Bucket-List Worthy Exotic Stays in Africa That Will Take Your Breath Away

Imagine drifting off to sleep with colorful marine life swimming by your bedside window-this isn't adream; it's reality at The Underwater Room at The Manta Resort. Nestled off the coast of Pemba Island, this floating suite has three levels, including an underwater bedroom submerged beneath turquoise waters.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls let you watch tropical fish, octopuses, and reef life from your cozy bed. The night-time spotlights attract incredible marine life!

Special Details:

• Three levels: rooftop sun/stargazing deck, main lounge deck, and underwater bedroom. Snorkel gear, a kayak, and meals are provided.

Insider tips:

• Arrange for sunset cocktails on the rooftop deck for a surreal panoramic view.
• Stay one night underwater, and balance it with two nights in a seafront villa at the main resort –which is absolutely stunning and otherworldly in its own right.

Getting there: From the U.S., fly into Zanzibar via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam ➔ take a short domestic flight or prop plane to Pemba Island ➔ Take a scenic 1.5-hour drive ➔ Take a boat ride to the suite.

Londolozi isn’t just another luxury safari lodge; it’s a masterpiece blending seamlessly into nature. With only three - yes THREE - exclusive suites, each featuring private heated plunge pools and outdoor showers, this is the most exclusive property inside Sabi Sands. You won’t only have privacy, but also afront-row seat to spectacular wildlife sightings, personalized Big Five game drives, and outdoor dining under the stars

Special Details:

• Each suite blends into the riverbank landscape, and include open-air bathtubs, stunning Sand River views, and ultra-personalized service.

Insider tips:‍

• Request suite number 2 for the best sunset views over the riverbed.
• Don’t miss the candle-lit dinners under the ancient ebony trees overlooking the river-a pure savannah dream moment.
‍

Getting there: Fly into Johannesburg ➔ then catch a short domestic flight to the Sabi Sands airstrip ➔ 45min safari transfer

‍

Known for offering family luxury at a great value-for-money price in a malaria-free Big Five reserve, suites feature private plunge pools and decks overlooking the bushveld.

Special Details:

• Each suite blends into the riverbank landscape, and include open-air bathtubs, stunning Sand River views, and ultra-personalized service.

•Spacious suites with fireplaces, outdoor showers, and private decks overlooking wateringholes.

Insider tips:‍

• The Lelapa Lodge caters especially to families—kids get an educational ranger experience andchild-friendly game drives!

Getting There: Reach Madikwe via Johannesburg with a short charter flight or scenic drive (~4.5 hours)

Perched on rugged cliffs with giant granite rocks surrounded by lush tropical foliage, Six Senses Zil Pasyon boasts breathtaking ocean vistas. The spa here is legendary-built into boulders, providing natural tranquility and eco-friendly. The mountains themselves look like elephants and the hotel is carved right into the rocks.

Special Details:

• Eco-luxury at its best-organic gardens, wellness spa pods, and water adventures in turquoise waters.

Insider tips:‍

• Book the infinity pool villa for ultimate privacy and awe-inspiring views.
• Book the private spa pod for an unforgettable view of the ocean while you unwind.

Getting there: Flights from the U.S. typically route through Dubai or Johannesburg to Mahé ➔ followed by a helicopter transfer (about 20 mins) to Félicité Island.

‍

A stay at Giraffe Manor feels like stepping into a fairytale. Famous for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, this is a colonial-style mansion surrounded by indigenous forest, with only 12 rooms for an intimate feel. You will share breakfast and tea time with the friendly giraffes who poke their heads through the manor's windows - a truly Instagram-worthy experience!!

Insider tips:

• Book at least a year in advance due to high demand.‍

• Aim for an early breakfast time to interact with the giraffes.

Getting There: Fly directly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Giraffe Manor is a 30minute drive from the airport.

Ever wondered what it’s like to Sleep under the vast African sky with no walls, no roof—only stars above you in the luxurious Open-Air Suites nestled among ancient rock formations?? Alternatively, cave suites are built directly into natural sandstone formations.

Special Details:

• Wildlife viewing, San Rock Art tours, and mind-blowing stargazing (the area is virtually free from light pollution).

Insider tips:

• Book the Sky Suite on a clear night; stargazing here is unparalleled.
• Plan your trip during a new moon for the most jaw-dropping stargazing.
• Bring a good night camera to capture the clear night sky.

