Southern Africa is renowned as a captivating region that offers a rich blend of experiences that suits all kinds of travelers. Tourists visiting the region are entitled to experience key attractions, such as the wildlife-filled plains of Botswana and Namibia, the pristine beaches of Mozambique, and the cosmopolitan allure of Cape Town, among others.
Southern Africa is brimming with diverse landscapes and cultures, and the hotels in this region serve as a true reflection of its natural beauty and vibrant heritage. Whether you’re seeking an adventure-filled safari or a calm seaside escape, Southern Africa’s top hotels promise a memorable stay by serving as an embodiment of the essence of Southern Africa.
Let’s look through the top 5 hotels in Southern Africa.
1. Last Word Long Beach (Kommetjie, South Africa)
The Last Word Long Beach Hotel is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel located in the picturesque coastal town of Noordhoek, just outside Cape Town. The hotel offers an intimate and exclusive getaway with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its tranquil location makes the hotel perfectly situated for those seeking a peaceful retreat while still wanting to stay close to the vibrant cultural attractions of Cape Town.
Last Word Long Beach features a number of spacious rooms and suites, each elegantly designed with contemporary furnishings and large windows to ensure guests get stunning ocean views. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, such as high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, luxurious bedding, and en-suite bathrooms with free-standing baths and rain showers. Some suites also feature private balconies, where guests can enjoy the stunning sunset views over the beach.
What sets Last Word Long Beach Hotel apart from other luxury accommodations is its unique combination of exclusivity, stunning oceanfront location, and personalized service. The hotel’s proximity to Long Beach makes it ideal for those looking to disconnect and unwind, with easy access to long walks along the beach. Additionally, the property’s location is close enough to Cape Town’s vibrant cultural attractions yet far enough from the hustle and bustle. Guests can also explore nearby attractions like the Cape Point Nature Reserve, Noordhoek Farm Village, and the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
The hotel also has a 4.8/5 Guest Rating based on over 200 reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com, justifying why this hotel should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
2. Shipwreck Lodge (Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia)
Shipwreck Lodge is the only accommodation facility that is situated in the desolate and world-renowned Skeleton Coast. It is a lodge that offers its guests a one-of-a-kind experience as it guarantees a unique retreat that connects visitors to the wild and untamed nature of the Namibian desert. The lodge is set against a backdrop of towering sand dunes and blends effortlessly into its surroundings.
It is inspired by the iconic shipwrecks that litter the nearby coastline, with architectural designs that evoke the feel of abandoned vessels stranded on the shore.
Each of the lodge’s rooms is designed as a luxury “shipwreck” cabin, complete with large windows that provide spectacular views of both the desert and ocean. The spacious and well-appointed cabins are also equipped with modern amenities such as king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, and private decks where guests can enjoy the surroundings.
What makes Shipwreck Lodge so unique is it’s the luxurious accommodation it offers despite being located in one of the world’s most remote and enigmatic regions. The lodge has a Guest Rating of 4.9/5 based on numerous reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com, with guests mentioning key features, such as its eco-friendly architecture, proximity to the Skeleton Coast’s shipwrecks, desert-adapted wildlife safaris, all-inclusive meals, and activities.
3. Xigera Safari Lodge (Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana)
Xigera Safari Lodge is a luxurious accommodation facility located in Okavango Delta’s Moremi GamReserve. The lodge offers an exceptional luxury safari experience amidst one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse wilderness areas. Xigera (pronounced “Kee-jera”) is more than just a lodge; it is an architectural masterpiece that celebrates African art and culture. The lodge is seamlessly integrated into the landscape to ensure minimal environmental impact.
Xigera has 12 spacious suites, each uniquely crafted with local materials and adorned with an array of art pieces. It offers a sanctuary with spectacular views of the surrounding floodplains and lagoons. The suites offer premium amenities, including king-size beds, indoor and outdoor showers, private decks, and even “floating” beds for stargazing. The lodge also offers a wide range of safari experiences, including traditional game drives, guided bush walks, and unique mokoro (canoe) excursions that let guests explore the Okavango Delta’s waterways up close.
