Top 10 Best Hotel in Africa – Luxury, Views & Unique Stays
Africa is a continent of magic, mystery, and unmatched beauty. From golden beaches to wild savannas, the land offers a sense of adventure like nowhere else in the world. Choosing where to stay can be tricky, with so many luxury hotels, safari lodges, and beach resorts scattered across breathtaking locations.
This guide explores the 10 best hotels in Africa, each one a destination in its own right. Whether you’re dreaming of waking up to lions roaring in the Serengeti National Park, relaxing by turquoise waters, or soaking in history at Morocco’s La Mamounia, these stays promise memories for a lifetime.
1. La Mamounia – Morocco’s Jewel of Luxury
La Mamounia in Marrakech is often called the crown jewel of hotels in Africa. This legendary luxury hotel blends Moroccan tradition with modern elegance. Surrounded by lush gardens, it feels like an oasis in the heart of the city. Guests enjoy world-class spa treatments, stylish suites, and multiple fine-dining restaurants.
Many travelers ask, What is the most luxurious place in Africa? For decades, La Mamounia has carried that reputation. The indoor pool, intricate mosaics, and romantic courtyards make it one of the finest hotels and resorts across the globe. Families and couples alike find themselves immersed in a sense of magic beneath the Marrakech sun.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic heritage property with spectacular views | Premium pricing |
| Award-winning spa and restaurants | Can feel crowded during peak seasons |
| Central Marrakech location near major sites | Strict reservation policies |
2. Cape Grace – Waterfront Elegance in Cape Town
Located at the famous V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace is one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Cape Town. With stylish interiors inspired by local history, the property creates a warm sense of place. Guests love the panoramic views of Table Mountain, the marina, and the Atlantic Ocean.
If you wonder, Which country is the best tourist destination in Africa? South Africa often tops the list, thanks to hotels like Cape Grace. The property offers personalized service, a luxury spa, and exclusive access to the city’s vibrant life.
Suites are designed with rich fabrics and private terraces, giving every visitor a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning waterfront location | Limited number of suites |
| Warm, attentive staff | Prices reflect exclusivity |
| Excellent dining and wine cellar | Can book out months in advance |
3. Ellerman House – A Private Oasis in South Africa
Overlooking the Atlantic from Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is a boutique retreat that blends privacy with style. The property features art-filled interiors, sprawling villas, and an extensive wine collection. Guests can relax in private pools or stroll through lush gardens with spectacular views of the ocean.
Travelers searching for five-star hotels in South Africa often land here. The property is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, where guests feel immersed in nature yet close to the city of Cape Town.
Suites balance elegance with comfort, and the location offers easy access to beaches, mountains, and cultural sites.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive villas with private pools | Higher rates than larger hotels |
| Award-winning art collection | Not ideal for families with young children |
| Tranquil location with ocean views | Limited on-site dining options |
4. Jack’s Camp – Safari Elegance in Botswana
In the heart of the Kalahari Desert, Jack’s Camp is unlike any other. Known as one of the top hotels in Africa, it combines safari adventure with vintage luxury. The tents are styled with Persian rugs, four-poster beds, and antique furnishings. Each suite opens to endless desert land and skies filled with stars.
Visitors often say the camp is a world of its own. You can explore salt pans, watch desert lions, or dive into the culture of the local San people.
While there is no beach, the wilderness creates a cool oasis that captures the soul of Africa. This is a property where reviews always highlight the incredible service and unique sense of history.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique desert location | Remote access requires small flights |
| Luxurious tented suites | Limited modern amenities |
| Exceptional safari experiences | Hot climate may not suit all travelers |
5. Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
For travelers dreaming of Serengeti National Park, Singita Sasakwa Lodge offers the ultimate safari stay. The property sits high on a hill, giving guests sweeping spectacular views of the plains where lions roam. Villas come with plunge pools, elegant interiors, and open terraces perfect for stargazing.
Many ask, What is the best country to stay in Africa? Tanzania is often the answer for safari lovers. Here, you’re not just close to wildlife you’re immersed in it.
Guests enjoy guided game drives, gourmet dining, and evenings around the fire. The lodge balances wild adventure with refined luxury in its own right.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched views of the Serengeti | Very high nightly rates |
| Private plunge pools | Remote location |
| Luxury safari with fine dining | Not ideal for budget travelers |
6. Royal Mansour – Morocco’s Palace Hotel
Built by the King of Morocco, the Royal Mansour in Marrakech is more than a hotel it’s a statement of royal elegance. Each guest stays in a private riad with rooftop terraces, indoor courtyards, and secret passageways used by staff to deliver discreet service.
