Must-see hotels in Africa

  • Domwe Island Adventure Camp

    Malawi

    Domwe is the smaller and more rustic of Kayak Africa's two neighbouring island lodges, run on solar power and romantically lit by paraffin lamps. It’s…

  • Jakobsen's Guesthouse

    Western Tanzania

    This comfortable place has a guesthouse with a lovely clifftop perch above Jakobsen’s Beach, two cottages and some standing tents, plus two shady…

  • Le Domaine d’Ambola

    The Great Reef

    Le Domaine d’Ambola is one of those special places that lingers in the mind for its serenity – you know you're somewhere special when a place lists its…

  • Tsauchab River Camp

    Namibia

    If you’re an avid hiker (or just love excellent settings!), you’re in for a treat. The scattered campsites here sit beside the Tsauchab riverbed – one…

  • Heaven Lodge

    Zimbabwe

    One of Zimbabwe's original backpackers, Heaven Lodge fell on hard times during the turmoil, but is back as good as ever. It's run by friendly owners,…

  • Sunbird Ku Chawe

    Malawi

    Set in elevated botanical gardens dripping with honeysuckle and bluegums, Ku Chawe boasts amazing views of the distant plain. Inside its red-brick…

  • Espace Sobo Badè

    Senegal

    Perched over a wave-battered stretch of coastline, Sobo Badè has the wondrous look of a Gaudì creation, with its imaginative brickwork, shell-lined…

  • Mukambi Plains Camp

    Zambia

    The approach to this bucolic oasis, basically an island just 7km from the park's northern border, is made all the more dramatic by the wooden walkway over…

  • El Minzah

    Tangier

    The classiest five-star hotel in Tangier proper, this beautifully maintained 1930s period piece offers three excellent restaurants, two equally good bars,…

  • Mdumbi Backpackers

    The Wild Coast

    Marvellous Mdumbi, a 23km drive north of Coffee Bay (the 17km gravel road is normally passable in a 2WD car), is a rural retreat set in rolling hills…

  • It's a Small World Backpackers Lodge

    Harare

    Single-handedly flying the flag for backpackers in Harare, It's a Small World does a wonderful job catering to the needs of independent travellers. It…

  • Ndarakwai Ranch

    Northern Tanzania

    Ndarakwai Ranch, a lovely 15-tent camp run by the Kili Conservancy, makes a comfortable base for safaris and walks. The sophisticated and spacious…

  • Ali & Sara's Desert Palace

    Merzouga

    Make friends with Romeo, George and Casanova – no they aren’t cheeky local lads, but your trusty dromedaries – as you head out from Merzouga nomad-style…

  • Kisolanza – The Old Farm House

    Southern Highlands

    This gracious 1930s farm homestead 50km southwest of Iringa is fringed by stands of pine and rolling hill country and recommended for its accommodation…

  • Riad Berbère

    Kâat Ben Nahid & Bab Debbagh

    Besides having one of the most romantic garden courtyards in the medina, beloved by cats, it's the service and special little touches like free cucumber…

  • Kyaninga Lodge

    Fort Portal

    The stunning Kyaninga Lodge, 10km northeast of Fort Portal, features eight epic thatched-roofed log cabins that soar high upon stilts. Joined by a wooden…

  • Sipi River Lodge

    Eastern Uganda

    A real retreat set in lush gardens with porch rockers and a creek-side trail to the second waterfall. Dorms and bandas (thatched-roofed huts) use separate…

  • Giraffe Manor

    Nairobi

    Built in 1932 in typical English style, this elegant manor is situated on 56 hectares, much of which is given over to the adjacent Giraffe Centre. As a…

  • Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp

    Draa Valley

    A pebble's throw from Erg Chigaga's highest dune, this luxurious tented camp has 13 sumptuous tents furnished with wall-to-wall carpets, handcrafted beds…

  • Camp Kipwe

    Damaraland

    Brilliantly located amongst the boulders and rocks littered throughout its premises, Kipwe is languidly draped over the stunning landscape in very…

