One can make sweeping generalisations about accommodation in South Africa - your hosts tend to be imbued with typical South African bonhomie, the standard of service of accommodation is high; South Africans go out of their way to make sure your every need is met. But how much better to know that there is an independent system of star-grading that travellers can trust to gauge their accommodation.

The grading system, launched by the TGCSA (Tourism Grading Council of South Africa) for the accommodation industry in 2001, and based on the international star system, uses stars to grade accommodation - one star implies fair to good (acceptable/modest) whilst five stars reflect exceptional quality (up there with the best internationally).

Star-grading is completely voluntary and as a visitor you can give your views and feedback on accommodation, either on feedback cards provided to you at the star graded accommodation, online, or via a call centre. The feedback plays a role in re-assessments, which are carried out once a year.

Star-graded accommodation is available throughout South Africa, from the sweeping Amatola Mountains in the Eastern Cape to the lowveld of the Kruger National Park.