Hotels & Lodges | Timbuktu Travel

nZuwa Lodge

Pemba

9 Rooms

From $40 per person/night

Barefoot beach lodge and campsite on Mozambique’s north coast.

nZuwa Lodge is a delightfully laid-back resort on Mozambique’s beautiful northern coastline, about half an hour’s drive south of Pemba. It's a family-friendly lodge, with accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements, from campsites and a backpacker-style dormitory to comfortable mid-range rooms and self-catering units, and charming luxury beach bungalows at the top end of the scale. Designed in an eco-friendly way with locally sourced natural materials, it has an easy-going organic feel, with a firm focus on simply relaxing in this stunning setting and enjoying the wide range of (principally water-based) activities.

Ankasy Lodge

Isalo

9 Rooms

From $50 per person/night

Bliss-out oceanside on Africa's most exotic isle

Dozing in the sun off off Africa's southeast coast is Madagascar, a mysterious island country of unfamiliar cultures, extreme scenery, and exotic species that draw adventurers and easy-going island-lovers alike. A world biodiversity hotspot, much of the island's plant and animal life occurs nowhere else on Earth. Set far off the tourist track in the remote southwest is Ankasy Lodge, an authentic beach retreat on a pretty white-sand inlet overlooking the Mozambique Channel. It's unpretentious and utterly charming, with 1.3 kilometres of beachfront, a great little restaurant and superb local staff. The luxuries here are all natural.

Tsala Treetops

Plettenberg Bay

Popular |

16 Rooms

From $550 per person/night

Think luxury treehouse, with a stilted suite and wraparound veranda.

Set amidst the treetops in a dense indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge is the perfect destination if you enjoy combining your wilderness experience with a bit of Garden Route pizzazz. Within the lodge, the atmosphere is hushed, tempting you to spend hours on the elevated decks listening to birdsong and gazing through your binoculars to identify the singers. The undeniable star of the show is the rare Knysna loerie, or Knysna turaco, which may visit your suite if your magic is working. If you need some high life, you're just 10 kilometres from the action in jet-set Plettenberg Bay.

Ngare Sero Lodge

Arusha

15 Rooms

From $270 per person/night

Chill out at this forested sanctuary on the lower slopes of Mount Meru.

Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge is located 20 kilometres east of Arusha in northern Tanzania. Built in 1905, the lodge is well known for its origins as the estate of the Von Trapp family (yes, the very family of The Sound of Music fame). Since the 1970s, however, Ngare Sero has been firmly owned and faultlessly run by Tim and Katya Leach, who deliver some of the country's highest levels of service. The lodge is surrounded by 20 hectares of forest, with a lake and a trickling creek, so peace is pretty much assured from the moment you arrive.

Epako Safari Lodge

Erongo

Popular |

10 Rooms

From $590 per person/night

Ultra-modern lodge in a private reserve overlooking the Namibian wilderness

Near Omaruru, in the tranquil Erongo region of central Namibia, an 11 000-hectare private reserve has at its heart a secret retreat – a beautiful game lodge. Called Epako, meaning "the corner in a mountain range", the lodge (picture crisp clean lines and luxury comforts) nestles against a hillside overlooking the Omaruru River. Beside it, a waterhole attracts a goodly amount of game. The reserve itself is home to galleries of San paintings, vast geologically interesting rock formations, and some impressive wildlife and bird species. Immerse yourself in the warmth and wilderness – we recommend the experience.

Mogundula island

The Quirimbas

6 Rooms

From $450 per person/night

A tiny island paradise that's all yours for the taking

Quite possibly the most beautiful island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mogundula is an uninhabited tropical idyll covering just 21 hectares and fringed by talcum-powder sands and lapping turquoise waves. Staying here is a real castaway experience; there's no wi-fi, no TV, and in fact, not very many people either. But what you will find are five eco-chic villas surrounded by stunning coral atolls, a beautiful lake, and a feeding and nesting ground for sea turtles, dugong, dolphins and whales. There aren't many places in the world that feel so remotely luxurious, or as luxuriously remote as Mogundula, that's for sure.

