Introduction
Which country in Africa has the best hotels makes me wonder every time I travel across the continent. Africa has some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, ranging from desert to jungle and beach. Every hotel I visited had an interesting tale to tell of culture, comfort, and the memories it left behind. So, I resolved to travel the continent and identify the very best hotels for this year. Which country can actually claim Africa’s best hotel for 2026?
From serene oases in Egypt to private sanctuaries in Kenya and safari lodges in Zimbabwe, I discovered Africa’s best hotels are about more than just luxury; they’re also about connecting with a place, its culture, and making memories that will endure long after check-out. Here’s my journey through some of the greatest hotels in Africa and the Middle East that you might want to know about.
Where Can You Find Africa’s Best Hotels in 2026?
Columnist, Michela Wrong When I began pondering where to look for the best hotel in Africa in 2026, it dawned on me that there’s not just one answer. Africa is a diverse continent, a place with golden deserts in Egypt, turquoise beaches in Kenya, lush forests of Uganda, and wild safari lands of Zimbabwe. Every country has hotels that bring together indulgence, culture and once in a lifetime memory.
During my last few trips, I stayed at a few of these outstanding properties, and my recurring thought was, where is the best hotel in Africa? From quiet oases and private beach retreats to conservation-minded lodges and safari camps, here is a tour of five hotels that really stuck with me.
1. Al Moudira Hotel: Egypt
When I asked myself which country has Africa’s best hotels, my journey led me to Luxor, Egypt, and the magical Al Moudira Hotel. Calling it an oasis is no exaggeration; it’s a perfect combination of luxury, history, and artistry. Here’s why this hotel deserves a spot on the list of Africa’s best hotels:
Location and Ambience
- Perched on the west bank of the Nile, in sugar cane and date palm fields.
- Provides a peaceful respite from the busy river cruises.
- Nestled between greenery and the peace of the views, it’s a nice, almost Zen place to savor.
Architecture and Design
- Facilities Domedhaft facade of brass and natural stone is a masculine take on traditional Egyptian design.
- Interiors decorated with hand-painted hieroglyphs and trompe-l’oeil drapery.
- Authentic touches, including antique furniture and decor found in local souks, make the place.
- Villas have stargazing rooms, where guests can enjoy the night sky in a one-of-a-kind way.
- Modern luxury meets Old World style in the discreet Italian-Lebanese design touches.
On-Site Experiences
- The hotel has a small farm on site, with ostriches, donkeys, and seasonal crops.
- Guests have access to the gardens and farm, which can be strolled.
- Sunrise on the Nile is amazing, and you don’t need to go far to see it from the hotel.
- The pool deck offers lounge chairs to cool off after a day’s sightseeing.
Culinary Highlights
The seasonal eatery by Andalusian chef Gioconda Scott offers exquisite dishes made with ingredients from the Mediterranean and local cuisine.
- Eating here is as much about dining on the lushly decorated plates.
- Breakfast by the pool with its great views over the Nile is a luxurious introduction to another day.
Cultural and Historical Touch
- Near Luxor’s well-known temples, so guests can mix a cultural stay with luxury.
- Artful decor that reflects Egypt’s long history; it makes every pocket of the hotel seem like a gallery.
- Great for travelers wondering which country has the best hotels in Africa with a blend of culture and comfort.
Luxury and Comfort
- Every touch in the spacious villas and suites is designed for comfort.
- Plush seating areas, posh bathrooms, and personalized service create a sense that you are in for a special stay.
- Perfect for travelers in search of tranquillity, privacy, and deluxe accommodation.
Overall Impression
- Al Moudira is a mix of history, luxury, and nature all in one place.
- For anyone out there wondering which country has the best hotel experience in Africa, Egypt’s Al Moudira would certainly be a strong contender.
- The stay feels like existing in a time warp, as if walking into a dream where the past meets the present.
Cost: From Rs29,707 per night
2. Bvlgari Resort: Dubai, UAE
Not in Africa, but since Morocco and Jordan (singularly or together) could be the Middle East’s best option for travelers who are adding on a safari with a stay nearby. When I thought about which country Africa’s best hotels feature opportunities for nearby indulgence, I immediately thought of the Bvlgari Resort Dubai. Here’s why this is the perfect paradise for relaxation:
Location and Ambience
- Nestled below the main tourist trails of Dubai, secluded in privacy and omote.
- Nestled amidst tropical landscaping framed by the sea and hinterlandScented frangipani, gently swaying in the breeze.
- Nice soft, powdery beach for quiet mornings and peaceful sunset walks.
- You’ll find a quiet, classy atmosphere compared to the excitement of city life, so it’s a bit of relaxation!
Architecture and Rooms
- The hotel’s decor is subtle but luxurious with classic designs.
- Rooms and suites come with cashmere blankets, cool finishes, and top-class decor.
- Private poolside cabanas provide an ideal spot to lounge or read with a view.
- The interiors are luxurious and contemporary, yet they feel inviting, which makes every stay memorable.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
- Provides excellent Italian & Japanese Michelin Star dining.
