Africa is known for providing travelers with various elegant choices from national parks and beaches all the way through to its accommodation options. As a visitor, you can easily find luxury in unexpected places and there are options for everyone, whether you are traveling in the utmost luxury or strictly on value for money. There are three main categories when it comes to accommodation options in Africa — budget, mid-range, and luxury. Here’s what to expect with each:
Budget Accommodation
Many African countries boast an excellent range of more affordable or budget accommodation options. For instance, if you’re coming in primarily for the wildlife, you really can’t go far wrong with one of these camps or lodges, since they can offer the very same game viewing experiences as their more pricey neighbours at a snip of the cost. Of course, the standard of accommodation might not be quite as polished and fancy, or the food quite as decadent, but they deliver excellent value for money and a one-of-a-kind experience. These options include:
1. Staying with a Local
Erika’s accommodation for 2 months staying with a local in Nairobi
This involves finding and making an arrangement with a local family or individual and “renting” a bedspace or a room with them. They host you, acting as an informal guide for the duration of your stay and sharing their customs.
What to Expect
If you are looking to experience and get to know the local culture and ways of life first hand, then this is the best option. However, it is not always easy to find as you would either have to know someone or be lucky to find someone through contacts or other means.
Where/How to Find
You could reach out to several safari companies to volunteer in return for food and accommodation. That can give you a chance to stay with a local family. Otherwise, you may have to rely on your network to work out a similar arrangement.
Advantage and Disadvantage
The best part about staying with a local is that it provides a truly intimate experience with the traditions, food, and general way of life of the people. Learn how they eat, their greetings, their language, and beliefs — things you would not easily find with a Google search. If you have a chance, this is the best way to stay local while saving money.
On the flip side, it can be more difficult to check the background of the people you will be staying with, especially if you’re not going through an organized site/organization. Sometimes it can feel a bit like you are taking advantage if you don’t give anything “In return” either by paying or offering some sort of help or service which the other options do.
Our Experience
Our favorite experience came from this type of stay. By far our preference provided you can find a great option and great family/local to stay with.
2. Couchsurfing
Night out with Lynoh, Erika met and stayed with her in 2015 via couchsurfing and they have been friends since.
This is a similar but more structured way to do the above. Simply reach out through the couchsurfing community and you can find places that already have reviews so you have an idea of what you’re getting into.
What to Expect
Those you will stay with are up for socializing and getting to know each other, and in fact, it is expected. And they have tried it before, they know the best places in town to show you and are willing to join you.
Where/How to Find
Couchsurfing International, Inc is a good place to begin your search. It’s easy to join and easier to find what you’re looking for.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One major advantage of this option is that you can check the background of your potential host and also get feedback from others who have stayed with them. In addition, most of the people you’ll meet are often very keen on showing you around to local sites and their favourite places and for you to meet other travelers/couchsurfers.
However, while this does give you a truly local experience in its own right, it is still slightly more tourist-oriented compared to living with a local, albeit not much. There’s also the problem of availability; in Nairobi, for example, there are plenty of couchsurfing options, but outside the city, it is more difficult to find and you may not always find profiles that you’d be comfortable with. Still, if you do find good places/people to stay with, then couchsurfing is definitely a great option.
Our Experience
Couchsurfing has given us a lot of great experiences as well. And you meet a lot of people who are keen on meeting others, socialize and most are happy to show you around and take good care of you. For many places in Africa, this option is not always available or it can be difficult to find hosts that you feel comfortable with upfront. Nevertheless, we haven’t had any bad experience so far. Keep in mind that couchsurfing will require you to spend a lot of time with your hosts, so if you’re not up for it or are busy with a job, hobby or others then you may not have a lot of time for that with couchsurfing.
3. Workaway
House of hosts in Mozambique where Erika volunteered via workaway to take care of their dogs
This accommodation option promotes volunteering, family exchanges, working holidays, and fantastic cultural exchange. Like the name suggests, however, be prepared to put in some work even though your African adventure is technically a vacation.
What to Expect
Organize volunteer jobs in return for food and accommodation, some even offer small payment. It gives you a chance to stay local, getting to know your way around while staying on a budget, but you won’t have a completely free schedule as some of your time will be spent at work.