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Central Kruger

6 Rooms

From $890 per person/night

Chic safari lodge with African tribal-themed huts in a prime wildlife area

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mluwati River in the heart of the Kruger National Park. It is one of only three luxury lodges in the 10,000 hectare Mluwati Concession. The lodge celebrates local Tsonga culture, from its traditional round rooms to the splashes of tribal decor and earthy tones in its interiors. Hoyo Hoyo offers a uniquely African way of life and a perfect blend of earthy luxury and superb service. The world-class cuisine at Hoyo Hoyo is served with a delicate balance of traditional African and western dishes.

Mitsui Garden Hotel

Kanazawa

158 Rooms

From $180 per person/night

A modern base steeped in Kanazawa craft, with rooftop soaking and an ace location.

Kanazawa often gets called "Little Kyoto," but this castle town on the Sea of Japan has a charm entirely its own — think gold leaf artisans, preserved geisha quarters and one of Japan's most celebrated gardens. Positioned right in the thick of it, this contemporary hotel (the brand's first in the Hokuriku region) puts Omicho fish market five minutes away on foot, with samurai streets, Kenrokuen Garden and the castle all within easy reach. The real draw? A design that weaves local craft into every corner — Kaga Yuzen fabrics, Wajima lacquerware touches, lighting edged in gold leaf — and a rooftop bathhouse overlooking the greenery of the castle park.

Garden House

Lamu

3 Rooms

From $160 per person/night

A perfect little hideaway for family and friends in picturesque Lamu

Stylish and comfortable, this small private house has been converted into a holiday home, situated alongside the dunes and two minutes walking distance form Shela beach. Tucked into a walled,shady tropical garden the surrounding trees are filled with birds offer sweet solace from the busier outside town. Enter though a traditional ornately carved wooden door to a secret sanctuary that will be your ideal base for exploring the rich cultural diversity that makes up the greater Lamu town.

Waterberg Guest Farm

Otjiwarongo

4 Rooms

From $220 per person/night

Herero-style cabins and an updated farmhouse beneath the magical Waterberg.

Head north from Namibia's capital, Windhoek, to the Waterberg Plateau, an imposing colossus of rock where you'll find 200-million-year-old tracks of dinosaurs and reminders of the area's first human inhabitants, the San people. At its base, on the family-owned sprawl of Okosongomingo cattle ranch, you'll come across the restful Waterberg Guest Farm. Spend a couple of days here, exploring the plateau, its free-roaming wildlife (cheetah, leopard, jackal, eland, kudu, oryx, little steenbok, klipspringer and dik-dik, and a host of reptiles and birds). Recharge your travel-worn batteries with comfortable accommodation, good food and blood-red sunsets.

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Koh Samui

Popular |

60 Rooms

From $570 per person/night

Private pools, impeccable service and everything you need for a tip top tropical escape

You know that you're in safe hands at the Four Seasons. Luxury is guaranteed, your needs are met so well that you wonder if the staff my be telepathic, the spas and activities are always top-notch and idyllic, holiday bliss without even thinking about it. The Four Seasons Koh Samui is no different. You'll be tempted with incredible dishes at every meal, enjoy all manner of exciting activities, relax with shoulder-sinking massages, and end each day floating in your own private pool. That's the kind of predictability we're here for.

Old Harbour Hotel

Cochin

From $230 per person/night

Kerala's oldest hotel is a treasure trove of antiques, art and seaside charm.

Cochin is a city with history on every corner and being 300 years old, Old Harbour Hotel is very much a part of that. The hotel has taken many forms over the years and with its Dutch-style architecture, it captures the bygone era of seafaring travellers. Nowadays, it's a boutique hotel set in a large, tropical garden and decked out with vintage furnishings. Most of the staff were born and raised in Cochin so don't be shy about asking questions, they certainly aren't shy about sharing their love for its storied past. Frequenting artsy cafes and strolls by the beachfront are all in a day's work at Old Harbour.

