There is a wide range of hotels in Southern and East Africa. Most of them are located in or near the main city gateways of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Nairobi. Our favourite full service hotels in Cape Town are located centrally in the city and Waterfront district and have mountain and sea views. There is a handful of luxury hotels that we like to use in Johannesburg, notably within easy access of the airport. Many travelers need to overnight in Nairobi en route to their East Africa safari circuit. Here too, there is a selection of hotels to suit most travel styles.
A stunning setting overlooking the Franschhoek valley and surrounded by vineyards is home to Mont Rochelle, a chic luxury hotel that Richard Branson has just added to his Virgin Limited Edition Collection. The hotel has been refurbished top to bottom with the addition of a brand new spa and a second restaurant next to the…
Thanks to a thoughtful renovation and a prime location overlooking the ocean in Umhlanga, close to Durban, The Oyster Box is a sought after destination for those seeking a refined hotel stay that does not skimp on luxurious details and offers plenty of romance. A member of the renowned Red Carnation hotel group, this five-star…
Cape Town’s first urban resort is the epitome of city chic. Situated in the heart of the V and A Waterfront this six-star hotel is the only African member of the international and award-winning One&Only Cape Town brand. Superb facilities include a state-of-the-art spa, a large Kids Only club and two outstanding eateries, including the…
Unsurpassed for its location atop the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa with phenomenal 360-degree views across one of the world’s most iconic cities, The Silo Hotel is truly an architectural masterpiece and a destination hotel that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Situated in the heart of beautiful Cape Town within easy walking…
Rock Fig Safari Lodge is the latest addition to the collection of luxury safari lodges in the beautiful Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which is home to two of our other favourite properties, andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge, and King’s Camp. The Timbavati, which borders the Kruger National Park is a well established Big Five safari destination. It…
A historic Cape Dutch farm in the Cape Winelands set in exquisitely laid-out gardens a mere hour’s drive away from Cape Town, Babylonstoren is truly a magical experience not to be missed. One of the oldest Cape Dutch farms dating back to 1692, the estate offers guests serenity in beautiful surroundings with a luxury farm…
Contemporary grandeur with a colonial flavour, Hemingways Nairobi is a brand new boutique hotel set in luscious grounds that truly is an oasis of serenity away from the bustle of the city centre. Located in the upmarket suburb of Karen, with leafy views over the Ngong hills, echoes of a bygone age are re-interpreted for…
The Winston manages to combine old world style with contemporary chic in its own inimitable fashion. It conveys the sense of having been part of the central Johannesburg scene since time immemorial, despite having been voted one of Condé Nast’s Hot list of best new hotels as recently as 2011. Its central Rosemead location, only…
The flagship of the Serena hotels in Uganda, the Kampala Serena is sheer five-star luxury, merged with some exquisite Pan-African inspiration. With its supreme location right in the centre of Kampala, the lush gardens of the hotel comprises 72 acres of African landscaped greenery and this world-class establishment is truly an oasis, especially after a…