Madagascar
Perched on a gorgeous bend in the Namorona River, this charming, family-run hotel feels a lot like a classy homestay. The upper-floor rooms in the main…
Must-see hotels in Africa
Victoria Falls (town)
One of the best budget choices in town, this long-standing backpackers received a much-needed revamp when the original owners returned. The eclectic mix…
Mauritius
Set among imposing homes on a residential street away from the sea, this stately chambre d'hôte is a real find. Although the whitewashed facade, gabled…
Dadès Gorge
At this chic retreat, 11 light-filled rooms and two, two-bedroom apartments are notched right into the gorge wall, with contemporary Moroccan decor, plant…
Kruger National Park
The most authentic private bush lodge in southern Kruger, Rhino Post has eight suites constructed from wood, canvas, glass and gabion baskets. Each oozes…
Northern Madagascar
A couple of kilometres north of Joffreville, this ecolodge boasts magnificent views of the valley and lovely wooden safari-lodge-style cottages. The…
Ghana
Beautiful and ecofriendly, Escape3points is one of the nicest places to stay along the coast. The stilted bungalows are rustic yet stylish. They're…
Malawi
Nestled into the lee of a valley beside a small lake, this Central African Wilderness Safaris lodge is insanely picturesque. Its bungalows have an unfussy…
Okavango Delta
This lovely spot at the panhandle’s lower end is a fantastic place. Each of the shady campsites has its own shower and toilet, and the tranquil setting…
Skeleton Coast
Now here's something special. So far from the nearest publicly accessible road, and built in a splendid amalgam of canopied canvas and light woods, this…
Masai Mara
We're big fans of Asilia Africa's properties, and Rekero is no exception. On a bend in the Talek River in the heart of the Masai Mara, Rekero is ideally…
Mpumalanga
These seven quaint, good-sized cottages, in a beautiful and historical location on the northeastern edge of town, are well kitted out and full of…
Masai Mara
A tiny camp that's so well hidden under the riverside trees it's impossible to see until you're pretty much in it. Yet again, Great Plains Conservation…
Johannesburg
This is a superlative place to stay thanks to the dedication of young proprietor Bheki Dube. Occupying a converted printing house in the desirable…
Western Kenya
To arrive at Rondo Retreat is to be whisked back to 1922 and the height of British rule. Consisting of a series of wooden bungalows filled with a family’s…
Malawi
Between Mulanje and Blantyre, this atmospheric colonial homestead, still run by the founding family, offers accommodation among the emerald-green fields…
Tangier
Few hotels are as venerable as the gloriously refurbished Grand Hôtel Villa de France. French painter Eugène Delacroix stayed here in 1832; his compatriot…
Kasane
Off the main highway south of Kazungula (the turn-off is well signposted 6.8km south of Kazungula, from where it’s a further 1.6km off-road), this…
Zanzibar Island
With only 6 bedrooms and an open-plan living area like a lounge on the beach, Mango Beach House is a small and sociable place. Rooms are simple but neat…
Malabo
Don't be put off by the tacky lobby, this place gets better upstairs, and there's a lift. The rooms are very comfortable and have tiny balconies, a fridge…
Chefchaouen
This authentic French auberge (inn) in the Moroccan countryside offers large rustic suites with TVs and fireplaces and an excellent restaurant. The 10…
Réunion
Occupying a converted Creole mansion, this oh-so-chic maison d'hôte is the epitome of a refined cocoon, revelling quietly in minimalist lines, soothing…
Sudan
If you want to catch the sunset over the Meroe pyramids, you can splash out at this characterful Italian-run venture set on a sandy ridge about 2km away…
Tarangire National Park
Oliver's is notable for its fine location near Silale Swamp deep in the park's heart. The 10 comfortable, spacious tents have an agreeably rustic style…
Souss Valley
Located on a spectacular hilltop 15km inland from Agadir, the 30+ rooms and suites in this Amazigh-style fortress are the ideal overnight haven after…
Northeastern Tanzania
This small ecolodge on a wonderful stretch of beach has four open-sided tree-house bandas nestled into the bush just back from the sea, plus comfortable…
Liberia
With pretty, solar-powered huts (named after endangered Liberian species) on the edge of the forest, Libassa makes for a gorgeous weekend retreat near…
Bahir Dar
There’s lots of new luxe lodging going up in Bahir Dar, but this attractive spot will surely remain one of the best. Kuriftu’s large, refined stone-and…
Serengeti National Park
Olakira's northern location is one of the Serengeti's finest, with long-distance views down towards Mara River crossing 8, 500m away – one of the busiest…
Tunisia
Set among thousands (not an exaggeration) of olive and almond trees, Dar El Henchir is a gorgeous four-room B&B in an old colonial French house in the…
Lake Naivasha
Hidden under a blanket of tropical flowers, this beautiful house is like something from a fairytale, where petals dust the beds and floors, zebras and…
Zambia
Doubling as the park headquarters, accommodation here consists of thatched bungalows overlooking Lake Wasa. Larger chalets are airy and cool with wide…
Tarangire National Park
A fabulous location high above the Tarangire River, good food and service, and well-priced accommodation make this lodge the pick of the in-park options…
Mahé
No photo retouching on the website – we guarantee that the views from the terrace are that terrific, the pool (complete with a pool bar) that…
Ghana
Colourful huts and dorms are set on a hillside in dreamy tropical gardens at this sociable lodge. Across the small dirt road at the bottom of the property…
Milimani Backpackers & Safari Centre
Nairobi
This terrific place within a very secure gated community is one of the friendliest accommodation options in town, and whether you camp out back, cosy up…
Lilongwe
A short drive from the city centre, on a 650-hectare forest reserve, is a choice of swanky individual thatched chalets (Madonna has stayed here on her…
Northern Atlantic Coast
Married couple Jan and Rachid have restored this traditional medina house with style, creating a delightful retreat. All seven rooms have vibrant decor,…
Medina
A cavernous entrance hall jogs into a dazzling light-filled courtyard, with orange trees and a fountain. Indeed, there's loads of space throughout this…
Malawi
Far from backpacker hardship, this affordable island idyll is one of Malawi's most luxurious hostels. Its stone chalets are the closest you'll come to…
