The 22 Most Luxurious Hotels in Africa
Combine Gorgeous Landscapes with Beautiful Hotels...
A Sustainability Ranking in partnership with ETIC Hotels
You’re planning a trip to Africa and you’re looking for a classy and luxurious stay? niood lists you the 22 most luxurious hotels and resorts in Africa:
1. Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve
South Africa
From $5,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Welcome to Cheetah Plains exclusive Plains Houses, home of the definitive exclusive-use luxury sustainable safari in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Exclusively yours, the Plains Houses play host to your private safari experience of a lifetime.
A bold departure from its humble safari lodge beginnings, Cheetah Plains has undergone a complete metamorphosis. Today, it is a beacon to the eco-luxe safari set and a collaborative expression of South Africa’s rich heritage. Proud owner, Japie van Niekerk’s vision for the property is finally realised.
Each of the exclusive-use Plains Houses at Cheetah Plains accommodates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests per house, offering you and your safari companions the ultimate private safari experience in the splendid Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
2. Jao Camp
Botswana
From $2,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
In the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao is set amongst islands fringed with riverine forests and vast floodplains with prolific wildlife. The camp (rebuilt in 2019) comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas and five suites, all with private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms, including indoor and outdoor showers. The two Jao villas, accommodating four people each in two identical guest rooms, share a main area, and also have an exclusive vehicle, guide, chef and butler.
The fresh and contemporary design, in the same lovely location, continues the sense of adventure that Jao has always prized, adding an element of surprise and delight in ever-evolving sculptural and architectural language.
3. King’s Pool Camp
Botswana
From $3,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Steeped in nostalgia and named for Scandinavian royalty, newly-renovated and elegant King’s Pool overlooks the handsome oxbow lagoon of the same name in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, bordering Chobe National Park and at the crux of the important wildlife corridor that straddles Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana.
This 100% solar-powered camp has eight luxurious thatch and canvas rooms, each boasting a large bedroom area and lounge leading to a veranda that soaks up the gorgeous views. The river along which King’s Pool is located hosts numerous species of birds and is a magnet for game, especially elephant, in the dry winter months.
The sumptuous main area comprises a lounge, library, dining and a convivial bar area stylishly set on expansive raised decks close to the water’s edge. There is also a pool and an open-air ‘kgotla’ for evening dining under the stars.
4. Singita Lebombo Lodge
South Africa
From $4,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Break away to a brilliantly bold and contemporary space, suspended aloft the N’wanetsi River in the Kruger National Park.
The design of Lebombo Lodge was inspired by the many eagles’ nests built into the cliff face of the river bank, resulting in organic, light-filled structures, floating between river and sky.
Besides the sumptuous private suite spaces, the lodge offers a wine studio, library and rooftop terrace, an interactive kitchen, an espresso bar and help-yourself deli, and an additional 25-metre lap pool.
5. Singita Sweni Lodge
South Africa
From $4,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Seven suites are hidden among a canopy of trees, each featuring open-plan interiors.
Tucked into the banks of the Sweni River, this intimate lodge is a hidden jewel that provides a bold, new African context for contemporary design, architecture and cuisine.
Guests have private access to 33,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, ensuring unforgettable game-viewing experiences. With the lodge’s proximity to the river, guests are also treated to up-close sightings of numerous animals and birds frequenting the area to drink or wallow in the water.
6. Little Mombo Camp
Botswana
From $3,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Rebuilt in 2018, Little Mombo is a celebration of our conservation purpose and, together with Mombo, is the spirtual home of the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project. It combines luxury and service excellence with the amazing natural splendour that is the Mombo wildlife area.
With just four suites tucked away on the other side of the same island, Little Mombo is a smaller, more intimate version of its sister camp. Built under a shady canopy of jackalberry and sausage trees, overlooking a floodplain regularly visited by herds of herbivores (and their predators), the camp has its own facilities, including a dining area, boma, kitchen, lounge and pool, while being connected to Mombo via a raised boardwalk.
Renowned as “the Place of Plenty,” the enormous number and variety of wildlife around Little Mombo makes it a hugely sought-after wildlife-viewing destination.