Laba Fanjove Island

Mafia Island

Popular |

6 Rooms

From $1.1K per person/night

White sand, turquoise water, coconut palms - an island paradise.

Fanjove Island lies 140km south of Dar es Salaam, in the Indian Ocean's Songo Songo Archipelago. A tropical paradise with the kind of bleached sand you dream of burying your toes in, the island is half a mile long and just a couple of hundred meters wide, surrounded by coral reef and turquoise waters. There's lots to see and do, when you're not chilling to the max. Getting here is half the fun: take a 20 minute flight in a small plane to Songo Songo Island, then ride a dhow (traditional Tanzanian fishing boat) or a speedboat for 5 miles to Fanjove. The lodge itself is simple; it's luxury is in its tranquility and exclusivity as a remote, private island hideaway.

The Aiyana Resort

Pemba Island

30 Rooms

From $490 per person/night

A sensual hideaway for utter relaxation

The Zanzibar Archipelago has been having a resurgence of late, thanks to its smouldering sand beaches, world-class diving spots, and barefoot-luxury hideaways. The Aiyana is one such resort, located on Pemba Island – an easy 30-minute light aircraft ride from Zanzibar. Think lush green hills, an abundance of coral reefs, powdery-white sand and the scent of cloves in the breeze – Pemba is where you go when you want to get away from it all. Set on a deserted beach in the north-west, The Aiyana, with its 30 beachfront villas, barefoot dining and all-natural spa, encourages a certain laissez-faire attitude.

Severin Safari Camp

Tsavo

27 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

A pleasant safari lodge in Kenya's scenically stunning Tsavo West.

Severin Safari Camp is situated in Kenya's Tsavo West National Park, just across the border from Mount Kilimanjaro. At over 9,000 square kilometres, Tsavo West is a sizeable park best known for its red earth, vast plains and big elephants. While the wildlife often disperses during the summer months, it congregates around the few permanent sources of water from June to October making for highly productive game viewing. Severin is set amongst the umbrella-ed acacias, on a wide open plain that teems with wildlife, and although quite a large lodge, Severin does a commendable job of keeping a wild feel about it, while maintaining an impressive level of luxury for the price.

Kaza Safari Lodge

Caprivi (the Zambezi Region)

8 Rooms

From $750 per person/night

Rustic but stylish comfort on an island in the Zambezi.

While currently closed for renovations, Kaza Safari Lodge lies on beautiful Impalila Island, on the Namibian side of the Zambezi River. Formerly known as Impalila Island Lodge, this rustic getaway is accessible by boat transfer from the Botswana side, which makes getting there part of the adventure. The focus is naturally on the river, which draws a constant stream of animals, and nearby Chobe National Park, renowned for its huge herds of elephant. Listen to the water rushing past from your thatch and timber chalets (one of eight), and watch the passing wildlife parade from the lovely central area built around ancient baobab trees.

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Ladakh

50 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Classic luxury and unrivalled views, high up in the dizzying Himalayas.

One of the only luxury hotels in the north Indian city of Leh, The Grand Dragon offers comfort and high-altitude style at a staggering 3500 metres above sea level! Adorned with beautiful antiques and furnished with luxurious textiles, teak floors and carved wooden balconies, the whole property is a testament to Ledakhi heritage and design. And then there's the views. The kind that have to be seen to be believed, every bedroom looks out over the snow-hatted mountainscapes the region is famed for, making waking up an epic experience. If you're looking for a warm, relaxing spot to recuperate after hiking those very surrounds, this is the place for you...

