The 10 Best Hotels in Africa for 2025: Luxury, Adventure, and Unforgettable Stays

orpmarketing
May 17
5 min read

Africa’s hotels are more than places to sleep—they’re gateways to the continent’s soul. From cliffside retreats in Cape Town to tented camps in the Okavango Delta, these properties redefine luxury with jaw-dropping settings and impeccable service. After diving into traveler reviews, industry awards, and real-time feedback, I’ve curated the top 10 hotels in Africa for 2025. Each one’s a gem, backed by data and guest love. Let’s explore!

1. Ellerman House – Cape Town, South Africa

Why It’s Special: Perched in Bantry Bay, this Edwardian mansion is Cape Town’s crown jewel, blending old-world glamour with modern luxe. Its private South African art collection and ocean views are unmatched.
Data Points: No. 1 city hotel in Africa (Travel + Leisure 2024), 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor with 500+ reviews praising “impeccable service” and “stunning views.” Condé Nast Traveler calls it “truly unparalleled.”
Standout Features: Vintage champagne cellar, private villas for celebs, and a gallery-like art collection. Guests rave about the personal touches—like handwritten welcome notes.
Why It Ranks High: Consistent top rankings and glowing X posts about its “home-like” vibe sealed its spot.

2. Royal Mansour – Marrakech, Morocco

Why It’s Special: A masterpiece of Moorish design, this hotel feels like a sultan’s palace with private riads, crystal chandeliers, and gardens that scream serenity.
Data Points: Fodor’s 2024 “Best Hotels in Africa” list, 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor with 1,200+ reviews. X posts highlight its “otherworldly” spa and dining by Michelin-starred chefs.
Standout Features: Each riad has a private courtyard and plunge pool. The new Royal Mansour Cooking School offers Moroccan culinary classes.
Why It Ranks High: Its blend of cultural immersion and luxury, plus strong 2024 reviews, makes it a North African standout.

3. Matetsi Victoria Falls – Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Why It’s Special: Overlooking the Zambezi River, this safari lodge offers intimate wildlife encounters and jaw-dropping sunsets. It’s a T&L reader favorite for good reason.
Data Points: No. 1 resort in Africa (Travel + Leisure 2024), 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor. Guests call it “one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at globally.”
Standout Features: 18 spacious tents with private jacuzzis, plus a suspension bridge to a Maasai-inspired lounge. Wildlife spotting from your bed is a game-changer.
Why It Ranks High: Its 2024 jump from No. 2 to No. 1 and X buzz about “unrivaled” game drives pushed it to the top.

4. The Silo Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa

Why It’s Special: Housed in a reimagined grain silo, this V&A Waterfront stunner marries industrial chic with panoramic views of Table Mountain.
Data Points: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2024, 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor. Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating for three years running.
Standout Features: Rooftop infinity pool, Zeitz MOCAA museum access, and pillowed glass windows that glow at night. Guests love the “artistic vibe.”
Why It Ranks High: Its design innovation and prime location scored big, backed by X posts calling it a “must-stay.”

5. LUX* Marijani Zanzibar – Zanzibar, Tanzania

Why It’s Special: This beachfront resort on Zanzibar’s quieter coast blends Afro-chic style with lush gardens and oceanfront infinity pools.
Data Points: Tripadvisor Best of the Best 2024, 4.6/5 with 800+ reviews praising “personalized service” and “stunning decor.”
Standout Features: Snorkeling, diving, and a spa that’s a guest favorite. The on-site restaurant’s wooden carvings add cultural flair.
Why It Ranks High: Strong reviews for its relaxed vibe and non-touristy location made it East Africa’s top pick.

6. Angama Mara – Maasai Mara, Kenya

Why It’s Special: Suspended 1,000 feet above the Maasai Mara, this safari lodge offers Big Five sightings and views that’ll leave you speechless.
Data Points: Fodor’s 2024 list, 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor. X posts gush over its “breathtaking” verandas and wildlife proximity.
Standout Features: Private verandas, outdoor showers, and a pool overlooking the Mara. The wildebeest migration is a bucket-list draw.
Why It Ranks High: Its unique “suspended” design and stellar safari reviews gave it an edge.

7. Dinarobin Beachcomber – Le Morne, Mauritius

Why It’s Special: Nestled on a private beach with Le Morne mountain as a backdrop, this resort screams tropical paradise with Mauritian hospitality.
Data Points: Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024, 4.7/5 with 1,000+ reviews. Guests love the “loyal staff” and “top-notch facilities.”
Standout Features: Infinity and heated pools, a golf course, and water sports like windsurfing. The spa’s a hit for relaxation.
Why It Ranks High: Long-term guest loyalty (some return for 20+ years) and diverse amenities secured its spot.

8. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya

Why It’s Special: Breakfast with giraffes poking their heads through your window? This stone mansion delivers a whimsical, unforgettable stay.
Data Points: Condé Nast Traveler 2024, 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor. X posts call it “a bucket-list must” for animal lovers.
Standout Features: Six resident giraffes, afternoon tea in the garden, and a cozy 10-room setup. It’s conservation-focused, too.
Why It Ranks High: Its unique giraffe interaction and intimate vibe outshone larger resorts.

9. Thorntree River Lodge – Livingstone, Zambia

Why It’s Special: Overlooking the Zambezi, this lodge is 40km from Victoria Falls, offering sunset cruises and chic, African-inspired tents.
Data Points: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice 2024, 4.7/5 on Tripadvisor. X feedback praises its “idyllic” setting.
Standout Features: Private river excursions, a infinity pool, and proximity to the “Smoke that Thunders.” The decor’s a modern-African blend.
Why It Ranks High: Its Zambezi views and adventure access made it a standout for thrill-seekers.

10. Tintswalo Atlantic – Cape Town, South Africa

Why It’s Special: Tucked at the base of Table Mountain, this boutique lodge offers oceanfront suites with mountain views and a serene escape.
Data Points: Yahoo Finance’s 30 Best Luxury Hotels 2023, 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor. Guests call it “perfect for honeymoons.”
Standout Features: 10 luxury island suites, a cozy fireplace lounge, and direct access to Hout Bay’s beaches. It’s a wedding favorite.
Why It Ranks High: Its intimate size and scenic beauty edged out larger competitors.

Why These Hotels Shine

These 10 hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re experiences. Ellerman House and The Silo dominate Cape Town with art and design, while Royal Mansour brings Moroccan opulence. Safari lovers get their fix at Matetsi and Angama Mara, and beachgoers swoon over LUX* Marijani and Dinarobin. Giraffe Manor’s quirky charm and Thorntree’s riverfront magic add variety, while Tintswalo Atlantic offers boutique intimacy. The data—reviews, awards, and guest buzz on X—confirms their excellence, with each property scoring high for service, setting, and uniqueness.

Planning a trip? These hotels are your ticket to Africa’s best. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, culture, or pure relaxation, there’s something here for you. Which one’s calling your name?