7. Royal Malewane
South Africa
From $4,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Royal Malewane is a luxury safari lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park that exudes the romance and beauty of a bygone age while offering every modern comfort. The most qualified guiding team in Africa delivers an unrivaled wildlife experience providing fascinating insights into the complex ecosystems of the South African bushveld.
There are two accommodation options at Royal Malewane – Main Lodge which is more classic and grand in style and The Farmstead which is more intimate and contemporary.
Whichever style you choose, our expert guides will bring you thrillingly close to the Big Five. Indulge in sensual spa treatments and let the passion of our chefs delight you with nightly feasts under the African stars.
The lodge is easily accessible by air and road and is located in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve on the Western Border of The Greater Kruger National Park. The closest airport is Hoedspruit and there is a private landing strip at Royal Malewane called Jackalberry Airstrip.
8. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Rwanda
From $4,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest awakens a wild spirit of adventure. A place that encourages you to gaze into the mirror through eye opening encounters with majestic mountain gorillas and experience the story of Rwanda.
From the moment you arrive, fragrant fauna and flora greet you. A hidden garden atop the volcanic mountains where a world of roses and eucalyptus trees grow all year round in the fertile Rwandan soil. Not only does the plant-life contribute to everything from your welcome drink to your dinner and the logs burning on the fire – every plant and tree is chosen to encourage flourishing wildlife. A perfect ecosystem that is constantly growing – your backdrop, your hideaway and your palate.
From the moment you arrive, fragrant fauna and flora greet you. A hidden garden atop the volcanic mountains where a world of roses and eucalyptus trees grow all year round in the fertile Rwandan soil. Not only does the plant-life contribute to everything from your welcome drink to your dinner and the logs burning on the fire – every plant and tree is chosen to encourage flourishing wildlife. A perfect ecosystem that is constantly growing – your backdrop, your hideaway and your palate.
Individual free-standing lodges and suites sit suspended over sprawling gardens at eye level with the tall eucalyptus trees and volcanic surroundings. Feel the call of the trees from your secluded sanctuary where binoculars, a library of books and local Imigongo art await.
9. Selinda Camp
Botswana
From $1,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Set in one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on our planet, the brand new Selinda Camp rests on the Selinda Spillway banks as it enters the Linyanti River. The private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve boasts elephants by the thousands, regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs, and the famous Selinda Lion Pride recently feature in the National Geographic film “Birth of a Pride” by Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The area has a sense of remoteness, a true spirit of Africa, and an excellent example of Botswana bush embodying various species and rare animals.
The new Selinda Camp represents the meeting place of three cultures, European, Mokololo, and Bayei. It is themed to resemble that of the thatched village of Sangwali, one that used to house 3,000 warriors and sufficient enough to loan David Livingstone 200 men during his travels.
Spears, shields, and an African version of Robinson Crusoe is the enduring theme through the camp. Its architectural design elements centre around Water, Air, Earth, and Fire, all of which ground the design.
Selinda Camp’s design pays homage first and foremost to water, with splashes of blue and crystal-clear swimming pools offering views over the equally immaculate Selinda Spillway to ease your arrival, usually by boat.
10. Roho Ya Selous
Tanzania
From $2,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
It is a wildlife hotspot, with giraffes and elephants regularly sauntering through camp during the day and the sounds of nearby hippos and lions punctuating the night. With its network of lakes and rivers, this area is known for its water-based activities.
Our eight-tent camp is simple and stylish, with evening-breeze cooling systems above the beds making even the hottest nights more comfortable. During the day, cool off in the pool or spot wildlife making its way to the water from an armchair in our shaded dining tent or lounge area. Out and about, explore by vehicle, on foot or even in a boat, with fishing excursions available.
11. Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Tanzania
From $2,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house and featuring a light and airy atmosphere, Singita Sasakwa Lodge offers panoramic views, a sense of immense freedom, and stillness.
Striking the perfect balance between casual luxury and sophisticated elegance, it features a grand entrance, wraparound verandas, silver candelabras and coveted antiques, as well as bespoke décor elements such as local artefacts and tribal cushions.
