This is What South Africa's Grading System Really Means ...

Star Grading in a Nutshell:

1 STAR

Fair to good (acceptable / modest) quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care. Clean, comfortable and functional accommodation.

2 STARS

Good quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

3 STARS

Very good quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

4 STARS

Superior (excellent) comfort and quality. High standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

5 STARS

Exceptional quality, luxury accommodation (on par with best international standards). Highest standard of furnishings, flawless service, meticulous guest care.

It's worth mentioning that, contrary to what it may seem, a one-star grading need not mean an establishment is of lower quality. It may mean that additional requirements need to be in place before it can progress to a higher rating. Also, overall grading standards may differ from country to county. South African standards are generally world-class.

The ultra-luxurious Owners House, part of the 5-star Morukuru Family Lodge, Madikwe Private Game Reserve

The result is a grading process that is far more thorough, more focused on experience and with strict rules that have created a trusted benchmarking system for the various accommodation types/sectors. There are currently nine categories:

• Hotels
• Lodges
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Guest Houses
• Country Houses
• Self Catering facilities
• Caravan and Camping sites
• MESE (Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events) venues
• BackPacker and Hostelling facilities

Minimum Standards

Within each category, there is a list of minimum requirements that an establishment must have in place before they can be graded.

Four- and five-star establishments would also be expected to offer additional services/facilities such as on-site parking with security for guests, a valet service, 24-hour room service, disposable slippers, gowns, a concierge, porterage and luggage handling, babysitting and childminding, message services and newspaper delivery. Full housekeeping and laundry services must also be provided.

4-star Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge in the uncrowded Balule Game Reserve

Types of Accommodation We Usually Recommend:

Here's a breakdown of some of the defining features of establishments we generally recommend and use in our safari itineraries –

Game/Nature Lodges

According to grading standards, these are features you can expect to find here:

• Set in natural surrounds often, but not always, away from human settlements
• Usually offer scenic or natural views (beyond immediate garden area) and offer safari activities such as game drives, bush walks, cycling and horseback safaris, game viewing by boat, canoeing, and so on
• Live-in managers or owners need their own separate living areas and host/manager must be contactable 24/7
• Host/manager must be able to check guests in/out with no more than a 10-minute drive from the property
• Daily servicing of rooms must be included in the tariff (some lodges promote an eco-wise policy of 'no change' towels, but the option for fresh towels daily must be provided)
• There must be a guest dining room and a guest lounge area
• All rooms must have en-suite bathrooms or, at least, exclusive-use bathroom facilities
• Meals and beverages must be provided
• There must be at least one guided experience and/or activity provided, natural or cultural, organised by the lodge, not necessarily included in the tariff
• Guests should have a reasonable probability of seeing/experiencing the type of fauna and flora as stated in the lodge's marketing material
• Convenient, well-lit and secure car parking facilities must be available, within reasonable proximity to the accommodation facilities or a guest shuttle should be provided

Hotels and Lodges

By grading definitions, a hotel provides formal accommodation with full or limited service to the travelling public. It must offer at least four en-suite rooms, a reception area/lounge and a dining facility.

Also classified as formal, a lodge provides a complete or limited hospitality service, usually located in natural surroundings beyond that of an immediate garden area, but without any wildlife.

Guest Accommodation: B&B, Country House, Guest House

B&Bs (Bed and Breakfasts) are generally more informal and provide a limited service. Often it's a family-run concern and the owner/manager lives in the house or on the property.

A Guest House is traditionally an existing home, a renovated home or even a custom-built residence that has been specifically designed to cater for overnight guests. There must be at least three guest rooms or more as well as exclusive-use public areas for its guests. These are often found in residential areas.

A Country House, again, may be an existing/renovated/purpose-built home that provides overnight accommodation, with public areas for the exclusive use of its guests. As the name implies, country houses are situated in natural, peaceful settings usually in the countryside or on the outskirts of towns and cities.