Top 15 best luxury hotels in Africa

At a Glance

• Morocco’s La Mamounia and Royal Mansour offer regal luxury blending tradition with modern elegance for an unmatched cultural stay.
• Botswana’s Mombo Camps and South Africa’s Lion Sands deliver immersive, high-end safari experiences amidst stunning wildlife landscapes.
• Seychelles’ Six Senses Zil Pasyon and Anantara Maia Villas provide exclusive beachfront retreats combining privacy with eco-conscious luxury.

Africa’s luxury hospitality scene boasts a diverse array of opulent retreats, each offering unique experiences that blend cultural richness with world-class amenities.

From the art-filled halls of Ellerman House in Cape Town to the eco-conscious villas of Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles, discerning travelers are spoilt for choice.

In Morocco, La Mamounia and Royal Mansour Marrakech epitomize regal elegance, while Rwanda’s One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers intimate encounters with nature.

Zimbabwe’s Mbano Manor Hotel and Matetsi Victoria Falls provide serene escapes near the iconic falls.

Botswana’s Mombo & Little Mombo Camps deliver unparalleled safari experiences, and South Africa’s Lion Sands Reserve and Kapama Karula immerse guests in the wild with luxury.

For beachside bliss, Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas and Six Senses Zil Pasyon offer secluded paradises.

Namibia’s Zannier Sonop presents a desert retreat that marries adventure with comfort. These destinations not only showcase Africa’s natural beauty but also its capacity for luxury and hospitality, making them must-visits for those seeking exceptional travel experiences.

Here are the top 15 luxury hotels in Africa as chronicled by Shore.Africa

1. Ellerman House
   Location: Cape Town, South Africa
   Ellerman House, a 1907 Cape Edwardian mansion in Cape Town’s Bantry Bay, offers discreet luxury, sweeping ocean views, and just 13 opulent rooms—attracting jet-set elites with suites priced up to $8,880 nightly.
   
   
   
   
2. The Four Seasons Resort
   Location: Cairo, Egypt
   Situated between desert and Red Sea, Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh is a luxurious escape for divers and dreamers alike—offering panoramic views, lush palms, fine dining, and year-round sun. Signature suites, starting at $7,235 nightly, deliver unmatched elegance, Arabian charm, and access to Egypt’s premier snorkeling and diving paradise.
   
   
   
   
3. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda
   Location: Ruhengeri, Rwanda
   Located within Rwanda’s Virunga National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest offers six secluded villas with mountain views, immersive rainforest luxury, and ethical gorilla treks—blending Rwandan tradition, modern comfort, and exclusivity.
   
   
   
4. La Mamounia, Marrakech
   Location: Marrakech, Morocco
   La Mamounia, Marrakech’s legendary 1923 hotel, blends Moroccan charm with Art Deco elegance. Its lush 17-acre gardens, opulent suites, and acclaimed service define timeless luxury and indulgence.
   
   
   
5. Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
   Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
   Mbano Manor Hotel, near Victoria Falls, offers refined luxury amid Zimbabwe’s natural splendor. Blending modern design with local heritage, its 12 elegant suites feature private patios and sweeping views. Founded by Mantis in 2010, the hotel is celebrated for gourmet dining, attentive service, and access to safaris and the Falls. A serene escape for discerning travelers, with nightly suite rates from $4,450, it promises immersive comfort and adventure.
   
   
   
6. Corinthia Hotel – Sudan
   Location: Khartoum, Sudan
   Opened in 2008 and dubbed “Gaddafi’s Egg,” the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum is Sudan’s only five-star luxury hotel. Built with Libyan funds, the €80 million riverside landmark offers 230 Nile- or city-facing rooms, world-class amenities, and a premier spa. Set on 10 landscaped acres where the Blue and White Nile meet, it caters to diplomats, executives, and elite travelers seeking comfort near Khartoum’s cultural, business, and government hubs.
   