- The 17-seat Japanese counter offers a private, intimate experience similar to Ginza.
- This classic Italian eatery dishes out genuine Mediterranean tastes in chic surroundings.
- Eating here is a part of the luxurious experience, which sets this as one of the top hotels in Africa for gourmet eaters.
Luxury Amenities and Relaxation
- Pools and cabanas, all designed for peace and privacy.
- Gardens and beach zones contribute to a peaceful and tranquil feeling.
- The treat of relaxation that every guest seeks is further complemented by spa treatments and wellness facilities.
Overall Impression
- Technically outside Africa, the resort is well matched with trips to the continent, especially for travelers wondering which country has the best hotel experiences in Africa and offering nearby luxury.
- The Bvlgari Resort, Dubai, is where privacy meets elegance and fine dining meets comfort, a retreat where relaxation comes easily.
Cost: From Rs51,133 per night
3. Kinondo Kwetu: Kenya
Kenya immediately emerged as the solution to my musing on which country had the best hotels for a barefoot beach escape.
Location and Setting
- Nestled between the turquoise Indian Ocean and preserved coastal forests.
- Its private beach expanse makes it perfect for serene relaxation.
- Nestled in the beauty of Mother Nature. Peace and tranquility abound.
Accommodation and Design
- Thatched cottages and contemporary villas commingle happily with their environment.
- The villas provide guests with a space of comfort, privacy, and spectacular scenery, either on land or over the sea.
- Interiors are straightforward but stylish, ideal for a high-end beach retreat.
Activities and Experiences
- Yoga at dawn on a clifftop platform with commanding views.
- Long, relaxed luncheons aboard a traditional wooden dhow.
- Horse riding under the stars along the shore makes for an ethereal and magical night.
- Guided forest walks by the local Digo guides connect guests with nature and culture.
Community and Cultural Connection
- The hotel already pays for schools and hospitals within the local community.
- Visitors can also learn about local customs and assist with community projects.
- Blends luxury and purposeful travel, both for comfort and ideal location, one of the best hotels in Africa.
Overall Impression
- Kinondo Kwetu demonstrates that luxury and community do not have to be at odds.
- If which country has Africa’s best hotels with a private beach, cultural connection, and thoughtful design is what the traveler thirsts to know, Kenya is the answer.
- It is a tranquil escape where nature, culture, and comfort converge.
Cost: From Rs25,206 per night
4. Mount Gahinga Lodge: Uganda
When thinking about the best hotels that combine wildlife, luxury, and sustainability, Uganda immediately comes to mind. The Mount Gahinga Lodge, nestled near the Virunga peaks in southwest Uganda, is a serene and unforgettable retreat. Here’s why it stands out:
Location and Setting
- Scenic setting: Set in southwest Uganda near the Virunga mountains, this lodge has views of volcano peaks, rolling hills, and dense forests.
- Nature immersion: The lodge is nestled in dense forests with abundant wildlife, creating a peaceful refuge from city living.
- Adventure central: It’s a great jumping-off point for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tours, and checking out Uganda’s infamous wildlife.
- Peace and privacy: The isolated, modest location guarantees an undisturbed, tranquil stay perfect for travelers in search of a luxurious nature getaway.
Accommodation and Design
- Rustic bandas: Stained-glass-topped roundalos and handcrafted bandas, some thatched with papyrus and others constructed of stone, are built to mix seamlessly with the natural environment.
- Local craftsman: Aesthetic-inspired interiors, using natural materials and local wood, celebrate the Ugandan design tradition.
- Luxury with an authentic touch: Each room features comfort and privacy, but also carries the culture of its origin.
- Nature views: Guests can wake up to the greenery and mountains every day via large windows and balconies.
- Why it stands out: Travelers wondering which country boasts Africa’s best hotels will find the ideal mix of comfort and authenticity here.
Wildlife Experiences
- Gorilla trekking: Visitors are offered the opportunity to participate in guided village treks featuring mountain gorillas in the wild, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
- Biodiversity: The neighboring forests are inhabited by golden monkeys, forest elephants, and numerous varieties of birds.
- Safari delivered to you: Even when you are not out in the bush, there is wildlife close by, making your safari experience exciting and memorable.
- Unique experience: If you love wildlife, this lodge is one of the best hotels in Africa thanks to its front row seat in nature.
Dining and Relaxation
- Local and freshmeal ingredients: The cuisine served is created with sustainable, locally grown produce, which offers tourists the authentic Ugandan flavors.
- Intimate lounges: After a day of trekking, I sipped cocktails by the fire with sweeping mountain views.
- Ideal relaxation treat: It’s got warm fireplaces and comfy seats, so peaceful for unwinding.
- Culinary experience: Dining in the lodge is an experience, not a meal, part of its luxury, and another reason it’s considered one of the best places to stay in Africa.
Conservation and Community
- Wildlife: The lodge backs conservation initiatives, facilitating the protection of endangered animals such as gorillas and golden monkeys.