  • El Karama Eco Lodge

    Laikipia Plateau

    One of the most affordable places in the region. There are luxury tents where you can laze in your hammock overlooking the Ewaso Ngiro River, or if you're…

  • Haven

    Jinja

    Overlooking a wild Class VI rapid, this wonderful, friendly lodge is all about location. With pleasant grounds featuring a play area, bike rentals and…

  • Onkoshi Camp

    Etosha National Park

    Upon arrival at Onkoshi (from Namutoni), you'll be chauffeured to a secluded peninsula on the pan's rim and given the keys to one of 15 thatch-and-canvas…

  • Ondas Divinas

    São Tomé

    STP needs more of this! Trailblazing entrepreneur Yves has built five fantastic beach cottages on a cliff overlooking the sea, with spectacular views from…

  • Nkonzi Camp

    Zambia

    Run by Jackalberry Safaris, Nkonzi is a bush camp within the national park that offers a wonderful (and relatively more affordable) wilderness experience;…

  • Sirikwa Safaris

    Western Kenya

    Owned and run by the family that started Saiwa, this beautiful old farmhouse is 11km from the swamp. You can choose between camping in the grounds,…

  • Constance Lémuria

    Praslin

    Praslin's top-drawer establishment occupies the island's northwest tip. If you're not bowled over by the voluminous foyer and marvellous spa, you will be…

  • Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

    Luxor

    The Luxor Hilton is the slickest, most luxurious resort in Luxor. Located 2km north of Luxor centre, past the Karnak temples, the large Nileside rooms are…

  • Hatari Lodge

    Northern Tanzania

    The most atmospheric and upmarket of the park lodges has tasteful ‘modern-retro’ rooms filled with personality, a prime location on large lawns frequented…

  • Sandai Farm

    Kenya

    Fourteen kilometres northwest of town (ask locals for directions), Sandai is run by the effervescent Petra Allmendinger, whose enthusiasm and warm welcome…

  • Elephant Sands

    Botswana

    Some 52km north of Nata, Elephant Sands, run by Mike and Saskia, is a fabulous place to stay. Excellent and spacious safari tents, some chalets and a few…

  • Danforth Yachting

    Malawi

    Beautifully finished Danforth has seven stylish, mint-fresh rooms set in lush beachside gardens. There's also a top-notch restaurant (guests only) with a…

  • Kapishya Hot Springs Lodge

    Zambia

    Featuring a scenic river location, with nearby hot springs and lush rainforest, this lodge is popular for good reason. The chalets are light and spacious,…

  • Sarova Salt Lick Safari Lodge

    Kenya

    The centrepiece of the sanctuary, this original lodge calls to mind a traditional village of beehive huts on stilts, all connected by a web of walkways…

  • Dar Ahansal

    High Atlas Mountains

    Atop Amezray the impressive rock-hewn dar (small house) of mountain guide Youssef Oulcadi rises organically out of the tough mountain landscape, its…

  • Che Shale

    Malindi

    Three kinds of people make their way to this camp on Mambrui Beach, 25km north of Malindi: kitesurfers, foodies and tranquillity seekers. Choose between…

  • Lamai Serengeti

    Serengeti National Park

    Built on a kopje near the Mara River in the far-northern Serengeti, Lamai blends into its surroundings so well it’s nearly invisible. There are two lodges…

  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

    Rwanda

    If you want to splurge on your visit to the gorillas, then this is without a doubt the place to do it. Intimate and immaculate accommodation is in…

  • Wukro Lodge

    Rock-hewn Churches of Tigray

    Finally nearing completion during our recent visit, Wukro Lodge has been worth the wait. The rooms feature traditional designs – split levels like many…

  • Les Chambres du Voyageurs

    Madagascar

    This ecolodge is a rarity in Antsirabe, an island of nature on the edge of the city. The owner's passion is gardening and you'll find numerous species of…