Must-see hotels in Africa

  • Hotel Genet

    Southern Ethiopia

    Dola-Mena's only dependable hotel, the Genet has plain, poorly furnished rooms that share decent bathrooms. Shamble Habti, the helpful owner, speaks good…

  • Dünenblick

    Swakopmund

    Ideal for families, these split-level apartments overlooking the sand and sea have kitchens, ample space and, at the very least, partial views of the sand…

  • Titanic Hotel

    Mediterranean Coast & the Rif Mountains

    A cheery blue-and-white hotel on the seafront with decent, breezy rooms, although it's starting to show its age. The balconies host splendid views of the…

  • Mountain Hut

    Zimbabwe

    At an elevation of 1630m, the mountain hut is a long and steep half-day walk from the base camp. It's a bit grubby but has running water and cooking…

  • Garden Court

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Rooms here are spacious, with attention to detail and no-nonsense comforts. The hotel's restaurant isn't spectacular but it does serve meals throughout…

  • Mbuluzi Camping

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Campsites are available near the Mbuluzi River on the reserve’s northern side. Facilities include ablution blocks with hot showers and firewood is…

  • Bale Mountain Motel

    Southern Ethiopia

    Set in a quiet garden with many birds, this long-running place has simple yet clean rooms with good mattresses. Showers are cold. Meals cost Birr25 to…

  • Oshakati Country Lodge

    Namibia

    The Oshakati Country Lodge is a favourite of visiting government dignitaries and businesspeople. It’s your best bet if you’re a slave to modern comforts.

  • Pension Ahuz

    Southern Ethiopia

    The cheeriest of several pensions near the Moyale–Shashemene road junction; rooms are on the small side but are serviceable and open onto a neat courtyard.

  • Hotel Melbourne

    Northern Ethiopia

    Dessie's best midrange hotel has well-appointed rooms (ask for one at the back to avoid the considerable street noise), a good restaurant and decent…

  • Lgoita Campsite

    Northern Kenya

    Set at the base of a vertical rock formation, this is a great location for access to the many hikes available in the camp. Hire a guide for KSh1000 per…

  • Kimbla-Mantana Lake Mburo Camp

    Southwestern Uganda

    A classy camp offering luxury tents with commanding views of Lake Mburo (and sunsets behind the hills) available right from the hammocks on the big…

  • Beho Beho Public Campsite

    Selous Game Reserve

    Located at Beho Beho bridge, about 12km southeast of Matambwe and hence best accessed from Matambwe gate, with a lovely remote setting and basic ablutions.

  • Namaqua Flowers Beach Camp

    Northern Cape

    This tented camp is open from mid-August to mid-September. Bookings open 11 months in advance and you need to be pretty quick on the draw to secure a spot.

  • Noix de Coco

    Mauritius

    Dorette has opened her charming home to travellers. Several rooms have sea views, though you'll spend most of your time lounging on the sand-swept terrace.

  • Le Thiouraye

    Senegal

    The tiny auberge Le Thiouraye has basic, riverside rooms and a pleasant restaurant and bar. You can also arrange pirogue trips through the mangroves here.

  • Chamonix Guest Cottages

    Franschhoek

    There are various lodges and self-catering cottages at this wine farm-cum-game reserve. You can walk to town (though it's a long slog uphill to get back).

  • Basse Guest Inn

    The Gambia

    The pick of lodging in town, Basse Guest Inn is a well-run spot that has clean, modern rooms with nice extras (including a fridge). Meals can be arranged.

  • Sunu Keur

    Senegal

    Based in a completely rebuilt historical house, this is a place for good food, a homely atmosphere and a magnificent view across town from the terrace.

  • Daddy's Lodge

    Kumasi

    A two-minute stroll from the STC bus station, this place can't be beat when in comes to convenience, and the simple rooms and dorm aren't too bad either.

  • Océanium

    Dakar

    This little-known spot has simple, fan-cooled rooms opening onto a shared balcony, and a restaurant-bar on the shaded grounds overlooking the waterfront.

  • Auberge du Bronchard

    Réunion

    A well-maintained gîte in Roche-Plate, with one four-bed dorm, one six-bed dorm and two cute doubles. Also has a restaurant and grocery store.

  • Kliprand Guesthouse

    Northern Cape

    A friendly place in a quiet side street close to Springbok's top restaurant. Rooms are bright and cosy and there's a large swimming pool in the garden.

  • Tamassa

    Mauritius

    The four-star rooms here are asplash with colour and right by the beach, with the usual mix of restaurants, spa centre, swimming pools and watersports.

  • City Hotel

    Northern Mozambique

    One of many small business hotels in Nampula, this place doesn't exactly ooze charm, but it has all the necessities for a relatively comfortable stay.

  • Le Djoloff

    Dakar

    Designed to make you feel like Malian royalty, this place comes with lavishly appointed rooms, a wide, wonderful roof terrace and a solid restaurant.

  • Massenger Villa

    Northern Mozambique

    This new place a couple of kilometres north of the airport has clean, minimalist rooms, a restaurant and the largest and best swimming pool in town.

  • Ambre

    Dakar

    Green, art-adorned and beautifully designed, this small guesthouse is as friendly as a smile. A unique gem close to the city's best hotels and bars.

  • Yarrabee

    Mahé

    Two fully equipped studios and a three-bedroom unit with heavenly views of the bay. It's near a tiny beach and a small supermarket. Excellent value.

  • Tarrafal Residence

    Cabo Verde

    Great spot with 10 contemporary and colourful rooms, all equipped with fridges and TVs, and many showcasing ocean views. Some rooms have balconies.

  • Park Bandas

    Lake Manyara National Park

    The park has 10 double en suite bandas (thatched-roof huts) with hot water, bedding and a cooking area, located just inside the park gate.

  • Paradise Beach

    Mauritius

    Right on the beach yet closed off from the rest of the world. Beautiful modern apartments with kitchens. What's not to like at this well-run place?

  • Okarohombo Camp Site

    Namibia

    This community-run campsite is located at the mouth of the Otjinjange Valley. Facilities include flushable toilets, showers and a communal kitchen.

  • Nsobe Camp

    Zambia

    This is a basic campsite with braai area, hot showers, flush toilets and a couple of thatched cooking shelters. Note it's closed February to April.

  • Meerlin Guesthouse

    Eastern Cape

    This popular guesthouse has a combination of friendly staff, good food (dinner costs R170) and quiet, well-tended rooms in a pleasing environment.

  • La Cabrière Country House

    Franschhoek

    The sumptuously decorated rooms at this boutique guesthouse have underfloor heating and sweeping views to the mountains. You can stroll into town.

  • Keur Youssou

    Senegal

    In town, Keur Youssou has six nicely furnished round bungalows with thatched roofs and a relaxed ambience. Offers a wide assortment of excursions.

  • Nile Hotel

    Aswan

    Large, well-kept rooms with lots of light and very clean bathrooms. The rooms at the front, with great views over the Nile, are the ones you want.

  • Flamingo Inn

    Arusha

    This low-key place has sparse but spotlessly clean rooms with fans and nets, a convenient central location, decent breakfasts and friendly staff.

  • Oshakati Guest House

    Namibia

    Simple but nicely turned out en-suite rooms make this appealing guesthouse an excellent base in the area. There's also a rather noisy restaurant.

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