Ultimate Guide to
Africa’s Best Hotels
Table of Contents
North Africa Hotels:
Palaces, Riads, and Desert Oases
North Africa offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, with hotels that are destinations in themselves. This region, encompassing Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, is home to some of the world’s most opulent accommodations. Travelers looking for the best hotels in Morocco will find legendary palaces like La Mamounia and Royal Mansour in Marrakech, offering unparalleled luxury and a glimpse into royal life. These establishments provide more than just a room; they offer immersive experiences with world-class spas, fine dining, and intricate Moroccan design. Exploring the ancient medinas of Fes or Casablanca becomes even more special when you can retreat to a lavish riad, a traditional house built around a central courtyard, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.
For those drawn to the timeless allure of Egypt, the hotel offerings are just as grand. Imagine waking up to views of the Giza Pyramids from the historic Marriott Mena House or sailing down the Nile on a five-star cruise that doubles as a floating hotel. Luxury hotels in Cairo, such as The Nile Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, provide sophisticated urban sanctuaries along the banks of the world’s longest river. Further south, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan is a Victorian masterpiece that has hosted royalty and dignitaries for over a century. Beyond the cities, unique desert ecolodges in places like Siwa and luxury tented camps in the Sahara offer a chance to sleep under the stars in complete comfort, making a trip to find the top hotels in Egypt an adventure through time.
Completing the North African trifecta, Tunisia presents stunning coastal resorts and charming boutique hotels. Along the Mediterranean, luxury beach resorts in Hammamet and Gammarth offer pristine sands, thalassotherapy spas, and a perfect blend of relaxation and North African charm. The region’s diverse offerings cater to every type of traveler, from history buffs and culture enthusiasts to those simply seeking a sun-drenched, luxurious getaway. Booking your stay in North Africa means choosing between legendary palaces, serene desert escapes, and modern seaside luxury. This guide provides a curated list of 25 exceptional properties, ensuring your accommodation is a highlight of your journey through this enchanting part of the continent.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Mamounia | Marrakech, Morocco | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Royal Mansour Marrakech | Marrakech, Morocco | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Nile Ritz-Carlton | Cairo, Egypt | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan | Aswan, Egypt | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca | Casablanca, Morocco | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Oberoi, Marrakech | Marrakech, Morocco | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo | Cairo, Egypt | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| La Badira – Adult Only | Hammamet, Tunisia | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Kasbah Tamadot | Atlas Mountains, Morocco | Mountain Retreat | ★★★★★ |
| Marriott Mena House, Cairo | Giza, Egypt | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Riad Kniza | Marrakech, Morocco | Luxury Riad | ★★★★★ |
| Al Moudira Hotel | Luxor, Egypt | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech | Marrakech, Morocco | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Hotel Tunis | Gammarth, Tunisia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Adrère Amellal | Siwa, Egypt | Ecolodge | ★★★★★ |
| L’Hôtel Marrakech | Marrakech, Morocco | Boutique Riad | ★★★★★ |
| The Residence Tunis | Gammarth, Tunisia | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay | Fnideq, Morocco | Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor | Luxor, Egypt | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux | Fes, Morocco | Luxury Riad | ★★★★★ |
| Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp | Merzouga, Morocco | Desert Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa | Tunis, Tunisia | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Steigenberger Resort Alaya | Marsa Alam, Egypt | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Palais Faraj Suites & Spa | Fes, Morocco | Palace Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Algiers Marriott Hotel Bab Ezzouar | Algiers, Algeria | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
East Africa Hotels:
Safari Lodges and Tropical Paradises
East Africa is the quintessential destination for wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers, offering an unparalleled selection of accommodations from luxury safari lodges to idyllic island resorts. When searching for the best hotels in Kenya or Tanzania, travelers are met with legendary names that are synonymous with the African safari. Imagine staying at a lodge like Angama Mara, perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley with breathtaking views of the Maasai Mara, or the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, where you can watch elephants gather at a watering hole from your private plunge pool. These exclusive properties offer more than just game drives; they provide a holistic experience with expert guides, gourmet dining under the stars, and direct access to phenomena like the Great Migration.
