At a Glance
- Africa’s top 10 hotels combine breathtaking scenery, luxury comfort, and cultural richness.
- From cliffside retreats to volcanic lodges, Africa’s luxury travel experience is rapidly evolving.
- High-end hotels across Africa deliver unforgettable memories through nature, culture, and world-class service.
Africa’s luxury travel market is moving upward, quite literally. From cliffside retreats above the Atlantic to lodges perched on volcanic rims, the continent offers hotels where altitude meets indulgence.
These properties combine five-star service, striking views, and cultural depth, creating stays that feel less like a getaway and more like a memory that lingers.
Africa’s luxury travel sector is set for steady growth, fueled by international demand and an expanding local elite. The hotels above are more than high-end escapes—they signal a growing appetite for exclusivity, culture, and connection to place.
For travelers, the appeal is not just in luxury but in moments: sunsets over the savannah, mountain views at dawn, dinners under star-filled skies. These are the kinds of memories that last long after checkout.
Shore Africa profiles ten standout destinations where scenery and service come together seamlessly.
1. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Country: Tanzania
Situated on the edge of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge delivers unmatched views of one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes. Chandeliers and claw-foot tubs meet Tanzanian design motifs, while butler service adds a personal touch. At dawn, guests often wake to zebra and wildebeest grazing in the crater below before heading out on guided drives.
2. Mount Nelson Hotel
Country: South Africa
Cape Town’s “Pink Lady,” open since 1899, remains a landmark of hospitality. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Mount Nelson blends manicured gardens, elegant suites, and a spa oasis. Its high tea has become a tradition in itself, combining history, flavor, and scenery.
3. The Marine
Country: South Africa
Overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, The Marine is synonymous with oceanfront luxury. From June to November, whales breach within sight of its terraces. Interiors feature refined fabrics, while Origins restaurant elevates local flavors paired with acclaimed wines.
4. One&Only Cape Town
Country: South Africa
With Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head framing the skyline, this property fuses urban glamour with natural beauty. Rooms are expansive, the spa rests on a private island, and dining includes Africa’s first Nobu restaurant.
5. The Oyster Box
Country: South Africa
Beside Umhlanga’s lighthouse, The Oyster Box mixes heritage with modern comfort. It offers a private cinema, sea-facing spa, and an infinity pool that appears to merge with the Indian Ocean.
6. Constance Lemuria
Country: Seychelles
Tucked into the hills of Praslin Island, Lemuria offers villas with private pools and three secluded beaches. Its championship golf course and fine dining—particularly at Diva—make it a destination for both relaxation and recreation.
7. La Sultana Marrakech
Country: Morocco
This riad hotel is a showcase of Moroccan artistry, from carved wood to mosaic tiles. Guests sip mint tea on the rooftop with views of the Atlas Mountains, then unwind in the hammam spa below.
8. Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, Zambia
Country: Zambia
A short walk from Victoria Falls, this riverside property blends colonial elegance with raw nature. Suites open to verandas overlooking the Zambezi, and sundowner cruises bring close encounters with zebras and giraffes.
9. Ellerman House
Country: South Africa
With just 13 rooms, Ellerman House feels intimate but carries cultural weight. Its private art collection spans contemporary and historic works, while its cliffside wine cellar hosts curated tastings.
10. Birkenhead House
Country: South Africa
Hermanus’s Birkenhead House pairs antique furnishings with sweeping Atlantic views. The infinity pool sits above crashing waves, and whale season transforms the property into a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle.
