Black-owned hotel experiences provide an added layer of comfort and hospitality for Black travelers on vacation. When in Africa, there’s plenty to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. From luxury resorts to beachside houses, the opportunities to book Black-owned accommodations seem endless. Here are 10 Black-owned hotels in Africa worth more than a night’s stay when visiting various parts of the massive continent.
Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls
Hotel owner Dr. Matifadza Martha Nyazema was an expert in hospitality before opening the Mbano Manor in Zimbabwe. Her career in tourism had taken her to over 60 countries and she used her expertise to craft the perfect stay at Mbano Manor. The hotel has 18 private suites and a private villa on the property. There’s wildlife all around with regular animal sightings and nature trails to explore. Guests can enjoy a variety of exciting excursions on-site as well like helicopter rides, safaris, and bungee jumping. There’s so much in store during a stay at Mbano Manor Hotel. It may be the best hotel to book when visiting Zimbabwe.
- Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation Spotlight: This five-star hotel is located just minutes from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World.
- Before you go: Mbano Manor Hotel is in the heart of the forest, making it a luxury getaway surrounded by nature.
Mango Beach House
For the freshest fish cooked to perfection and the best beachside views, consider a visit to Mango Beach House. It’s located in Tanzania on the beach along the Indian Ocean. Guests can wake up every morning to sandy shores and turquoise waters from the privacy of their own beach house. It’s a relaxing paradise that’s secluded, private, and luxurious.
- Location: Jambiani, Tanzania
- Type of Accommodation: Individual Beach Houses
- Accommodation Spotlight: The Mango Beach House is located 15 minutes from the Jozani Forest.
- Before you go: This accommodation is perfect for those who want to wake up every morning with beachfront views.
Curiocity Africa
Curiocity Africa is the perfect accommodation for the wandering traveler. They have a variety of hotels and hostels that attract a lot of backpackers and solo travelers. Owner Bheki Dube wanted to create accommodations that allowed guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. Curiocity allows for that to happen comfortably and with ease in the Cape Town area.
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Type of Accommodation: Hotels & Hostels
- Accommodation Spotlight: This accommodation hosts regular music sessions for locals and guests to enjoy the finest South African music.
- Before you go: Curiocity has multiple properties across South Africa.
African Bush Camps
Travelers can really get in touch with nature during a stay at the African Bush Camps. They have multiple locations throughout Africa and nature meets hospitality on each unique property. Guests can choose which property fits their needs and the experience they want to have. Each property is unique, with luxury amenities and excursions for the entire family.
- Location: Zimbabwe, Zambia, & Botswana
- Type of Accommodation: Lodges & Villas
- Accommodation Spotlight: The Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia has incredibly romantic vibes that are perfect for honeymoons and baecations.
- Before you go: The African Bush Camps were founded by Zimbabwean guide, Beks Ndlovu, in 2006 with the hopes of connecting guests with nature.
Kruger Shalati
The Kruger Shalati is an incredibly unique South African accommodation. Housed in a suspended train car overlooking the Sabie River, there’s no other place to stay like this in Africa. There are 24 carriage suites and seven bridge suites within the train for guests to choose from. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates nature and African design.
- Location: South Africa
- Type of Accommodation: Suspended Train Car
- Accommodation Spotlight: Despite being located on a train car, Kruger Shalati still has all of the amenities of a traditional hotel.
- Before you go: This accommodation is located in the heart of Kruger National Park.
Daze House
This boutique hotel in South Africa showcases the evolution of modern design in Africa. The Daze House places art and culture at the forefront; curating special ways for guests to interact with the local community. They offer a unique handcrafted hospitality experience influenced by the entire continent.
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation Spotlight: Each room in the Daze House is inspired by destinations across the African continent.
- Before you go: Be on the lookout for a ton of unique artwork from local artists and creators throughout this hotel.
RLJ Kendeja Resort
Guests will find the RLJ Kendeja Resort sitting on 13 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It has incredible views, top-notch amenities, and luxury experiences for visiting travelers. Known for its rejuvenating vibes, this resort is great for a self-care getaway on the continent’s West Coast.
- Location: Liberia (Near Monrovia)
- Type of Accommodation: Resort
- Accommodation Spotlight: The resort has 78 rooms in addition to private villas for guests to book during their stay.
- Before you go: Fun fact – the resort is the brainchild of BET founder, Robert L. Johnson.
Arijuju House
Located in Kenya, the Arijuju House is a real-life sanctuary. Surrounded by wildlife and nature, this accommodation centers around wellness and sustainability. It’s located on a gaming site carved into the hillside. The owners were intentional about using local timber and stone to build the house. It includes a study, cinema, five large suites, and a dining and common area for guests to enjoy. Much more private than a hotel or B&B, Arijuju is a jewel in Kenya where nature is the backdrop.
- Location: Kenya
- Type of Accommodation: Wellness & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Accommodation Spotlight: The Arijuju House was built right into the side of the hillside and inspired by the design of the monasteries in Ethiopia.
- Before you go: The house has a staff of 24 dedicated hospitality experts to ensure guests are taken care of throughout their stay.
Jnane Tamsna
Art, beauty, and hospitality collide at the Jnane Tamsna Hotel in Morocco. The boutique hotel is small but mighty. With 24 rooms, five pools, a tennis court, and more, there’s enough space and seclusion for everyone who visits. Jnane Tamsna is truly lovely and gives travelers an authentic taste of Moroccan culture from the interior design to the food and surrounding gardens. The hotel also has five secluded villas for rental beyond the hotel grounds.
- Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
- Type of Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation Spotlight: The hotel has a splendid nine-acre garden where travelers can unwind during their stay.
- Before you go: You’ll find a variety of artwork, sculptures, and paintings throughout the Jnane Tamsna Hotel thanks to its artist residency program.
AM Lodge
There’s a lot to love about the AM Lodge in South Africa. It’s located in the Klaserie region, not far from the country’s eastern border, and spread out over acres of a private luxury game lodge. Luxury comes alive at the lodge with stunning views, modern amenities, and plenty of nature everywhere you look. Many animals call the lodge area home and travelers can interact with the wildlife living on the property. The Black-owned hotel in Africa has six private suites with optimum seclusion and charm. There’s also the AM Villa not far from the lodge with a private butler, chef, and many other luxury amenities that’ll make any traveler feel pampered and cared for.
- Location: South Africa
- Type of Accommodation: Lodge
- Accommodation Spotlight: The lodge is home to plenty of wildlife including zebra, antelopes, wildebeests, and more all around the property.
- Before you go: The lodge can host up to 22 guests at a time.
There’s no place in the world like Africa. Staying at a Black-owned hotel while visiting the continent is a different experience unlike what you’d expect at a traditional chain hotel. Enjoy the comforts of these incredible properties and resorts that go the extra mile to take care of their guests and keep them coming back for years to come.