Getting there: Fly into Cape Town International Airport and rent a car or book a transfer for the scenic three-hour drive north.

‍

Architecturally striking with traditional woven domes, this eco-luxury lodge offers sweeping views of the surrounding volcanoes and is the perfect base for gorilla trekking. Conservation-driven, your stay actively contributes to protecting local wildlife. Insider tip: Request villa #6 for maximum privacy and volcano views. Fly into Kigali International Airport followed by a scenic two-hour drive.

Special Details:

• Iconic forest villas shaped like giant weaver bird nests, offering the closest luxury stay to Rwanda’s world-famous mountain gorillas.

• Also supports gorilla conservation and reforestation efforts.

Insider Tips:

• Combine your stay with a guided golden monkey trek for a full primate experience.

‍• Stay at least two nights to fully enjoy both the lodge and the gorilla trek.

Getting There: Fly into Kigali, then take a 2.5hr scenic drive to the lodge.

Sasaab – a luxury tented camp - is an oasis perched above the Ewaso Nyiro River, with Moroccan inspired architecture and panoramic Samburu views. You will have Camel safaris and Samburu warrior culture at your doorstep. Each suite has its own plunge pool and veranda-ideal for unwinding after a day of spotting elephants and big cats

Special Details:

• Massive thatched villas with private plunge pools overlooking the wild savannah.

Insider Tips:‍

• Book the sundowner camel ride-sunset over the Samburu is next-level gorgeous.
• Take advantage of their private fly camping experience for a truly off-the-grid adventure.
• Visit a Samburu village for a deep dive into local culture

Getting there: Fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ➔ short domestic flight to Samburu➔ 20-min transfer.

Spend a magical night under the stars in a completely open-air treehouse, set high above the bushveld where lions and elephants roam below. This is true wilderness luxury-serenaded by sounds of the wild, secluded, and breathtakingly romantic.

Special Details:

• Luxurious, fully serviced setup with dinner picnic, lantern lighting, and two-way radio for safety.

Insider tips:

•  Book a safari drive just before sunset to watch the bush come alive at dusk, then head to the treehouse for an unforgettable night.
•  Book during a full moon-it lights up the bush like silver magic.
•  Pack warm layers, nights can be chilly.

Getting there: Fly to Johannesburg ➔ connecting flight to Sabi Sands Skukuza Airport ➔ Safari vehicle transfer.

Sleep beneath a canopy of stars at Nkwichi Lodge's star bed, nestled on the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and birdsong.

Special Details:

• Drift asleep on a star bed under the galaxy, right by the calm shores of Lake Malawi. Remote, intimate, and eco focused

Insider tips:

• Pair your visit with community conservation projects for a meaningful experience. Fly to Lilongwe, Malawi, followed by a boat transfer to the lodge.
• Paddle a dugout canoe at sunrise or sunset for a quiet, stunning view of the lake.

Getting There: Fly into Lilongwe, Malawi, then take a small charter plane to Likoma Island (boat transfer depends on lake conditions and there is a risk of winds and rough weather from June – September. Total transfer time from Likoma to Nkwichi can take up to 2 hours, including stops for immigration and maritime administration.)

This whimsical eight-story tower with panoramic views over Lake Naivasha and Great Rift Valley surrounded by wild hippos, giraffes, and rich birdlife at Lake Naivasha. watchers

Special Details:

• A real-life "Out of Africa" feel with private wildlife experiences and yoga retreats. Ideal for nature lovers and bird

Insider Tips:

• Sunrise and sunset views from the rooftop tower lounge are unforgettable—don’t miss them.

Getting There: Fly into Nairobi and take a two-hour drive to Naivasha.

Nestled within a dense mangrove forest, a cozy bird-nest-inspired suite perched high above the forest with 360-degree views over the surrounding landscape.

Special Details:

• Completely off-grid, secluded luxury designed to reconnect you with nature. The Bird Nest is part of the Segera who have a focus on conservation initiatives and community empowerment spearheaded by the ZEITZ Foundation.

Insider Tips:

• Request a sunrise boat trip through the mangroves for incredible wildlife viewing.
• Book in advance for the sunrise breakfast delivered to your nest-it’s truly a once-in a-lifetime experience

Getting There: Fly into Nairobi, then drive or fly to Lamu Island followed by boat transfer to Nay Palad.