- Support for the community: The nightly rate goes towards local schools, hospitals, and development projects in the Batwa community.
- Sustainable travel: Guests can experience the height of luxury while directly contributing to environmental and social initiatives by staying here.
- Good for the world stay: For a blend of ease, wildlife, and local interaction, Mount Gahinga Lodge is one of Africa’s top hotels for conscious travelers.
Overall Impression
- Not just a hotel: Mount Gahinga Lodge is more than just accommodation; it’s a cultural, wildlife, and nature experience.
- Luxury with a mission: It’s Peaceful, sustainable, and immersive, perfect for travelers who want to mix adventure with comfort.
- Why Uganda comes first: If you’ve wondered where I can stay at the best hotels in Africa, with wildlife on your doorstep, sustainable properties that promise serene luxury (and sometimes barefoot freedom), then Uganda is definitely a contender.
Price: From Rs68,868 per person, with a nightly community fee of Rs4,501
5. Somalisa Camp: Zimbabwe
And last but not least, I visited Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park at Somalisa Camp, and it certainly fits the bill as when you ask yourself, where are the best hotels for wildlife and safari. This game reserve blends 5-star lodgings with “untamed experiences” in the heart of wild Africa. Here’s why it is one of Africa’s best hotels for travellers seeking adventure:
Location and Setting
- Prime wildlife site: Inside Hwange National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most wildlife-dense reserves.
- Iconic backdrop: Guests enjoy views of endless savannah plains, acacia trees, and watering holes that offer a chance to spot various animals.
- Wilderness immersion: The lodge is set so far out in the wilderness that guests get to see the exact nature of the beast (making it perfect for finding where you can find Africa’s best hotel for safari).
Accommodation and Design
- Splurge tents: Large safari-style tents with freestanding copper baths, sophisticated interiors, and luxe mod-cons.
- Real safari feel: Zebra skins, timber furnishings, and local art add to the experience without sacrificing comfort.
In the wild, the tents are all about fitting in with nature, creating a feeling of privacy and natural surroundings.
Why it’s one of the best hotels. Mix rustic adventure with high-end luxury, a trademark of Africa’s top hotels.
Wildlife Experiences
- Near encounters: I watched lions wandering near the lodge, and other wildlife, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo were commonly seen nearby.
- Guided safari drives: Expert guides lead guests on morning and evening drives, explaining animal behavior and conservation efforts.
- Photography Shots: The lodge is an ideal place for wildlife photography, see animals in their habitat.
- Unforgettable adventure: For travelers asking where they can find Africa’s best hotel for raw safari thrills, it doesn’t get any better than Somalisa Camp.
Dining and Relaxation
- Bush dining: Food is made from fresh local produce and eaten in beautiful outdoor locations.
- Bonfire nights: I concluded my day with a cocktail beside the fire pit, lulled by the chorus of the African night.
- Wild luxury: Comfortable lounges and chill spaces make the perfect reward to relax after adventurous drives.
- Culinary pleasure: The dining experience here is intimate and luxurious, adding to the lodge’s acclaim as one of Africa’s best hotels.
Conservation and Ethical Travel
- Conservation concern: Somalisa Camp, together with Hwange National Park, aims to help preserve the area through responsible tourism.
- Reduction approach: Energy efficiency, water conservation, and locally sourced materials make it a sustainable luxury option.
- Educational experience: Visitors can learn about animal behavior and habitat preservation, and the benefits of eco-conscious travel.
- Why it matters: A stay here means that travelers can experience one of Africa’s best hotels while supporting conservation and ethical tourism.
Overall Impression
- Luxury meets adventure: Somalisa Camp is the ideal marriage between luxury and authentic wilderness experiences.
- Favourite safari moment: Whether watching lions or being driven by the guides to a bonfire, the minute we were not driving, we also had fantastic memories from back at base.
- Top pick for safari fans: For those of you wondering where Africa’s best luxury hotel that also offers adventure, Zimbabwe’s Somalisa Camp is hard to beat.
Cost: From Rs81,921 per night
Final Thoughts
After visiting hotels across Africa and the Middle East, it is clear that where you can find Africa’s best hotel depends on what kind of experience you are after. Egypt has history and splendor; Kenya is for private beaches, community-based retreats can be arranged in Uganda, and Zimbabwe is a pristine safari adventure at its finest.
The best hotels in Africa aren’t just a place to rest your head; they’re an experience that embraces culture, nature, and comfort. Every hotel gave me something to remember, and these are moments that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
Visit for more: https://travellergossip.com/
FAQ
1- Which country truly has Africa’s best hotel?
It depends on your travel preference: Egypt for history, Kenya for beaches, Uganda for wildlife, and Zimbabwe for safari adventures.
2- Are these hotels family-friendly?
Yes, most hotels accommodate families, though safari lodges are better for older kids or adults.
3- When is the best time to visit?
November to March is ideal for most African destinations, avoiding heavy rain and extreme heat.
4- Are these hotels expensive?
Yes, they are luxury stays, with prices ranging from Rs25,000 to Rs80,000+ per night.