   
   
7. Royal Mansour Hotels, Marrakech
   Located: Marrakech, Morocco
   Situated in the heart of Marrakech, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is a luxurious palace offering an unparalleled hospitality experience. Owned by King Mohammed VI, the Royal Mansour has been recognized with numerous awards, including the “Prix Villegiature 2015.” The hotel’s commitment to preserving Moroccan heritage and providing exceptional service has made it a global icon in the luxury hospitality industry. With a nightly rate starting at $2,100, the Royal Mansour Marrakech is a destination for discerning travelers seeking the ultimate in luxury and indulgence.
   
   
   
8. Mombo & Little Mombo Camp, Botswana
   Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
   Mombo & Little Mombo Camp, located in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is renowned for luxury and exceptional wildlife encounters. Mombo was first built in 1990, with its first upgrade to become an upmarket camp in 1999 by Wilderness Safaris. These luxurious accommodations are designed to provide stunning views of the surrounding wildlife, with nightly rates ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per person, inclusive of meals and guided activities.
   
   
   
9. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
   Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
   Matetsi Victoria Falls, located on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, and founded in 2012 by Matetsi Safaris, the lodge combines modern amenities with traditional African architecture, creating an immersive experience in the heart of the Zambezi Valley. Matetsi’s prime location near Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, allows visitors to explore the falls via foot, boat, or helicopter, with personalized tours led by expert guides. Pricing varies, but guests can expect to pay premium rates for this exclusive experience from $2,880.
   
   
   
10. Lion Sands Reserve, South Africa
    Location: Sabie Park, South Africa
    Lion Sands Reserve, located in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, is a premier luxury safari destination renowned for its stunning wildlife, including the Big Five. Established in 1991 by the Thompson family, the reserve is known for its exclusivity. The reserve ensures personalized service and a deep connection with nature. This luxury safari reserve offers treehouses and stunning views of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, starting at $2,720 per night.
    
    
    
    
11. Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
    Location: Anse Louis, Seychelles
    Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, located on the stunning Anse Louis beach on Mahé Island, offers a serene escape for luxury seekers. Opened in 2006 and developed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the resort blends modern elegance with traditional Seychellois architecture. Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas is renowned for its world-class spa, fine dining, and pristine beaches. Although, pricing varies by season and villa type, Guests can expect premium pricing from $2700.
    
    
    
12. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
    Location: Felicite, Seychelles
    Six Senses Zil Pasyon, located on the remote Félicité Island in the Seychelles, is a sanctuary of luxury and serenity. Opened in 2012, this resort reflects Six Senses’ dedication to sustainable, immersive travel experiences. Renowned for its eco-conscious ethos, world-class spa, and gourmet dining, Six Senses Zil Pasyon has earned numerous accolades. Prices for a stay start from around $2,350 per night, varying by season. This resort is a top destination for travelers seeking tranquility, luxury, and a strong connection to nature.
    
    
    
13. Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
    Location: Marrakech
    Kasbah Tamadot, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, is a luxurious retreat offering stunning views and exceptional hospitality. Founded in 1998 and bought by Sir Richard Branson, the luxury hotel opened its doors to its first hotel guests in 2005 and is currently managed by Virgin Limited Edition, the resort combines traditional Moroccan architecture with modern luxury. Kasbah Tamadot is a sought-after destination for travelers seeking both adventure and luxury. Guests can expect higher rates for luxurious suites from $2,200.
    
    
    
14. Kapama Karula, South Africa
    Location: Hoedspruit, South Africa
    Situated within South Africa’s private Kapama Game Reserve, Kapama Karula is a luxury safari lodge offering stunning views and unforgettable wildlife experiences. Since its establishment in 2006, the lodge has become a top choice for travelers seeking an authentic African safari. Owned by Kapama Game Reserves, Karula is part of a collection of luxury lodges dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism. This blend of luxury and adventure offers an immersive experience in the African wilderness. A night in one of its suites will set you back at least $2000.
    
    
    
15. Zannier Sonop, Karas region, Namibia
    Location: Karas, Namibia
    Zannier Sonop, nestled in Namibia’s Karas region, is a luxurious desert retreat that offers an intimate escape. Established in 2014, the resort blends seamlessly with the desert landscape, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. The hotel’s luxurious suites and premium accommodations command higher rates, with prices potentially reaching $1015 or more per night.