Beyond the savanna, the islands of the Indian Ocean beckon with promises of paradise. Finding the perfect Zanzibar beach hotel leads you to sanctuaries like Zuri Zanzibar or The Manta Resort, with its famous underwater room. In the Seychelles, private island resorts such as North Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon redefine luxury with pristine beaches, lush tropical nature, and a focus on sustainability and privacy. Mauritius offers another slice of heaven with resorts like LUX* Le Morne and The Oberoi, which are perfect for honeymoons and family vacations, offering world-class water sports, spas, and golf courses. These coastal and island hotels in East Africa are ideal for unwinding after an exhilarating safari adventure.
The region’s diversity extends to the mountainous landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda, home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Here, the best hotels are intimate, eco-conscious lodges that facilitate once-in-a-lifetime trekking experiences. Properties like Singita Kwitonda Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda blend sophisticated design with a deep commitment to conservation and community. Staying at one of these top-tier lodges not only provides exceptional comfort but also contributes directly to the protection of these endangered primates. From the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi to the remote volcanic slopes of Rwanda, East Africa’s accommodations are crafted to create profound connections with the region’s incredible nature and wildlife, ensuring a truly unforgettable journey.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giraffe Manor | Nairobi, Kenya | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Zuri Zanzibar | Kendwa, Tanzania | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Singita Kwitonda Lodge | Volcanoes NP, Rwanda | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Resort Seychelles | Mahé, Seychelles | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge | Ngorongoro, Tanzania | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Nanyuki, Kenya | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| LUX* Le Morne | Le Morne, Mauritius | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Volcanoes NP, Rwanda | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Manta Resort | Pemba Island, Tanzania | Unique Resort | ★★★★ |
| North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort | North Island, Seychelles | Private Island | ★★★★★ |
| Segera Retreat | Laikipia, Kenya | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti | Serengeti, Tanzania | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius | Balaclava, Mauritius | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Retreat | Kigali, Rwanda | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Six Senses Zil Pasyon | Félicité, Seychelles | Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Angama Mara | Maasai Mara, Kenya | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar | Bwejuu, Tanzania | Luxury Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Kyaninga Lodge | Fort Portal, Uganda | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius | Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hemingways Nairobi | Nairobi, Kenya | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Jabali Ridge | Ruaha NP, Tanzania | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Bisate Lodge | Volcanoes NP, Rwanda | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Constance Lemuria | Praslin, Seychelles | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Mahali Mzuri | Maasai Mara, Kenya | Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
Southern Africa Hotels:
Urban Chic and Wilderness Escapes
Southern Africa is a region of dramatic contrasts, from the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town to the untouched wilderness of the Okavango Delta and the desolate beauty of the Namib Desert. The hotel scene here is equally diverse, offering some of the most sophisticated and adventurous stays on the continent. The quest for the best hotels in South Africa often begins in Cape Town, where design-led properties like The Silo Hotel and the elegant Ellerman House offer breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive away, the Cape Winelands beckon with historic estates and luxurious hotels like La Residence, making it a perfect destination for food and wine connoisseurs. Further afield, iconic safari lodges in the Kruger National Park, such as Singita Lebombo and Royal Malewane, provide unrivaled wildlife viewing experiences.
Botswana stands out as a beacon of high-end, low-impact tourism, with its exclusive lodges set in the pristine wetlands of the Okavango Delta. Stays at camps like Xigera Safari Lodge or Mombo Camp are transformative, offering a deep immersion into one of Africa’s last great wildernesses through mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions and expert-led game drives. In neighboring Namibia, the accommodations are as surreal as the landscapes. The otherworldly Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast and the stunning andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offer architectural marvels in remote, awe-inspiring settings. These hotels are not just places to stay; they are integral parts of the adventure, providing unique perspectives on the country’s stark beauty.
