Top 10 African-owned hotels

Africa’s hospitality landscape has been dramatically reshaped by billionaire investment, where opulence meets culture, and exclusivity drives tourism growth. 

From sprawling coastal resorts to secluded safari lodges, billionaire-owned hotels are not just about luxury; they are statements of vision, influence, and innovation. 

These properties blend high-end service, bespoke experiences, and community engagement, elevating Africa’s position on the global luxury map.

Investments by business magnates like Tony Elumelu, Richard Branson, and King Mohammed VI have transformed hotels into iconic destinations. 

They create jobs, foster local tourism, and integrate African heritage into world-class service. Sustainability and conservation are increasingly central, with lodges in Kenya and South Africa prioritizing wildlife protection and eco-conscious operations.

This profile-by-profile look captures the continent’s premier billionaire-backed hotels, highlighting what sets each property apart, from architectural mastery and Michelin-level dining to private villas and exclusive safari experiences. 

Whether it’s Morocco’s handcrafted luxury riads or Nigeria’s urban high-rises, the hotels profiled by Shore Africa showcase a growing trend: wealthy African hotel owners are not just investors; they are redefining luxury hospitality, combining legacy, culture, and cutting-edge experiences.

1. Mahali Mzuri
Country: Kenya
Owned by: Richard Branson, Co-founder of Virgin Group
Situated in the Maasai Mara, Mahali Mzuri offers ultra-exclusive safari experiences with eco-conscious design. Guests enjoy private tents, game drives, and conservation-focused excursions. Branson’s vision merges adventure with sustainability, creating an intimate connection with wildlife and Maasai culture, positioning the lodge as one of Africa’s most sought-after luxury safari destinations.

2. Eko Hotels & Suites
Country: Nigeria
Owned by: Gilbert & Ronald Chagoury
Located in Lagos, Eko Hotels & Suites combines luxury accommodation with a convention center and Atlantic Ocean views. The property attracts high-profile business and leisure travelers, offering diverse dining, event spaces, and upscale amenities. Its blend of iconic architecture and operational excellence makes it a flagship in Nigeria’s urban hospitality scene.

3. Royal Mansour Marrakech
Country: Morocco
Owned by: King Mohammed VI
A masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, Royal Mansour features handcrafted riads, lush gardens, and personalized service. The hotel exemplifies ultra-luxury hospitality, combining traditional architecture with modern comfort. Guests enjoy private courtyards, fine dining, and spa experiences, making it a destination for royalty and high-net-worth travelers worldwide.

4. One&Only Resorts
Country: South Africa
Owned by: Sol Kerzner family
These coastal and safari properties are celebrated for world-class service and stunning landscapes. The brand’s resorts combine privacy, luxury, and leisure with wellness-focused amenities. South Africa’s flagship locations attract elite guests seeking immersive experiences, from vineyards to safari adventures, reflecting Kerzner’s legacy in luxury hospitality.

5. Transcorp Hotels
Country: Nigeria
Owned by: Tony Elumelu
Transcorp Hotels combines luxury and African heritage in properties like Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Guests experience premium service, event spaces, and business-focused amenities, reflecting Elumelu’s commitment to hospitality excellence and tourism development.

6. Steigenberger Alaya Resort
Country: Egypt
Owned by: Talaat Moustafa Group
Egypt’s high-end tourism push is exemplified here, with luxury accommodations, beachfront access, and wellness amenities. The property elevates Egypt’s hospitality offering for international travelers.

7. Kempinski Gold Coast City
Country: Ghana
Owned by: Mohammed Al Jaber
This hotel integrates European luxury standards with Ghanaian culture. It offers premium rooms, fine dining, and conference facilities, catering to business and luxury tourism alike.

8. BON Hotels
Country: Nigeria
Owned by: Guy Stehlik
Part of a South African chain, BON Hotels operates mid- to high-end properties across Africa. In Nigeria, they offer modern amenities, quality service, and strategic urban locations, bridging business and leisure hospitality markets.

9. The Royal Portfolio
Country: South Africa
Owned by: Liz Biden
This collection, including Royal Malewane, features ultra-luxury safari lodges with private suites and bespoke wildlife excursions. Biden emphasizes exclusivity, conservation, and local community engagement, positioning the portfolio as a benchmark for high-end African safari experiences.

10. Mangalis Hotel Group
Country: Senegal
Owned by: Senegalese business mogul Yerim Habib Sow, founder of Teyliom Group
Mangalis Hotel Group, founded in 2012 and part of the Teyliom International Group, is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Although its management office is in Spain, it is a pan-African hospitality company focused on developing and operating hotels throughout West Africa