101 Unique Hotels in Africa

Singita Kwitonda Lodge is set in a unique location right at the edge of the natural habitat of the mountain gorilla. It's one of the only four territories of the gorilla species in the world. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is covered by 160 km2 of rainforest and has …

When coming to Stone Town, a UNESCO site famous for virtually intact architectural heritage, it only makes sense to fully immerse yourself in the experience by staying in one of those historic buildings. Emerson on Hurumzi, housed in a property with a rich history, is the perfect candidate for the …

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is over one hundred years old, and even though the rooms and amenities are modern, the serene surroundings seem timeless. Set on a private island on the Okavango Delta, Botswana, this eco-lodge is right at the heart of a pristine African wilderness. The tented rooms are …

The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a premier hotel situated on Thesen Island in Knysna, South Africa, often considered among the most prestigious locales of the Garden Route. This picturesque boutique was once a power station, but it has been meticulously renovated in a luxury hotel integrating the old machinery …

Great location, gorgeous views, spacious rooms... sounds pretty good already? Well, that’s just the beginning because the Silo went above and beyond in making every inch of their hotel as delightful as possible. This is a hotel that, once you enter, you will not want to leave again. Housed in …

Limalimo’s location is an indisputable 10/10. Perched on the edge of a cliff in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, it has it all: panoramic views, untouched nature, and a bit of a thrill. It’s also easily accessible by road and located just a few kilometers away from Debark, the main …

If you hate the tourist hotspots and want some peace and quiet on your holiday, there is one extreme solution. Yes, you guessed right: a desert island. Mumbo Island is a private island that was never populated prior to becoming an eco-camp, so it’s perfectly pristine. It welcomes only fourteen …

Hasdrubal Thalassa definitely stands out among other hotels in the area thanks to its stunning design. Every interior is unique and delightfully decorated, from the lobby, through the restaurants, to the rooms themselves. The Arabic influence is visible in lavish ornaments and colorful tilework that give the hotel its special …

Naries Namakwa is a retreat in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, that really stands out for its beautiful, secluded location. For most of the year, the area is a semi-desert featuring mainly drought-resistant plants such as succulents and aloes. Between August and October, however, the unwelcoming landscape is completely …

Forget the anonymous and characterless hotel stays. At Douar Samra, you will know everyone’s name (even the donkey’s!), and you’ll be a part of the family. It’s a traditional Berber home restored as a guesthouse but didn’t lose its original character. Set in Imlil Valley, in the Atlas Mountains, it …

Wolwedans’ tagline is “simply out of this world” and it’s hard to disagree with that statement. The setting is surreally beautiful. Red sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, and distant mountain ranges emerge through the mist on the horizon. This place is home to a whole …

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is located in the unspoiled wilderness of Purros Conservancy in Namibia. The entire complex seeks to highlight and celebrate the surroundings: the buildings seamlessly blend in with the landscape, and the interiors are as open as possible, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful views from anywhere in …

Do you think that cruise holidays are outdated? Think again. A holiday on Zambezi Queen is not your usual river cruise. The luxurious 5-star houseboat was designed as an unconventional way of exploring the Chobe National Park. As the boat slowly drifts along the river, you will enjoy the front-row …

Palais Faraj looks like taken straight out of the One Thousand and One Nights, and for a good reason. This stylish hotel is set in a former Moorish palace right in the heart of Fes. Every interior in the hotel will dazzle you with intricate wall paintings, colorful tiles, and …

Pelican Point Lodge is one of those hotels that isn’t just accommodation but a destination in itself. The lodge took its name from the Pelican Point, where it’s situated. It’s a remote peninsula off the coast of Namibia with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Walvis Bay on …

Imagine waking up in a little treehouse perched on top of a baobab tree with the sun gently soaking through the curtains. You look out the window and see nothing but the baby-blue water of the mangrove lagoon. Sounds magical? Well, in Les Collines de Niassam, an eco-lodge complex in …

Watamu Treehouse has been named a "Best Hotel in Kenya" and it’s no wonder why! Located on Kenya’s serene Watamu Beach and built high amongst the treetops, this hotel offers guests an unreal view of the Indian Ocean coastline and lush surrounding forests. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking …

Have you ever been on a train as it passes along a stunning landscape? You think if only the train would stop right here so I could explore and take in the sights some more... That dream can now become a reality by hopping on The Santos Express! This stationary …

Located in Rwanda, Bisate Lodge is the perfect place for any wildlife enthusiast. If volcanoes are your thing too, you’re in luck! The lodge is set in an eroded volcanic cone and offers views of the volcanoes Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno. With just six suites, Bisate caters to those who …

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s East Coast and is also home to Hotel 20°Sud. With just 29 rooms and 7 suites, guests are sure to feel pampered and pleased during their stay. Rooms range from “Charm” to the more desired “Beachfront” rooms and …