Load-shedding: how to find hotels with backup power in South Africa
Load shedding (scheduled power cuts) can interrupt a trip, but most established South African hotels run backup power. Here is how to make sure yours does before you book.
Load shedding (scheduled power cuts) can interrupt a trip, but most established South African hotels run backup power. Here is how to make sure yours does before you book.
The gold standard is a generator or a solar-plus-inverter system that keeps lights, Wi-Fi, hot water and lifts running through a stage of load shedding. Larger hotels and upmarket properties almost always have this; smaller guesthouses vary.
Check the property description for "generator", "inverter", "backup power" or "solar", and message the property to confirm what stays on during a cut. Book a refundable rate if power continuity is essential for work.
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Most established hotels do, via generators or inverter/solar systems. Always confirm the specifics with the property, especially for Wi-Fi and hot water.
Look for "backup power", "generator", "inverter" or "solar" in the listing, or ask the property directly before booking.
At hotels with proper backup power, usually yes. Smaller stays may keep lights on but not always the router, worth confirming if you need to work.