Where/How to Find
You can sign up at workaway.info to get started.
Advantages and Disadvantages
On the plus side, you get free accommodation and food, you still stay local and get to know a place without paying for accommodation.
Conversely, you will be expected to do some work, some places more than others. So it will take away some freedom from your daily schedule.
Our Experience
So far we have done this a few times and had some great experiences. But as we are working online while traveling, this can be a bit difficult for us as it requires more time for the volunteer job. But only good experiences so far. For example, taking care of dogs and a house alone in Mozambique.
4. House Swapping
Property in South Africa.
This relatively affordable option lets you experience an authentic way to travel by staying at homes for much lower prices than they would normally command. Of course, this price isn’t necessarily calculated in money terms as it mostly involves house sitting an empty house while the owners are away and in return, you get to live for free in an elegant home and enjoy its complementary benefits, like living local and cost-saving.
What To Expect
Great way to stay for free/at a very low cost. Most websites offer an annual or similar subscription that you pay for, which allows you to get free access to housesit houses. Usually, housesitting comes with some basic tasks like taking care of the house, the garden, their animals like dog/cat, clean the pool, etc.
Where/How to Find
Sign up at any of these sites to get started
- trustedhousesitters.com
- lovehomeswap.com
- homeexchange.com
- luxuryhousesitting.com
- nomador.com/about/house-sitting-free-spirit
- mindmyhouse.com/owners/sitter_listing/6834
Advantages and Disadvantages
You get to stay in a place for free, you stay local, sometimes you can get lucky to borrow the owner’s car or other amenities. You also get to see feedback/reviews of people’s profiles beforehand.
However, you will need to spend some time on the tasks they give you, but often minimal and still preferable compared to paying.
Our Experience
We haven’t tried this yet but aiming to do so on our upcoming trip in West Africa if we can find a place since we have heard great things about this type of stay. Stay tuned for more information in this category.
5. Hostel and Budget Hotels
Accra Ghana
Hostels and boarding house type living that allows you to save on your travel expenses by staying in much cheaper accommodation. These hostels are mostly in the cities, so if you’re going to Africa on a safari tour or to visit some more remote destinations, you might not always find them.
What to Expect
It is a great way to meet other travelers while staying on a budget. It’s often cheap and you get similar though basic amenities as in hotels, but often at the expense of your privacy as you would have to sleep in dorms. The private options in hostels are often similar in price to budget hotels.
Where/How to Find
Hostelworld.com is a good place to start. Otherwise, you can search for hostels on Google.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Cheap accommodation, meeting other travelers, and a variety of options for budget travelers for local sights/experiences – what’s not to love?
On the other hand, hostels tend to attract a younger crowd, meaning some places can be noisy and with parties, etc. There is also less privacy.
Our Experience
We have had mixed experiences with hostels. It’s one of the easier ways of finding accommodation since you most often will find something, although not everywhere in Africa. However, standards can be of varying quality. And some places can be too noisy and rowdy. Still, this is a good budget option while traveling in Africa.
6. Rent a Room
Our stay renting a room in Praslin, Seychelles.
Here, you’ll find someone willing to rent out a room or two in their home, allowing you to have a place to stay during your travels for a fee. Think of it as an upgrade to staying in a hostel and with slightly more privacy.
What to Expect
Similar to Couchsurfing, however here you pay so you don’t have the same obligation to socialize and “give back”
Where/How to Find
The most commonly known place for this is airbnb.com but there are other websites as well that you can find on Google.
Advantage and Disadvantages
You get to stay with a local and experience how they live, what they do, meeting and talking with them, etc. And with a paid “Relationship” you have fewer obligations to give back and don’t need to feel bad using the kitchen and other facilities. The site also offers strong security with reviews, background checks, and even gives you insurance when booking. There are a lot of options in most cities around Africa.
Unfortunately, it’s not free, so if your budget is tight then you might find yourself constrained. There’s also no amenities; you stay in a house so you still have to prepare everything yourself. You might meet your host but you generally can’t expect to meet other travelers or to socialize with your host as this is often more of a way for people to earn a bit extra rather than meeting people. Although many travelers have often been lucky to stay with and met great people in this way.