Offering expansive en-suite bathrooms, dressing areas, fireplaces, living rooms and French doors opening onto welcoming verandas, the elegant cottages feature polished parquet floors, vintage collectables and comfortable furnishings – and provide guests with complete privacy, as well as unfiltered space and time to connect with the breathtaking surrounds.
12. Amanjena
Marrakech
From $1,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech, palatial Amanjena lies just outside the fabled Red City. Shady courtyards with petal-strewn fountains lead to the central bassin that nourishes the gardens in which spacious standalone guest pavilions rest, many with private pools. Views over Amelkis Golf Course extend to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
13. One&Only, The One Above
Cape Town, South Africa
From $3,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Setting the benchmark for hotels in Cape Town, The One Above penthouse is the city’s most exceptional address. Indulge in unobstructed views of Table Mountain and Harbour from the two private pools and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Decadently expansive, The One Above is a luxury penthouse unlike any other. With large outdoors terraces and living spaces, this four-bedroom Cape Town penthouse is ideal for entertaining family and friends in your own secluded celebration.
The study, library, gym and bedrooms are situated on the first floor of The One Above, with the dining areas, lounges and kitchens on the second floor. Large, outdoor spaces await on both floors – each offering panoramic views.
The first floor deck includes an outdoor shower, pool, bar, barbecue and catering area, long dining table and pool loungers. The second floor has a wrap-around terrace, also with its own pool, water feature, barbecue area, and seating; each space an entertainer’s paradise, and offering guests the most exceptional views of Cape Town.
14. North Island Villa
Seychelles
From $5,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Set at the far north of an Indian Ocean archipelago, North Island is a remote tropical paradise that offers the ultimate luxury escape and consummate privacy. We act as a haven for discerning travelers looking for bespoke, personalized experiences that evoke total relaxation and restoration. We believe no two guests should ever be treated the same, and our devoted associates work tirelessly to ensure everyone has the holiday of their dreams. North Island features just 11 villas spacious villas offering each guest an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and luxury. All villas have been individually handcrafted and are surrounded by sheer natural beauty of white sands, granite peaks, and turquoise waters. During your stay, a North Island villa will be your home-away-from-home whilst completely immersed in an unrivaled island experience. on this property, your footprints will be the only evidence on the Island’s vast, untouched beaches.
15. andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
From $2,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephant wander the forests, male lion stalk the grasslands and flamingo crowd the soda lakes.
Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque châteaux that transports you into one of the most famous African landscapes. An eclectic blend of teak panelling, Victorian furnishings and whimsical African touches creates a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself. In this place of dramatic contrasts, anything is possible and the natural luxury of the beautiful setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture.
Divided into three camps, 30 suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive experience. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas, with private butlers who provide warm, personal service. With ever-changing views as mists swirl over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking. Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at this lodge. Everything is chosen to delight the imagination and enhance the spectacular views of the magnificent surroundings.
16. Delaire Graaf Estate – Stellenbosch
South Africa
From $1,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
The ultimate Cape Winelands experience, Delaire Graff is dedicated to beauty in its many forms. Much like polishing a diamond to reveal its brilliance, jeweller Laurence Graff has transformed an extraordinary natural setting into a world-class destination for wine, art, cuisine and escape from the everyday.
17. Granite Suites – Sabi Sands Game Reserve
South Africa
From $3,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Located in the central region of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, are the five star, exclusive Londolozi Granite Suites. An extraordinary experience, the Granite Suites offer a private river affair, literally set on the banks of the active Sand River.
For the exclusive use of six guests (individually or as a private camp) there are three private suites. Bold, inspiring materials mirror the extrusion of granite rock that flanks the camp. A palette of silver, charcoal and elephant grey in a range of sumptuous materials creates an elegant and contemporary setting. A seamless integration with nature is achieved with massive doors and windows all opening directly onto the river. Each suite has a bedroom and lounge, indoor and outdoor shower, outdoor river view bath, air-conditioning, mosquito net, minibar, outdoor sala and private outdoor heated swimming pool from where you can view the active river life. The double volume thatched central lodge includes lounge areas with comfortable seating, an extensive deck and dining area, outdoor boma and central swimming pool, all with stunning river views.