What makes Xigera Safari Lodge unique is its meticulous attention to detail as it combines art, culture, and luxury to offer its guests an immersive safari experience unlike any other. Also, Xigera is committed to sustainability, operating with the utmost respect for the environment and using solar power and eco-friendly practices throughout the lodge.
Xigera currently has a Guest Rating of 4.9/5 based on reviews from Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and other travel platforms. Due to its rare combination of luxury, cultural immersion, and unrivaled access to one of Africa’s most celebrated natural wonders, you should consider having Xigera on your bucket list.
4. Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort (Swaziland)
The Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel located within the lush beauty of the Ezulwini Valley in Eswatini (Swaziland). This award-winning resort is set amidst a majestic botanical garden that features meticulously landscaped grounds, vibrant floral displays, and tranquil water features that provide an oasis-like ambiance.
The resort offers different forms of accommodation, ranging from fascinating garden cottages to lavish suites, all elegantly furnished and equipped with premium amenities like plush beds, private balconies, and spacious en-suite bathrooms. The resort also offers a stunning outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and a selection of garden paths and walking trails for strolls. Additionally, the resort’s restaurant is renowned for serving exquisite gourmet cuisine made from local ingredients.
Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort stands out for its breathtaking botanical garden setting, which is unlike any other hotel in Eswatini. The garden showcases a wide variety of tropical and exotic plants and offers an immersive natural environment where guests can unwind. Beyond its natural beauty, the resort offers an exceptional level of luxury and service.
The resort has a Guest Rating of 4.7/5 on popular platforms such as TripAdvisor and Booking.com with guests praising its botanical garden setting, outdoor pool, gourmet dining, full-service spa, and close proximity to cultural and natural attractions.
Hence, Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort is a must-visit for travelers seeking a luxurious getaway that merges nature, culture, and elegance.
5. Azura Benguerra Island (Benguerra Island, Mozambique)
Azura is a stunning luxury eco-boutique retreat located on Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique. The island forms part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, some 800 km north of Maputo, near the town of Vilanculos. The resort is accessible by helicopter from the coastal town of Vilanculos and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
Built entirely by hand by the local community, Azura comprises 18 pristine villas set amidst indigenous gardens only steps away from the beach. Each villa features a beautiful ensuite bathroom with an alfresco shower, a beachside sala, a private plunge pool, a dressing area, a huge comfy bed, a sundeck, and day beds. The resort also offers a personalized butler service, as guests are assigned a dedicated Mozambican host, who will attend to their every need for the duration of their stay.
The resort offers different kinds of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, dhow sailing, and guided island tours, allowing guests to explore the unique marine ecosystem. Azura also emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. The resort operates with an eco-friendly ethos, including solar-powered villas, and actively supports the local island community through various conservation and development projects, including community development, funding local schools and healthcare facilities, as well as supporting marine conservation efforts.
The resort has a Guest Rating of 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor and similar booking platforms, with high ratings for service, location, and exclusivity.
The stunning beaches, azure waters, and array of aquatic adventures make Azura Benguerra Island an ideal addition to any luxury travel bucket list
References
Condé Nast Traveller, (n.d.). Last Word Long Beach. https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/cape-town/last-word-long-beach
Mozambique Islands, (n.d.). Azura Benguerra Island. https://www.mozambiqueislands.com/resort/azura-benguerra-island/
Shipwreck Lodge, (n.d.) https://shipwrecklodge.com.na/en
Summerfield Resort, (n.d.). About. http://www.summerfieldresort.com/about/
Xigera, (n.d.). A Story of Remarkable Renewal. https://xigera.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAudG5BhAREiwAWMlSjNXN6KFfdtiqBbTlJBOJesq257qrCx-oW0LyLspfoQXNxYVXA1YeaRoCBhsQAvD_BwE