Our Experience
We often like this option better than couchsurfing since you still get your own room and get to meet a local. And by paying there are fewer expectations to spend time together, especially when we are too busy working.
7. Camping/Tenting on Safari
Public Camping Kenya, Tanzania
Ahh.. the ultimate accommodation option set deep in the African bush. Even here, there are luxury options that equal what you would normally expect in more expensive accommodations. Some tented camps are also mobile, often letting you move to choice locations during your safari tour.
What to Expect
This isn’t exactly cheap but it is the cheapest option you have when on a safari. There are some public campsites in some parks though that offers cheaper options but with just the basic amenities.
Where/How to Find
Simply search on google or typical hotel sites. But the easiest is probably to find a budget safari operator who already has contacts in these places.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This is the cheapest option if you go on a safari and comes with some good amenities, and is also a good place to meet other travelers.
As mentioned, it isn’t exactly cheap. Also, there are fewer amenities compared to mid-range and high-end hotels/lodges, and while quality can vary, it isn’t always great. Lastly, it doesn’t give many options to meet locals or stay local.
Our Experience
We have tried a few different tenting options on safari and generally really like it. only had positive experiences so far and this is a good way to save money on otherwise expensive safari tours. Plus, it often gives you the feeling of staying more in nature as it is more basic.
Mid-range Accommodation
If you’re looking for more mid-range accommodation in Africa, prepare to be spoilt for choice! The selection of hotels, villas, and lodges are endless and offer great value for money such that you might even be tempted to choose a more luxurious option. Expect to find accommodation that exceeds expectations with ample space and seclusion — maintaining your immersion in the wild and providing a luxury that you can relish after the day’s adventure. Options include:
8. Rent Apartment or House of Others
1 BR Apartment in Nairobi
The same as discussed above, but in this case, you’re renting the entire house for your stay. This means more privacy and comfort.
What to Expect
You get to stay in a local house and see how locals live, however it rarely gives you a chance to meet and get to know locals. If you rent the whole place, you will rarely meet people, as opposed to renting a room as mentioned under Budget Accommodations where you often get to meet your host.
Where/How to Find
Start at airbnb.com or any other websites that you can find on Google.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As you are paying, you feel less imposing on the place you stay, especially if renting an apartment, compared to couchsurfing for example because you have paid for the “Service” of staying at their place. You get to stay in a local house, you get a kitchen which often allows you to save a bit by cooking your own food.
On the other hand, renting an apartment costs money so if you’re on a budget, this may not be an option. Usually, it doesn’t allow you to meet locals who can show you around and explain local culture and sites.
Our Experience
If we are staying in a place longer this is often our preferred option if we have a budget for it because it gives us our own space and control of time and things to do. You will almost always find options for this in all major cities and often in more rural areas too.
9. Standard Hotels
Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania
The accommodation is usually in a good location, comfortable and will have good food and service as well. These hotels are great, especially when you have some money to spare and the quality can surprise you. For instance, some 2-Star hotels in Nigeria and Ghana have the amenities of their 4-star counterparts, leaving you to wonder if the prices quoted are actually for real.
What to Expect
Often a more expensive option so it’s perfect if you have the budget to spend. It doesn’t give you the experience of staying like a local but then, on the other hand, it does offer all the amenities you need when on a vacation so you don’t have to do much work yourself such as cooking, laundry, etc.
Where/How to Find
Simply go to popular booking websites like Booking.com, agoda.com, and trivago.com, scrutinize the available options and make your reservation. Or if you decide to choose a tour operator, ask them for advice on the best options available within your budget.
Advantages and Disadvantages
If you don’t want to do much work such as cooking, cleaning, etc, this is the best option. In many cases, these hotels also offer tours so you don’t have to research and prepare. Sometimes you can be lucky to find mid-range priced hotels that still offers amazing quality and amenities.
On the flip side, 2-3 star hotels often offer varying quality so make sure to check reviews online before you book. It’s not really luxury here in Africa, so keep in mind that some things will not be quite as you would expect in a 2-3 star hotel in other places like Europe or the US.