18. The Oberoi – Turtle Bay
Mauritius
From $600 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Located in the Indian Ocean far off the south east coast of Africa, Mauritius is a melange of multiple ethnicities, languages and religions. It was colonised by the Dutch, French and British, who came for its natural resources; from ebony trees to vanilla, sugarcane and peppercorns. The island’s capital city: Port Louis has a diverse culture that is reflected in its vibrant arts, architecture, museums and markets.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius is the best hotel in Mauritius; directly located on the pristine white beach of Turtle Bay, a natural marine park. Spread over twenty acres of lush, sub tropical gardens, it offers views of breathtaking sunsets and night skies bursting with stars.
Magnificent accommodation with traditional thatched roofs. Unique restaurants serving authentic Creole and international cuisines. And a Touching Senses programme of daily cultural and mindfulness activities. All complemented by warm, intuitive hospitality at our five star hotel in Mauritius.
19. Morukuru Ocean House – De Hoop
South Africa
From $2,500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
The innovative off-the-grid eco-design of four-bedroomed Morukuru Ocean House in pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve perfectly tethers tourism to sustainability. Our five-star luxury ocean house maintains a fine ecological balance with the lightest footprint possible. Our accomplished team of hosts delight in tailoring your seaside wilderness adventure to your liking.
Morukuru Ocean House, in the 36 000-ha De Hoop Nature Reserve satisfies the craving for exclusive encounters of Southern Africa’s wilderness. The topography is exciting and diverse. Fifty-one kilometres of white sandy beaches and dune fields lapped by the Indian Ocean are home to Africa’s most significant Southern Right whale nursery offering rare sightings during calving season from mid-July to November.
20. Serengeti House
Tanzania
From $1,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Set on the gentle slopes of Sasakwa Hill, this spacious sanctuary epitomises casual, carefree living in one of the continent’s most iconic settings.
Boasting endless views of the vast Serengeti plains as well as the nearby waterhole where game regularly gather to drink, this modern African home includes a 25-metre rim-flow flow, expansive outdoor dining decks and fire pit – ensuring continuous engagements with the wilderness.
The villa’s four boldly proportioned guest suites – each with serene bathrooms, outdoor showers and private terraces – embody refined luxury underpinned by contemporary comfort, and this expansive property also includes an eat-in family kitchen, media room, fully-equipped fitness centre, tented massage treatment suite and tennis pavilion.
21. Castleton – Sabi Sands Game Reserve
South Africa
From $2,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
The relaxed and understated interiors of this former home of the grandfather of Singita’s Founder, Luke Bailes, feature nostalgic references that capture the spirit and history of the original camp.
The property combines the most refined elements of a private safari lodge with the rustic charm of a country farmhouse. Many antiques and furnishings have been refashioned, adding authenticity to the living areas that extend outdoors onto deep, covered verandas which overlook tranquil lawns, a busy waterhole frequented by game and an expansive swimming pool.
The beautiful stone-walled homestead and six double en-suite cottages are perfect for families and friends and accommodate up to 12 guests. Exclusive facilities include a Bocce court, extensive wine cellar, country style kitchen and tennis court, as well as state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a fitness centre, yoga pavilion and double and single massage treatment rooms. An outdoor boma with uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape allows for magical fireside dinners under the stars.
22. Ellerman House – Cape Town
South Africa
From $800 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 7.8/10
Celebrating over 25 years of excellence, Ellerman House encapsulates the grandeur of a bygone era while embracing all modern life’s creature comforts. With only 13 individually-styled bedrooms, attention to detail and personalised service reigns supreme.
Perfectly complemented by the grand spirit of Ellerman House, the most recent additions to the property, Villa One & Two, provide a contemporary sophistication. Enhanced by sweeping views over the Atlantic ocean, these two private luxury villas are best suited for families and loved ones travelling together.
