Vic Falls Safari Lodge among top five African resort hotels
This year Leisure + Travel (T+L)’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of Covid-19.
The results reflect the world-renowned travel magazine readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but the magazine hopes that this year’s honorees will inspire trips to come — whenever they may be.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
Traveling in sub-Saharan Africa is not all game reserves and safari glamour. There are tented camps and giraffe sightings galore for those who want them, but beyond the continent’s wild places, a bevy of relaxing resorts stand by should visitors find themselves itching to escape the Land Rover for a few days.
This year’s list of the best resorts in Africa captures the thrilling variety of experiences on offer, whether you would like to tip back Syrah in the South African winelands, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, or gaze down at the vertiginous drop of Victoria Falls.
When a place has built an entire tourism industry around trekking into its most remote corners, stopovers are an inevitability. But in Africa’s safari country, the places you bed down en route are lush and destination-worthy unto themselves.
Take this year’s fourth-place finisher, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge: it is situated in the town of Arusha, a way station for travellers heading into Tanzania’s richest wildlife destinations. It is no easy feat to create a property so appealing it makes you want to delay your Serengeti adventure, yet this lodge does just that, with elegant yet understated cottages, an on-site coffee plantation, and a cluster of chic boutiques offering wares from local makers like Sidai Designs.
Tack on monkeys scrambling in the canopy, the toasty scent of roasting coffee beans that lofts out from the main lodge, and the skillful service, and it’s a wonder anyone can ever tear themselves away.
Of course, the list is not without luxe getaways just a short drive from a cosmopolitan centre, the kind that cater to urbanites who want a slower pace without sacrificing creature comforts.
Franschhoek, the jewel of South African winelands, is home to one such place: this year’s Number two, La Residence. The property is one part Versailles and one part French country cottage — and the team knows just how to make its guests feel indulged. You will find service that’s flawless, but never cloying, and a personal touch that extends to the whole of your visit to the region.
Even off-property, the hotel ensures any restaurants and vineyards you visit can accommodate your preferences and particularities. The view alone would warrant a trip: strolling the grounds with the picturesque ridge as backdrop feels like stepping into the canvas of a Romanticist painting.
Below is the full list of the best resorts in Africa, including a new number one — South Africa’s Oyster Box.
The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks, SA
Situated in Umhlanga, just a short jaunt north from Durban on South Africa’s eastern coastline, this 86-room beach resort marries coastal preppiness with cottage coziness. The smart red-and-white lighthouse sets the tone for the property: the aesthetic here recalls that of an English seaside town, with a South African twist — a fitting combo given that it’s the brainchild of British boutique hotel brand Red Carnation.
T+L readers raved about the unbeatable seaside location and the top-notch food. The curry buffet (a nod to Durban’s Indian influences) and afternoon high-tea service are perennial favourites, but the chef’s table option “tops it all”, one survey respondent wrote.
Another summed it up: “Balcony over the ocean waves? Wonderful. Bed? Wonderful. Service? Superb. It was a joy to be there!”
La Residence, Franschhoek, SA
Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30-acre estate, La Residence sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in the Cape Winelands.
La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and breath-taking views of the undulating countryside. Be transported to a world of exquisite beauty, opulence and complete tranquillity at this luxury Franschhoek hotel.
Glittering Indian chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling, original artwork and huge mirrors grace the walls, while the furnishings of Liz Biden are colourful, stylish and comfortable. Elegant antiques and exquisite flowers create a feeling of refinement and sophistication while space and personal service are the ultimate luxuries.
The 11 suites at the hotel are ideal for couples, while the five Vineyard Suites offer privacy and space for families and groups of friends.
Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone, Zam
A Condé Nast Gold Traveller Gold List 2018, Tongabezi has six private houses and five river cottages which nestle on the banks of the Zambezi River, accommodating two to five guests each. Enjoy luxury, romance and a range of activities whilst being spoiled by a private valet.
There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Guests do as much or as little as they wish, with game drives, bush walks and boating trips all included in the price. Take a short guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls. You can also enjoy the Falls from inside the gorge, from Livingstone Island and from the air.
Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tanz
Lying on the gently rolling foothills that cascade down from the ever-present Mount Meru is the bustling and vibrant town of Arusha. It is here on the outskirts of this town, hidden amongst one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, that you will find Arusha Coffee Lodge, a perfect haven for relaxation either before or after any East African safari.
From the industrious coffee pickers gathering in the harvest to the aromas of the morning brew emanating from the main Plantation House as breakfast is being prepared, Arusha Coffee Lodge is full of sensory experiences that revitalises the body and soul for the adventures and excitement that lie ahead.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Zim
Situated on a plateau just 4km from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the multiple award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, surrounded by the wilds of Africa, offers an unforgettable experience.
The sunset-facing 72-room Victoria Falls hotel offers endless views of African bush stretching to the horizon, which includes a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and other wildlife, as well as a rich variety of birds.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which is the flagship property of hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), has been voted the Best Safari Lodge/Resort Hotel in Zimbabwe for 23 consecutive years by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents.
It is also highly rated on other world rankings, including the internationally-acclaimed TripAdvisor, where it has a five-star ranking and has also been awarded by the Condé Nast Traveller, another American luxury and lifestyle travel magazine.