103 Unique Hotels in Africa

What started as a house-hunting expedition in 2002 has morphed into one of Morocco's most photographed properties. Howell James and Vanessa Branson thought they were buying a holiday home in Marrakech's ancient medina. Instead, they accidentally acquired a string of crumbling buildings that would become El Fenn – a maximalist …

On the granite outcrops of Félicité Island in the Seychelles archipelago, Six Senses Zil Pasyon occupies an ecological position as remarkable as its price point. The resort spans just one-third of this private island, with the remaining land preserved as natural habitat for endemic species, including the endangered Seychelles white-eye …

The Inara Camp stretches over 21 hectares along the arid slopes of the Agafay Desert. It's located within a relatively short ride (less than an hour) from Marrakech, in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, with a view of its highest peak, the Toubkal. The Afagay Desert covers hundreds …

La Sultana is the next level of riads in Marrakech. By combining five different buildings with five distinguished styles inside a Kasbah (fortress), this 28-room boutique hotel is bursting with charm and character. Morocco's unique riads - traditional high-class mansions with common areas and private rooms - are reason enough …

Salut Maroc sits in Essouira's historic Medina at the landmark fortress walls. A small path leads to its entrance, squeezed between the brick walls of the historic ramparts and the hotel's building. You can't miss its main door, as the former merchant's house's facade is adorned with beautiful turquoise-blue wooden …

Experience total isolation in the opulent comfort of richly decorated tents constructed on top of boulders. Zannier Hotels Sonop lies at the edge of the NamibRand Nature Reserve in the Namibian desert. The travel time from Windhoek's international airport demonstrates just how remote this location is. By a private jet, …

Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans are a serious rival to the famous Bolivian salt flats offering the largest soda lake in the world and none of the crowds that descend on Bolivia. It's one of the most secluded locations in the world, which boasts an abundance of wildlife: zebras, wildebeest, gemsbok, lions, …

Malori means "dreamer" in Tswana, and there couldn't be a more appropriate name for this luxurious accommodation. The beautiful sleep-out deck in the middle of the Kalahari desert is so delightful it will make for the sweetest dreams. The deck is covered with thatch and open on all sides, letting …

From the moment you arrive and are greeted by freshly squeezed juice in a jungle setting, you know you have found somewhere special. This is a place where you can relax the days away in beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Watching the monkeys play amongst the palms from the comfort of the …

With just 18 safari-style bungalows, this luxury boutique hotel is located in the southwest of Africa’s Pemba Island and can only be reached by boat from Zanzibar. Recently voted the Best Marine Safari Property in Africa, this lagoon is a diver’s dream! Rooms range from the standard hillside and beachfront …

The Ugandan Kidepo Valley National Park in the Northernmost part of the country is an unspoiled rugged savannah. The park is dominated by the presence of the 2,750 meters (9,020 ft) tall Mount Morungole. The Brits established Uganda's most remote game reserve in 1958 on 1,442 km2 (557 sq mi) …

Ideally situated in the chic neighborhood of Oranjezicht, 2Inn1 Kensington provides extravagant accommodation that allows you to escape the downtown hustle and bustle of Cape Town yet still have easy access to the city center. In addition to the quiet atmosphere, the prestigious location also allows you to enjoy spectacular …

Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa, nicknamed the French Corner. Its settlers named their farms after the areas in France they came from. Soon this part of the world became known for its excellent wineries. This is where Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is …

A short drive from Africa's southernmost tip, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a charming getaway along the Garden Route. This 300-kilometer (190 miles) long stretch of scenic route is a must if you plan a road trip in South Africa. The name comes from the beautifully diverse vegetation and the estuaries …

Wake up to the sight of endless sand dunes surrounding you. Then, slowly realize the wooden structures next to you are actual shipwrecks. Notice the signs indicating that you are in a place called Skeleton Coast National Park. Burning sun, dunes, shipwrecks, and skeletons? Surely, this must be a nightmare. …

This spectacular lodge is situated next to the powerful streams of the River Nile in Uganda. It's a unique private property within six hectares of Kalagala Island. Your adventure will start from Jinja, where you will take a boat ride to reach Lemala Wildwaters Lodge. That's the only way to …

Uganda's highest lodge is catchily named after its unique location. It's set on a forested ridge close to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, nearly 7000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level. The cottages are built from volcanic stones, and the interiors are decorated to give a sense of comfort. Plushy armchairs, …

This intimate desert getaway was designed for those that want more privacy than you can find in a boutique lodge. Desert Whisper is a remote capsule made for two. The rounded metal frame encompassing the inner wooden construction seamlessly blends in with the natural environment. Your living space is fully …

Segera Retreat is an oasis of safari luxury, set in the heart of Laikipia, Kenya. The six villas, creatively made of timber and thatch, are built on elevated platforms set above a profusion of lush greenery. The dramatic wall of cactus that encircles the property attracts sunbirds and other beautiful …

This is the way to honor an abandoned but not forgotten historical structure properly. The heritage site is located in the Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves. Nearly 100 years ago, trains had been passing through here and stopped overnight at the Selati Bridge. Now, a sizeable …