Our Experience
We read a lot of reviews before booking, standards for 2-3 star hotels can vary. You can find good places, but also really bad places. And they are not always that cheap. Not a favourite option of ours, but nevertheless one of the more easily accessible options in most places in Africa.
10. Safari Camps
A Luxury Tented Camp in the Serengeti.
Many of the mid-range tented properties in African safaris range between semi and fully permanent structures with raised wooden floors, clean bathrooms, and fine linens. These camps are typically small and exclusive, featuring larger beds, basic amenities and in many cases, deck furniture on spacious front sitting areas overlooking a watering hole or the vast African savannah.
What to Expect
Safari camps offer accommodation for more budget-focused travelers but still gives you the main facilities of a hotel/lodge such as own bed and room, shower facilities (sometimes shared), and restaurant food. This often feels like you are staying more in “Nature” due to location and amenities being more basic.
Where/How to Find
A simple Google search can connect you with safari camps in your chosen destination, so you can make arrangements with them directly. Alternatively, your local safari tour operator can handle the accommodation arrangements on your behalf, which will be included in your total payment.
Advantages and Disadvantages
These camps are often a less expensive accommodation option for your safari. They also make you feel more like you’re “in the wild”, compared to lodges and you get the authentic experience of living with the wildlife in the bush.
The drawback is that it doesn’t allow you to stay local and immersed in the local culture. In addition, you don’t get all the same luxury amenities as the luxury options even though It’s still quite costly.
Our Experience
The mid-range camps we have stayed in during our safari trips have almost always been great. You can find some mixed qualities but generally great quality. It seems they are used to tourists. Or we may just have been lucky to travel with great tour operators who know the good camps to book with.
11. Safari Lodges
A lodge in Masai Mara
A safari lodge is typically just one step behind luxurious hotels with stunning rooms and comfortable services. Lodges can be a great option for large families since they usually have the capacity and facilities to cater to more people.
What to Expect
Midrange lodges generally offer a better standard, better facilities, better food and service and often better location closer to the places you need to go on safari compared to the camp option. However, it is often also more costly.
Where/How to Find
The usual hotel booking sites like booking.com, hotels.com, and agoda.com, or through the tour operators you book with.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Often bigger places with more facilities compared to mid-range camps.
Conversely, the quality can vary, so make sure to read reviews before booking. More people staying, thus less privacy and less cozy feeling,
Our Experience
Same as with the midrange camps, we mostly had a really good experience, few average but no bad experiences. But again we might just have been lucky with the tour operators we have used so far. But seems generally good quality for price vs. the more expensive ones.
Luxury Accommodation While In Africa
This is for travelers who have no budget restrictions whatsoever and are looking to enjoy the best of everything during their stay in Africa. Fine dining, opulent rooms, lavish decorations, concierge services – the whole nine yards! If you have the means to splurge, then consider opting for luxury accommodation as it will be a defining highlight of your African adventure, whether you’re observing wildlife in their natural habitat or plunging to the depths in the many amazing rivers and beaches.
12. Luxury Hotels
Sheraton Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Indulge yourself in the delights that only an award-winning, luxury boutique hotel can deliver. Many of the facilities in these hotels are on par with their European and Northern American counterparts, so you can look forward to getting your money’s worth and then some.
What to Expect
Depending on the country you stay in, top star hotels generally boast high standards with all the usual luxury amenities to be expected from a luxury hotel. In some of the less touristy countries like Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Burundi, however, you may find that most luxury hotels there are similar to mid-range hotels in other countries because the tourism industry is still developing.
Where/How to Find
Our favourite booking sites are booking.com and agoda.com. You can also go through the tour operator you are booking with.
Advantages and Disadvantages
These hotels are the best of the best that you will find in Africa. Often offering lavish quality and great services, they allow you to relax and enjoy your trip in luxury. Everything is also completely taken care of, so you can have the time of your life without worrying about anything!
The main disadvantage is that in less tourist popular countries, luxury hotels are similar to mid-range hotels in other countries. Still great, but don’t expect super luxury. Prices are usually on the high side, often higher than those outside Africa.
