At a Glance
- Explore Africa’s finest hiking hotels offering comfort, views, and proximity to legendary trails.
- Stay at lodges near Kilimanjaro, Atlas Mountains, and Drakensberg with unmatched scenic access.
- Blend outdoor adventure with luxury stays in Africa’s most breathtaking hiking destinations.
Africa’s landscapes are legendary—snowcapped mountains, desert plateaus, lush forests, and endless coastlines.
For travelers who lace up their boots in search of adventure, the continent offers hiking routes as breathtaking as any in the world. But after long days on rugged trails, even seasoned hikers look forward to a hot meal, a soft bed, and a view worth lingering over.
Luckily, some of Africa’s most memorable lodges and hotels are perched right where exploration meets comfort.
From Tanzania’s volcanic peaks to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and South Africa’s dramatic coastlines, Shore Africa profiles these 10 hotels that turn a hiking trip into more than a test of stamina.
They offer a balance, challenging climbs by day, followed by evenings of rest, warmth, and the quiet pleasure of knowing the mountains are right outside your window.
1. Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge
Location: Tanzania – Mount Kilimanjaro
At the foot of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge blends rustic charm with modern ease. Climbers on the Marangu or Lemosho routes start the day with hearty meals and can loosen tired muscles at the spa. Afterward, suites overlooking rolling coffee plantations offer peace after the strain of the summit.
2. Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Location: Tanzania – Mount Kilimanjaro
On the slopes of Mount Meru, an hour from Kilimanjaro’s gates, Ngare Sero is a retreat in itself. The lodge sits by a quiet lake and serves organic farm-to-table dishes. Many hikers stop here to acclimatize before their climb, while others find it an ideal place to recover, surrounded by gardens and horses grazing nearby.
3. Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa, South Africa – Otter Trail
Location: South Africa – Otter Trail
The Otter Trail stretches 42 kilometers along South Africa’s Garden Route, famed for cliffs, rivers, and dolphin sightings. Tsitsikamma Lodge’s timber cabins are tucked into indigenous forest, each with a private deck and fireplace. After five days on the trail, the spa’s treatments feel like a reward.
4. The Plettenberg Hotel, South Africa – Otter Trail
Location: South Africa – Otter Trail
For travelers who like a mix of wilderness and seaside style, The Plettenberg offers both. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it sits minutes from the Otter Trail’s start. Guests return from hikes to fresh seafood, infinity pools, and wide views of the horizon.
5. Hogsback Inn, South Africa – Amatola Trail
Location: South Africa – Amatola Trail
Eastern Cape’s Amatola Trail, with waterfalls and misty forests, is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Hogsback Inn captures that storybook atmosphere, with cozy fireplaces and gardens wrapped in fog. Close to the trailhead, it’s the natural base for those tackling the demanding 100-kilometer route.
6. Kasbah du Toubkal, Morocco – Mount Toubkal
Location: Morocco – Mount Toubkal
In the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah du Toubkal rises over Imlil village with sweeping views of North Africa’s highest peak. This eco-lodge mixes traditional Moroccan décor with modern comfort, offering rooftop terraces and hammam baths. Hikers set out at dawn for the 4,167-meter summit and return to the kasbah’s calm embrace.
7. La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco – Mount Toubkal
Location: Morocco – Mount Toubkal
For those who want indulgence before or after the climb, La Mamounia in Marrakech delivers. Just two hours from Toubkal’s trailhead, the hotel is known for its gardens, dining, and suites that feel like a reward of their own.
8. Cathedral Peak Hotel, South Africa – Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Location: South Africa – Drakensberg Grand Traverse
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse stretches 220 kilometers across a UNESCO World Heritage site of ridges and valleys. Cathedral Peak Hotel sits in the middle of it all, offering guided hikes by day and comfort by night. Balconies overlook the mountains, while a pool, spa, and even a golf course soften the wild edges of the experience.
9. Montusi Mountain Lodge, South Africa – Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Location: South Africa – Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Nearby, Montusi offers freestanding suites with patios facing the peaks. The lodge’s location gives access to trails for every level, from gentle walks to strenuous climbs. It’s favored by hikers who want choice—whether attempting sections of the traverse or enjoying shorter outings.
10. Gondwana Game Reserve Lodge, South Africa – Garden Route Trails
Location: South Africa – Garden Route Trails
For hikers who also want wildlife, Gondwana offers the rare mix of both. Along the Garden Route, guided walking safaris bring guests close to the Big Five. At night, luxury tented suites provide comfort without losing touch with nature. It’s hiking with the added thrill of Africa’s wild heart.