This property redefines the idea of luxury hotels in Africa. Guests enjoy Michelin-starred dining, spa treatments with traditional hammams, and gardens that feel like a living paradise. The combination of history, design, and exclusivity makes it one of the finest hotels and resorts on the continent.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Private riads with rooftop terraces | Very expensive |
| Discreet and flawless service | Can feel formal for casual stays |
| Rich Moroccan design and spa | Limited availability due to demand |
7. North Island – Seychelles Beach Resort Paradise
If turquoise waters and soft white sand are your dream, North Island in Seychelles is the place. This ultra-private beach resort is famous for its conservation efforts and secluded villas. Guests enjoy direct access to the ocean, private pools, and personalized dining beneath the stars.
For many, this is the definition of paradise. Families, couples, and even celebrities visit to escape the world and feel immersed in nature.
The resort blends barefoot luxury with eco-friendly principles, making it one of the best examples of sustainable hotels and resorts in Africa.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Secluded luxury villas with private pools | Extremely expensive |
| Crystal-clear turquoise waters | Limited nightlife |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable design | Access only by helicopter or boat |
8. The Oyster Box – Durban, South Africa
The Oyster Box in Durban is a beachfront hotel full of charm. Known for its red-and-white lighthouse, it offers stylish rooms, a colonial-inspired lounge, and a luxury spa. Guests love the ocean views, fresh seafood, and warm South African hospitality.
This property is family-friendly, with a mix of suites and cottages perfect for children. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring Durban’s vibrant local culture, the Oyster Box delivers.
For many travelers, it’s the perfect balance between luxury and comfort, making it one of the top hotels in Africa.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic lighthouse setting | Some rooms can be small |
| Family-friendly with excellent dining | Busy during holidays |
| Beachfront with ocean views | Not as exclusive as boutique options |
9. Victoria Falls Hotel – Historic Grandeur in Zimbabwe
Built in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel is a legend among hotels in Africa. Overlooking one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, it combines Edwardian architecture with African charm. The property has lush lawns, elegant dining rooms, and verandas with spectacular views of the falls.
Many wonder, How many 7-star hotels are there in the world? While none are officially rated 7 stars, properties like this create a similar sense of grandeur.
Staying here is as much about history as it is about comfort. You’ll feel part of a living story, surrounded by a destination that defines the word magic.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prime location near Victoria Falls | Décor may feel old-fashioned |
| Rich colonial history | Service can be formal |
| Beautiful gardens and views | Not as modern as newer resorts |
10. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Tanzania’s Safari Jewel
Perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this lodge is often described as the jewel of Tanzania. Guests wake up to misty mornings, sweeping views, and wildlife roaming beneath them. Suites feature chandeliers, claw-foot bathtubs, and rustic wood accents, blending elegance with wilderness.
The property is considered one of the finest hotels and resorts for safari lovers. It creates a unique sense of life, where adventure and comfort meet.
Many travelers say staying here feels like stepping into another world, where luxury sits side by side with raw nature.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible views over Ngorongoro Crater | Remote access required |
| Luxury safari suites | Very expensive |
| Unique design mixing elegance and wild setting | Limited nearby attractions |
What Is the Most Luxurious Place in Africa?
Travelers often debate which property deserves the crown of Africa’s most luxurious stay. While there are many contenders, three names consistently rise to the top: La Mamounia in Morocco, Cape Grace in Cape Town, and Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Serengeti National Park.
Each offers something unique — La Mamounia shines with royal elegance, Cape Grace with its iconic waterfront location, and Singita with its unmatched safari experiences.
The truth is, Africa’s luxury is not one-size-fits-all. Some people see turquoise waters and beach resorts like Seychelles’ North Island as the height of indulgence. Others believe a safari villa with a private plunge pool in Tanzania delivers the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
No matter the answer, Africa proves itself a continent where five-star hotels are as diverse as the landscapes themselves.
Which Country Is the Best Tourist Destination in Africa?
Travelers often ask which country tops the list for tourism in Africa. The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re after. For city lovers, South Africa offers vibrant destinations like Cape Town, with luxury stays such as Cape Grace and Ellerman House. Morocco attracts those who love history and culture, with jewels like La Mamounia in Marrakech.
For safari seekers, Tanzania and Kenya stand out thanks to the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara, where luxury lodges put you close to lions, elephants, and endless plains.
Beach lovers, on the other hand, often head to the Seychelles, where beach resorts with turquoise waters and private villas feel like paradise.
Conclusion
From Morocco’s palaces to Tanzania’s wild plains, the top hotels in Africa go far beyond comfort. They offer experiences that connect you to the land, nature, and culture around you. Some travelers dream of five-star hotels in vibrant cities, others seek a beach resort with turquoise waters, while many come for safaris in the Serengeti National Park.
There isn’t one “best” country to stay in Africa each destination has its own jewel. South Africa brings world-class city hotels, Morocco offers timeless elegance, and East Africa delivers unforgettable safari lodges. What ties them all together is the sense of magic waiting for every guest.