Dinogo Readers’ Top 8 Hotel Picks in Africa for 2024

Whether it's the shimmering Atlantic Ocean or the verdant coffee fields, Dinogo readers adore waking up to stunning landscapes. Their favorite city hotels and resorts in Africa—spanning South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya—are nestled in lush gardens, alongside flowing rivers, or offer breathtaking mountain vistas.

Understanding the Voting Process

For our annual World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide—ranking the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and were evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Room and facility quality
• Location
• Service quality
• Culinary offerings
• Value for money

Participants rated each feature as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are derived from the average of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers About City Hotels in Africa

Once again, Cape Town stands out as the preferred luxury destination for T+L readers—this year’s top three African hotels in the World’s Best Awards are all located in this South African city. With breathtaking views, exceptional dining options, and rich historical sites, it’s no wonder readers are enamored with the ambiance of these hotels. Add to this mix the “impeccable service,” as described by one reader regarding Ellerman House, this year’s top choice, and the combination is unbeatable.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Johannesburg’s Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa (No. 4) has captivated T+L readers with its urban retreat atmosphere. One guest described it as “a secure oasis,” while many others appreciated the lush grounds and spacious accommodations.

Guests at Giraffe Manor (No. 5) in Nairobi, Kenya, were equally impressed by the property, but for unique reasons—mainly due to the “Rothschild’s giraffes literally tapping on your window.”

Winner of Africa City Hotels

Ellerman House: Located in Cape Town, South Africa

“One of the finest hotels I've experienced worldwide,” proclaimed a T+L reader about this year’s top city hotel in Africa, Ellerman House. This hotel — described as “like a stunning private residence” — is nestled in the upscale Bantry Bay area of Cape Town. Perched above the Atlantic Ocean, the breathtaking views extend beyond the exterior; the interiors are equally impressive, featuring an extensive art collection displayed in the hotel’s private gallery. The on-site cellar offers wine tastings featuring a giant corkscrew sculpture that doubles as a wine rack. In addition to the main house suites, there are two private villas, making it ideal for families or visiting celebrities.

Complete List of Africa City Hotels

1. Ellerman House: Located in Cape Town, South Africa

Reader Rating: 98.20

2. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town: Located in Cape Town, South Africa

Reader Rating: 95.15

3. Cape Grace, a Fairmont Managed Hotel: Located in Cape Town, South Africa

Reader Rating: 94.95

4. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa: Located in Johannesburg, South Africa

Reader Rating: 94.59

5. Giraffe Manor: Located in Nairobi, Kenya

Reader Rating: 94.48

What Readers Adored About Resorts in Africa 

Although located in different countries, the three African resorts that T+L readers favored this year share a common feature: serene and picturesque surroundings. Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe (No. 1) is situated along the banks of the wild Zambezi River, while Babylonstoren (No. 2) in South Africa’s Cape Winelands is enveloped by majestic mountains and sprawling vineyards. One reader described it as “a beautiful hotel with endless activities,” while another praised its “breathtaking location.” Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge (No. 3) in Tanzania boasts lovely grounds “surrounded by coffee, monkeys, and the sounds of nature.”

Winner of Africa Resorts

Matetsi Victoria Falls: Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Matetsi Victoria Falls has ascended from its previous No. 2 ranking to become this year's leading resort in Africa, as voted by T+L readers. Its prime location undoubtedly contributes to its acclaim. One guest referred to Victoria Falls as an "incredible safari destination" — though the town is best recognized for its iconic waterfall, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "The Smoke That Thunders." Nestled alongside the Zambezi River, approximately 45 minutes from the town, Matetsi leverages its stunning environment with boat rides, safari adventures in the reserve, spa services, and tours around (and helicopter rides over) the renowned falls.

Complete List of Africa Resorts

1. Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Reader Rating: 97.88

2. Babylonstoren, Simondium, South Africa

Reader Rating: 96.57

3. Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

Reader Rating: 92.42