Tangier
A mansion or a palace? It's hard to decide at this restored 1920s residence, once a summer retreat for Moroccan royalty and partying European diplomats…
Must-see hotels in Africa
Johannesburg
Book ahead for this gem of a place. The design duo behind Motel Mipichi have transformed several semidetached 1930s abodes along the street into a genuine…
Northern Cape
More a modern studio apartment than a cottage, this is the park's newest and most sought after accommodation. It sits beneath a lookout point over the…
Chobe National Park
This cross between a tented camp and luxury mobile safari enables you to experience the freedom of camping (sites are moved every few days) with the…
Tiznit
Polyglot owners Priya and Aby are attentive hosts in this modern riad, which has Moroccan and European salons, a massage room and a roof terrace, all…
Marrakesh
Mediterranean chic meets medina living. Mallorcan owner Elsa Bauza oversaw every aspect of her riad's renovation, retaining its handsome central courtyard…
Lake Bunyonyi
The Belgian-owned Birdnest is an impressive sight. It's the most upmarket choice in Bunyonyi, but remains excellent value. Open-plan rooms have vibrant…
Réunion
A true find for peace seekers, Senteur Vanille makes you feel like you've stepped into a Garden of Eden, with mango, lychee and papaya trees all over the…
Lagos
This charming boutique hotel, beautifully decorated with paintings and sculptures by local artists, serves as the hub of the vibrant art and cultural…
Kruger National Park
Hovering over the bank of the Sabie River in a private concession, Narina's nine bright suites live beneath stepped thatched roofs. They are full of…
Medina
This large, well-kept riad goes all in on 'social': the place offers tours, classes, Arabic sessions, plus films and music open to the public. Befitting…
Malawi
Pumulani is a stylish lakeside lodge with nature-inspired rooms – think grass roofs and huge windows to let in the light, views of the surrounding forest…
Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp
Masai Mara
At the base of the Loita Hills, this fine Maasai camp offers simple accommodation, from camping to huts and tents. It's a rustic experience in the best…
Zanzibar Island
The unassuming Pongwe Beach Hotel has 20 bungalows among the palms on a deep arc of bleached white sand. Most rooms are sea facing (three are garden view)…
Southwestern Uganda
An excellent budget choice, this exceptionally run bush camp sits on the banks of Kazinga Channel frequented by elephants, forest pigs, warthogs and…
Nairobi
This fabulous place is arguably Nairobi’s outstanding budget option. The atmosphere is relaxed yet switched on, and the accommodation is spotless and…
Limpopo
These chalets are among the best we’ve seen in any South African national park. They include a large living space, fully equipped kitchen, outside braai …
Cairo
Hotel Longchamps is a favourite of returning visitors to Cairo. The comfortable, stylish rooms are spacious, well maintained and come with full mod-cons…
Mozambique
For a fantastic alternative to the business hotels of Macuti, check into this quiet Mediterranean-style place near the lighthouse. Upstairs are six…
Southern Ethiopia
The only thing of interest in Yirgalem (ይርጋለም), Aregash Lodge is one of Ethiopia’s most lauded lodges. The 16 Sidamo-inspired thatched huts are rustically…
Zagora
On the edge of the palm grove, the eight super-stylish rooms at this modern-Moroccan lodge are all individually decorated – think Paul Bowles’ battered…
Windhoek
Inside Heinitzburg Castle, which was commissioned in 1914 by Count von Schwerin for his fiancée, Margarethe von Heinitz, Hotel Heinitzburg is a member of…
Taghazout
Effortlessly raising the bar in Taghazout is Surf Maroc's super-stylish 'designer guesthouse'. Brilliant local art and photography fill the airy public…
Lake Manyara National Park
This lovely, luxurious place is one of the most exclusive lodges in all of Tanzania. The gorgeous stilted tree-house suites with private decks and views…
Mahé
The closest hotel to the airport, the Eden Bleu overlooks the sedate marina on Eden Island. Its stylish rooms have Nespresso machines and in-room Apple TV…
Southern Rift Valley
Stylish but relaxed, this gorgeous tented camp covers the tip of an island in the middle of Lake Baringo. The lovely tents are a mixture of thatch and…
Tunis
French-Tunisian couple Isabelle and Selim have put a huge amount of thought into the conversion and restoration of this 18th-century dar, and the result…
Réunion
The owners are passionate about Creole culture and have renovated this mansion with a happy respect for the spirit of the place. Curl up with your sweetie…
Namibia
Located 30km from Mudumu, and just outside the entrance to Nkasa Rupara National Park, this remote luxury, Italian-run lodge sits on the banks of the…
Namibia
Occupying a magical setting in the Tsaris Mountains, this is Rob and Marianne Field’s private Grand Canyon. Go for one of the more expansive rock chalets …
Djerba
Located in Erriadh's medina, this hotel in a traditional house is decorated with a super-chic European design aesthetic. There’s an ingenious use of space…
Setti Fatma
This jaunty little guesthouse is tucked down a pebble staircase about 1km before Setti Fatma. As a result, it's wonderfully secluded away from the tourist…
Kruger National Park
Singita has a reputation for having some of the best lodges in Africa. Its Boulders lodge on the bank of the Sand River is our favourite. The dining areas…
Harare
In an attractive renovated colonial house, refined Wavell House is very much an oasis with over a hectare of gardens and a luxurious swimming pool. Rooms…
Swakopmund
Sam’s Giardino Hotel is a wonderfully personal place in the backstreets emphasising superb wines, fine cigars and relaxing in the rose garden with a…
Casablanca
This contemporary seaside hotel pays homage to local craftsmanship with beaten brass doors and polished plasterwork. Rooms are light-filled and stylish,…
Rodrigues
Laval and Françoise Baptiste's inviting seaside retreat has sun-drenched rooms in charming case-style abodes, all with wonderfully unobstructed sea views…
Benin
Looking for a night at some place extra-special? Make a beeline for this lovely property, the pride and joy of affable Mathieu Yélomé, a young Beninese…
Northern Tanzania
At an altitude of 1300m and close to Kilimanjaro's Machame gate, this German-run place opened in 2012 and has a refreshingly contemporary Bauhaus…
High Atlas Mountains
This stone and mud-brick kasbah is built in the traditional local style with artful rooms warmed by vintage wood-burning stoves. It may seem palatial, but…
