Celebrate the Best of Africa at These Luxurious Hotels

Zamandosi Cele

THE month of May is recognised as Africa month, a time when the continent of Africa commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It’s also a time set aside to celebrate the continent, her people, culture and beauty.

Africa as a tourism destination has plenty to offer a traveller. When it comes to luxury accommodation, the continent also boasts beautiful properties in scenic locations worthy of recognition as the world’s best. The continent is coming alive once again and teeming with untapped potential and unlimited possibilities.

To commemorate Africa Month, here are 10 of the best luxury hotels on the continent, which have also been recognised as the world’s best. These hotels made it onto Travel+ Leisure’s “The 100 Best Hotels in the World”, so if you’re travelling to South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania or Rwanda, these are the leading luxury hotels to consider.

Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco

Set within the storied walls of the city’s energetic medina, this 12-acre expanse functions almost like a city unto itself. The hotel boasts 53 private riads designed in mosaic tiles, thick carpets, and artisan furniture, plus a spacious outdoor pool, fragrant gardens, and Michelin-starred dining.

A stay at the hotel starts from 12 600 MAD (R23 844.79) for a night for two.

The Oberoi, Marrakech, Morocco

Contained within a 1.2 million-square-foot orchard filled with citrus and olive trees, this newcomer impresses with both its size and Moorish architecture. Villas feature private plunge pools for ultimate privacy, and an Ayurvedic spa offers meditation, yoga and healing spa treatments to help guests relax.

A stay starts from R15 863 a night for two.

ENTER paradise at Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. | Instagram

Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking is the focus of this lodge at the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Spacious thatched-roof guest rooms are among the most stylish accommodations you'll find in the region, and the kitchen pays particular attention to growing vegetables to give meals a locavore touch.

A stay starts from $7.5K (R142 973).

WILDERNESS Bisate’s luxury, Forest Villas allow for complete natural immersion. | Instagram

Cape Grace, Cape Town

Cape Grace has been commended for its first-rate attention to detail. The Table Mountain facing harbour-side hotel features antiques and stunning handpainted fabrics that mingle with dramatic chandeliers and sculptural, decorative art pieces to create a layered design identity. It also boasts a fine-dining restaurant. A whiskey-obsessed bar and spa round out the experience.

Price available on request.

Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, Morocco

This 50-acre expanse of palms, olive trees and shimmering lakes houses 54 rustic yet elegant suites and villas. You can use one of the house cars if you want to explore the Red City, located 5km from the medina, but a Hakkasan restaurant, grand pools, and a massive spa will keep you properly busy even if you don’t.

A TABLE with a view at The Oberoi Marrakech. | Instagram

A stay at the hotel starts from R23 389 a night for two.

Gibb’s Farm, Karatu, Tanzania

At Gibb’s Farm, a variety of gardens (rose, cacti, herb) landscape a nearly 100-year-old farmhouse on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. Outdoor showers and in-room fireplaces lead the list of luxury amenities.

Of course, game drives are on the itinerary, but food and agricultural experiences in the form of baking classes and coffee picking create the most unique lodge in East Africa.

A stay at a cottage starts from $1 160.00 (about R22 000) a night for two.

One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

On a tea plantation just outside southern Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, the 22-room Nyungwe House’s remote rain-forest setting is truly special, particularly if jungle treks in search of chimpanzees and other wildlife are high on your list of activities.

A stay starts from R40 096 a night for two.

THE Nyungwe King Room at Nyungwe House. | Instagram

Silo Hotel, Cape Town

This head-turning hotel on the V&A Waterfront shook up Cape Town’s hotel scene when it opened in 2017. High ceilings and massive windows hint at the building’s industrial history, but free-standing tubs, tufted headboards, and sculptural chairs add an opulent European aesthetic. The quality of African art pieces found throughout gives every corner a sense of discovery.

A stay starts from R25 000 a night for two.

THE Silo Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. | Instagram

andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

At this elegant 30-suite lodge there’s a playful medley of aesthetics. Banana-leaf ceilings and teak panellings evoke the rustic safari experience, while chandeliers and crystal adornments lend the property moments of unexpected glamour. All of this takes a back seat to some of the most stunning views of Ngorongoro, plus spectacular wildlife viewing.

A stay at a suite starts from $1 325 (R25 258) a night.

Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa

From the grounds of this very chic beach house, you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze while marvelling at the humpback and southern right whales. Other activities at this property from the Royal Portfolio collection include hiking, surfing and gathering mussels.

A stay starts from R11 100 a night for two.

THE Grand Riad at Royal Mansour Marrakech. | Instagram