The region’s iconic natural wonders are complemented by legendary historic hotels. In Zambia and Zimbabwe, the thunderous Victoria Falls is flanked by classic establishments like The Royal Livingstone and The Victoria Falls Hotel, evoking the romance of a bygone era of exploration. For a different kind of water-based luxury, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago is home to idyllic island resorts like Anantara Bazaruto and Azura Benguerra, where barefoot luxury, pristine coral reefs, and fresh seafood are the order of the day. Whether you’re seeking a chic urban retreat, an ultra-luxe safari, or a remote desert escape, the top hotels in Southern Africa deliver unforgettable experiences with impeccable style and service.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Silo Hotel | Cape Town, South Africa | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Xigera Safari Lodge | Okavango Delta, Botswana | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Royal Livingstone by Anantara | Livingstone, Zambia | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Oyster Box | Durban, South Africa | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort | Bazaruto Island, Mozambique | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Shipwreck Lodge | Skeleton Coast, Namibia | Unique Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| The Palace of the Lost City | Sun City, South Africa | Luxury Resort | ★★★★★ |
| The Victoria Falls Hotel | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Singita Lebombo Lodge | Kruger NP, South Africa | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Chobe Game Lodge | Chobe NP, Botswana | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Ellerman House | Cape Town, South Africa | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge | Sossusvlei, Namibia | Desert Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| La Residence | Franschhoek, South Africa | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Singita Pamushana Lodge | Malilangwe, Zimbabwe | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Mombo Camp | Okavango Delta, Botswana | Safari Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Royal Malewane | Greater Kruger, South Africa | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Zannier Hotels Omaanda | Windhoek, Namibia | Luxury Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Tongabezi Lodge | Livingstone, Zambia | River Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel | Cape Town, South Africa | Historic Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Azura Benguerra Island | Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique | Villa Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Jack’s Camp | Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana | Tented Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Lion Sands Ivory Lodge | Sabi Sand, South Africa | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
| Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp | Skeleton Coast, Namibia | Safari Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Chinzombo | South Luangwa NP, Zambia | Safari Camp | ★★★★★ |
| Kwandwe Private Game Reserve | Eastern Cape, South Africa | Safari Lodge | ★★★★★ |
West Africa Hotels:
Cultural Hubs and Coastal Comfort
West Africa is a region brimming with vibrant culture, rich history, and a rapidly evolving hospitality scene. For business and leisure travelers alike, finding the best hotels in hubs like Lagos, Accra, and Dakar is key to a successful and comfortable trip. In Accra, Ghana, luxury hotels such as the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City and the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel offer five-star amenities, state-of-the-art business facilities, and a resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. These properties serve as excellent bases for exploring the capital’s historic sites, lively markets, and burgeoning art scene. Similarly, the best hotels in Lagos, Nigeria, like The George and The Wheatbaker, provide secure, opulent sanctuaries in a bustling megacity, known for their impeccable service and exclusive ambiance.
Along the Atlantic coastline, the region offers beautiful beach hotels and resorts perfect for relaxation and exploring coastal life. In Senegal, the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dakar Sea Plaza boasts stunning ocean views and a prime location for enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife and cultural offerings. For a more resort-focused experience, the Terrou-Bi and the Lamantin Beach Resort provide everything needed for a seaside escape, from private beaches to expansive swimming pools and water sports. In The Gambia, boutique properties like Coco Ocean Resort & Spa and Ngala Lodge offer a more intimate and tranquil coastal getaway, combining local charm with international standards of comfort, making them popular choices for European travelers seeking winter sun.
