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9 Best Boutique Hotels in Africa Pampering You to Infinity

Khwai River Lodge
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Written by See Africa Today

Even at the world’s most opulent hotels, you’re likely to be one of no more than 500 guests but not at the best boutique hotels in Africa.

They treat each guest as an individual rather than a number. The level of service you can anticipate while staying in a boutique hotel is outstanding.

What Are Boutique Hotels?

Ideally, boutique hotels are small, attractive establishments typically found in hip neighborhoods, or popular areas.

They have 10 t0 100 rooms Boutique hotels fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, providing excellent amenities but at a lower price.

However, these properties tend to have a distinct look and feel because of their common traits.

A boutique hotel differs from a traditional hotel in that it is typically smaller, more personal, and more focused on the aesthetics of the building’s design.

It also has a lot to do with its excellent customer service, Instagram-worthy locations, and design, and its location.

This style of property sits at the heart of a city’s fashionable district, or in other areas with a strong cultural identity.

And the best boutique hotels in Africa know how to deliver. From exclusive safaris across Kruger National Park Area to bespoke butler service and private chefs.

So, which are these boutique hotels?

Savute Elephant Lodge,  Botswana

Savute Elephant Lodge

Savute Elephant Lodge in Botswana. Photo/andBeyond

The Savute Elephant Lodge has 12 opulent tented suites overlooking the vast Chobe National Park, making it both stylish and wild at the same time.

A herd of elephants passes by the property daily, and hyenas and cheetahs drink from the neighboring watering hole. Three meals a day are served outdoors with views of the savannah and complemented with good wines.

It is a historic explorer’s lodge, in the heart of wild Africa and among the best boutique hotels in Africa

The Savute Channel is just a short walk from our secluded tented camp, making it the ideal location to explore the delights of Chobe National Park.

Mahali Mzuri, Kenya

Mahali Mzuri Kenya

Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri In Kenya Named Best Hotel Worldwide 2021

Richard Branson’s exclusive Mahali Mzuri Luxury Safari Camp sits still in Kenya’s prestigious Maasai Mara.  On a vote on Travel and Leisure, Mahali Mzuri emerged as the best hotel in the World’s Best Awards 2021.

The 12-tented luxury safari camp is located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem.

While the luxury safari tent may seem just like an ordinary thing, those at Mahali Mzuri will surprise you. Each tent is ensuite with beautiful décor, cozy bedding, expansive windows, and a door leading to a deck.

Here, you can catch sunrise, sunset and watch wild animals on the prowl. The more the reason it ranks among the best boutique hotels in Africa.

Phinda Vlei Lodge, South Africa

Phinda Vlei Lodge

Phinda Vlei Lodge. Photo/Yellow Zebra Safaris

At Phinda Vlei Lodge, there are just six rooms to care for, so the staff goes above and beyond for each and every guest.

This safari resort sits on the border of a rare sand forest and overlooks an outstanding wetland system in the Phinda Private Game Reserve.

The resort has a reputation for being quiet and personal. Being among the best boutique hotels in Africa, it has skilled safari guides who take visitors on tours of the surrounding area.

Be sure to sight the famous Big Five as well as other species.

Gibb’s Farm, Tanzania

Gibb's Farm

Gibb’s Farm in Tanzania. Photo/Gibb’s Farm

Gibb’s Farm, a 1930s farmhouse and safari resort situated on the slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, is nearly impossible to beat in terms of position.

The property’s wide grounds include herb garden, rose garden, cactus garden, vegetable garden, and a medicinal garden. They are the major draw for guests, even if the 17 cottages and two houses on the site are appealing.

Visitors can enjoy authentic farm-to-table meals with flavours influenced by Tanzanian and English cuisine. In addition to Tanzanian safaris and farm activities, enjoy baking workshops and coffee bean picking.

Khwai River Lodge, Botswana

Khwai River Lodge

Khwai River Lodge. Photo/TripAdvisor

The Khwai River Lodge at the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana provides the perfect balance of excitement and tranquillity. It is a no-brainer why this lodge enjoys the status of the best boutique hotels in Africa.

At the same time, it serves as a base camp for large game drives and a luxurious getaway. Talk of an infinity pool, spacious decks, and in-room massages in the luxurious tents.

There are just 20 apartments on the property, so you can expect attentive care, full board, and an expansive private veranda from which to observe the elephants.

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Matetsi Victoria Falls

Matetsi Victoria Falls. Photo/andBeyond

It’s not just twice-daily wildlife drives and walking safaris at Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe that visitors can look forward to. Near the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, the property is owned by a local family.

The property offers a wide range of options for guests with 18 separate suites, two of which are family suites. Then there is a private villa with four en-suite bedrooms and a large outdoor dining area.

With such amenities, why won’t it rank among the best boutique hotels in Africa?

The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge, Zambia

Mfuwe Lodge

Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia. Photo/Nature World Safaris

Mfuwe Lodge is located in the heart of South Luangwa National Park. Guests can expect to view wildlife at any time of day or night.

When searching for a mango tree on the site, elephants walk right through the lodge. Many guests comment on the 18 newly renovated chalets, on the lavish Bush Spa, and on the meticulous service provided by the personnel.

Ngala Safari Lodge, South Africa

Ngala Safari Lodge

Ngala Safari Lodge. Photo/Rhino Africa

Located on the boundary of Kruger National Park, the Ngala Safari Lodge offers stunning views of a wildlife watering hole.

This property offers a few thatched-roof cottages with canopy beds and private verandas in addition to a hard-to-beat setting abounding with wildlife sightings.

At night, visitors of the 20-room boutique hotel can sleep beneath the stars in the hotel’s treehouse or make use of the outdoor pool and hot tub amenities.

Being at the heart of the most famous national park in the world makes Ngala Safari Lodge the best boutique hotel in Africa.

Sasaab, Samburu, Kenya

Sasaab in Samburu

Sasaab in Samburu. Photo/SafariFrank

Few places in the world offer the level of individualized service that the Sasaab Boutique Hotel does.

Its nine tented rooms each have their own veranda and plunge pool, as well as furniture and a view of the forest.

While at Sasaab – among the best boutique hotels in Africa – you can enjoy safaris in a different way.

There is horse-riding, or by helicopter, and in a dome tent with a view of the night sky.

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About the author

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See Africa Today

Pharis Kinyua is the editor of See Africa Today. With over seven years of experience in digital media, he has a soft spot for African tours and travel. His drive is to tell the rest of the world what Africa offers, the best accommodation facilities, national parks, culture, shopping malls and best airline deals to travel to Africa

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