Our Experience
The luxury hotels we stayed at in Africa have been absolutely amazing. Nothing is spared and you get some of the most amazing views, services and amenities you can find. The price is equally big though so it can be a big turn off. They do however offer you an experience of a lifetime if you do decide to splurge, no doubt for us! But as mentioned, be aware of your expectations in some of the less touristy countries like Ethiopia where luxury is a different level than a luxury in Kenya or Tanzania. Not bad, just not quite up there either.
13. Luxury Safari Camps
Luxury accommodation in Tanzania.
Similar to the safari camps discussed under the mid-range category, but these perfectly capture what it means to live luxuriously in the wild. Top of the line services tailored to your requests, exotic food options, and other complementary services designed to make your stay as grand as they come.
What to Expect
You will also find a few super luxury camps out there on the savannah, and the amenities and services of these places are amazing. Expect nothing less than the highest possible quality that you would normally get in a camp.
Where/How to Find
Check out your favourite booking sites like expedia.com, booking.com, and agoda.com. Alternatively, you can through the tour operator you are booking with and take your pick from the available options.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Best of the best services and amenities, and you still get to enjoy the experience of staying in the wild.
As you can expect, however, these luxury camps can be immensely expensive, and in some cases even offer slightly fewer amenities than luxury lodges.
Our Experience
Same as above, luxury camps in Africa that we have experienced has been amazing. Our favorite is probably the semi-permanent luxury camps since you still feel a bit more at one with nature and in the natural environment, whereas the more permanent luxury places almost feel like a different world. Not really Africa for us.
14. Luxury Safari Lodges, Apartments, Resorts and Villas
Leopard Hills Safari Lodge, South Africa
Africa’s high-end safari lodges and villas are among the world’s finest and most expensive, but they also offer some of the best in game-viewing and other adventures. Most of these lodges lie in the private game reserves, which means access to exclusive activities like night game drives. If you’re in Africa to enjoy some sun and sand at the beach, you’ll also find amazing resorts that boast sophisticated designs and jaw-dropping amenities. A good number of them also offer unique experiences that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
What to Expect
The luxury resorts and safari lodges are probably the best you will find if you have a huge budget to spend. Nothing is spared at these places and you should expect the best service you can get.
Where/How to Book
For fewer hassles, it’s probably best to book your luxury lodge through the local tour operator that is handling the other details of your trip. They often know the best ones and can take your specific requests into account when planning the entire itinerary.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Best services and world-class amenities. You also don’t have to worry about anything and simply do what you came to do in Africa — have the time of your life. These luxury lodges and resorts present an entire experience in itself on your trip.
Like other luxury options, however, some less touristy destinations in Africa offer options that are not always truly luxury, so you may find varying standards in some countries. The prices are also quite exorbitant and you don’t get to feel that authentic safari experience compared to stating in a luxury camp.
Our Experience
Same as with the hotels, the standards are amazing and nothing is spared. If you’ve got the money, we would recommend this option anyway in Africa. It’s not just a place to stay, but a full experience in itself compared to going on a game drive, etc. So if you do decide to splurge, make sure you have enough time in the lodge to really enjoy and take advantage of it as well. As mentioned above though, in some less-visited countries like Ethiopia, the luxury options are great, but just not the same standard as a truly luxury lodge in Tanzania or Kenya.
The Bottom Line
From the dusty tents of explorers to exquisite eco-conscious lodges and hotels, accommodation options in Africa have come a long way in the past hundred years without losing any of its romance and adventure. The options are also more vast than ever; from basic, bring-your-own-everything camping, through to high-end luxury, your choice of where you’ll unload your bags will be influenced mainly by your needs and budget.
In many cases, the accommodation type you choose may also influence the other aspects of your trip — the type of vehicle for game drives, exclusive activities, and even the variety of options on the menu. Regardless, the entire experience is enriched by cultural, historical and environmental orientation as well as knowing that you are in for the experience of a lifetime and are integral to the country’s budding tourism industry. So – adventure, wildlife, turquoise waters with white sands, and cultural enrichment unlike any other – what’s not to love?
