact Number: 012 549 4347
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on Saturday to Sunday
Cradock Spa has something unique going for it since aside from being an indoor hot spring, it has access to sulphur water, which is known for its positive health effects, especially in combating rheumatism. This isn’t the only pool here though!
If you want to beat the summer heat, there’s also an Olympic-sized pool here with cold water for you to swim or run some laps in. You can also hike along the banks of the nearby Fish River to take in the serene view of the area.
| Pro Tip: The Cradock Spa also offers accommodation and camping sites with their own braai area. However, you need to bring your own cooking supplies and food items, as there are no stores inside or near the resort. |