As tourism develops across West Africa, the quality and variety of accommodations continue to grow. In Côte d’Ivoire, the iconic Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire stands as a landmark of modern architecture, offering panoramic city views and extensive conference facilities. International brands like Radisson Blu, Pullman, and Marriott have established a strong presence in key cities, ensuring travelers can find reliable and high-quality lodging. Whether you are traveling for business, embarking on a cultural tour, or seeking a unique beach holiday, the leading hotels in West Africa provide comfortable, secure, and increasingly luxurious options that serve as welcoming gateways to this dynamic and fascinating region.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City | Accra, Ghana | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza | Dakar, Senegal | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The George, Lagos | Lagos, Nigeria | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra | Accra, Ghana | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Terrou-Bi | Dakar, Senegal | Resort Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Lagos Continental Hotel | Lagos, Nigeria | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Labadi Beach Hotel | Accra, Ghana | Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Coco Ocean Resort & Spa | Bijilo, The Gambia | Beach Resort | ★★★★ |
| Pullman Dakar Teranga | Dakar, Senegal | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Transcorp Hilton Abuja | Abuja, Nigeria | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Villa Monticello | Accra, Ghana | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Abidjan Airport | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire | Airport Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Lamantin Beach Resort and Spa | Saly, Senegal | Beach Resort | ★★★★★ |
| Murex Plaza Hotel & Suites | Monrovia, Liberia | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Eko Hotel & Suites | Lagos, Nigeria | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Accra Marriott Hotel | Accra, Ghana | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Benin Marina Hotel | Cotonou, Benin | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel 2 Fevrier, Lome | Lomé, Togo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Ngala Lodge | Fajara, The Gambia | Boutique Lodge | ★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel | Freetown, Sierra Leone | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Laico Ouaga 2000 | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| The Wheatbaker | Lagos, Nigeria | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Noom Hotel Dakar | Dakar, Senegal | Design Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Seen Hotel Abidjan Plateau | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
Central Africa Hotels:
Business Hubs and Emerging Frontiers
Central Africa, a region of immense natural wealth with dense rainforests, powerful rivers, and unique biodiversity, represents one of travel’s final frontiers. The hotel landscape here is primarily focused on serving business travelers and officials in capital cities, though unique lodges are emerging for intrepid tourists. In cities like Kinshasa (DRC), Brazzaville (Congo), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Libreville (Gabon), major international brands provide reliable and secure accommodation. Finding a quality hotel in Cameroon is straightforward with properties like the Hilton Yaounde and Pullman Douala Rabingha, which are established hubs for international visitors, offering comprehensive amenities such as conference facilities, swimming pools, and multiple dining options, ensuring a comfortable stay.
For those visiting the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of Congo, hotels like the Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace Hotel in Brazzaville and the Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel offer five-star luxury and security on the banks of the Congo River. These establishments are crucial infrastructure for the business and diplomatic corps operating in the region. In Gabon’s capital, Libreville, seaside hotels such as the Radisson Blu Okoume Palace and Park Inn by Radisson provide comfortable stays with ocean views, serving as a base for exploring the country’s renowned national parks. The hospitality sector in Central Africa is foundational to the region’s growth, providing essential services for commerce and governance.
While luxury tourism is less developed here than in other parts of Africa, there are pockets of exceptional natural beauty with dedicated accommodations. The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, for instance, are a standout destination, offering pristine beaches and lush jungle lodges like Bom Bom Principe Island. These locations cater to ecotourists and those looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path tropical escape. As infrastructure improves and stability grows, Central Africa holds immense potential for nature-based tourism. For now, the best hotels in the region are concentrated in its capital cities, providing dependable comfort and a gateway to the untamed heart of the continent.
| Name | Location | Type | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Yaounde | Yaoundé, Cameroon | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu Okoume Palace | Libreville, Gabon | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace Hotel | Brazzaville, Congo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel | Kinshasa, DRC | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea | Resort Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Park Inn by Radisson Libreville | Libreville, Gabon | Business Hotel | ★★★ |
| Pullman Douala Rabingha | Douala, Cameroon | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Pefaco Hotel Maya Maya | Brazzaville, Congo | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Radisson Blu Hotel, N’Djamena | N’Djamena, Chad | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Pestana São Tomé | São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe | Beach Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Fleuve Congo Hotel By Blazon Hotels | Kinshasa, DRC | Luxury Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Le Meridien Mandji | Port-Gentil, Gabon | Beach Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Best Western Plus Nobila Airport Hotel | Douala, Cameroon | Airport Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Bom Bom Principe Island | Príncipe, São Tomé and Príncipe | Island Resort | ★★★★ |
| GHS Hotel | Brazzaville, Congo | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Krystal Palace Douala | Douala, Cameroon | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel La Falaise Yaoundé | Yaoundé, Cameroon | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| ONOMO Hotel Libreville | Libreville, Gabon | Business Hotel | ★★★ |
| Ibis Malabo | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea | Business Hotel | ★★★ |
| Hotel Memling | Kinshasa, DRC | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Hilton Douala | Douala, Cameroon | Business Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hilton N’Djamena | N’Djamena, Chad | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
| Colinas Boutique Hotel | Malabo, Equatorial Guinea | Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Impérial | Libreville, Gabon | Business Hotel | ★★★ |
| Ledger Plaza Bangui | Bangui, Central African Republic | Business Hotel | ★★★★★ |