Lake Natron Tented Camp

Lake Natron

9 Rooms

From $550 per person/night

Friendly base for flamingo-filled Lake Natron

The camp is a lovely treed oasis and offers a good but basic base for trips to see Lake Natron, an important flamingo breeding ground and the still-active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. The scenery here, between the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains, is breathtaking. The tented lodge offers en-suite accommodation in permanent tents, local style thatched bandas and a campsite under the foliage. There’s also a natural swimming pool for cooling off in and a large bar and restaurant area under thatch serving fresh, three-course meals.

Coopmanhuijs Hotel

Stellenbosch

16 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

A delightful boutique hotel and spa housed in a national monument in Stellenbosch.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa was built in 1713 as one of the first grand residences in historic Stellenbosch. The iconic property underwent three years of renovations before it became the 5-star Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa in 2010. It was proclaimed a South African National Monument in 1978 and is one of the highest-rated hotels in Stellenbosch. The five-star property is surrounded by the town’s many galleries and museums. Upon entering Coopmanhuijs, guests will be impressed at how well the sophisticated classic elegance has been enhanced by modern design. The service here is highly personalised.

Oberoi Udaivilas

Udaipur

87 Rooms

From $890 per person/night

Draped in flowers, Udaivilas is a feast of grand suites and idyllic views.

From the undulating water of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a fairytale in sandstone. The high domed turrets and rolling lawns set the scene, which happens to be the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. Mirroring the lake, The Oberoi is surrounded by sky blue pools - and the luxury suites come with a pool of their own. Before you delve into the cultural gems of Udaipur, the hotel has its own authentic experiences for you to enjoy including a beautiful henna tattoo from skilled Mehendi artists. Bathed in light, the hotel is especially dreamy at dusk as you toast the day with a G&T.

Kersefontein Farm

Paternoster

6 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

Layers of heritage at this family-owned farm on the Cape's West Coast

Kersefontein Farm was originally purchased in 1770 by settler Martin Melck, who'd relish the fact that it's currently in the hands of the eighth generation of his family. The property's fine old Cape Dutch homestead and rambling outbuildings are a national monument, and the place is undoubtedly shrouded in historic charm. The present owner, the gracious and informative Julian Melck, has converted several buildings into luxurious rooms and suites, furnished with restored antiques recovered from the farm's great attics. The pace appears slow, but this is a working farm that's often used as a set for commercials and music videos.

Cederberg Ridge

Cederberg

Popular |

9 Rooms

From $250 per person/night

Five-star food and comfort in the rugged Cederberg, a hiker's paradise

Mountains are often the unsung beauties of South Africa's diverse landscape. A prime example is the Cederberg range, northeast of Cape Town. Here the landscape is rugged, with dramatic formations, plunging waterfalls, and ancient rock art. Book a stay in the new lodge, Cederberg Ridge, to make the most of the stark beauty. The lodge lies on a 3000-hectare citrus and grape farm at the foot of the range. Both homely and refined, it's a modern take on a farmhouse. From here, you'll have access to all this region's delights – hiking, biking, wine tasting, and and an intriguing past.

Kilimanjaro Hotel Dar

Dar es Salaam

Popular |

180 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Ultra-modern luxury on Dar Es Salaam's busy waterfront

Previously called The Kilimanjaro, this once-rundown hotel on Dar Es Salaam's busy waterfront has been comprehensively refurbished and reopened as the Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro, a rather chic and upmarket place, with a price tag to match. The original hotel's visitors included Nelson Mandela and Michael Jackson. Today, this modern giant of shiny glass proudly overlooking the port has become the go-to stopover for business travellers and those wanting all the creature comforts of a modern hotel.

Castel Hörtenberg

The Dolomites

25 Rooms

From $270 per person/night

A Renaissance masterpiece reborn as Bolzano's first five-star hideaway.

Step through the gates of this impressive 16th-century Renaissance castle and you'll find yourself transported to a world where history and luxury dance in perfect harmony. As the first five-star hotel in the heart of Bolzano, this meticulously restored architectural gem offers a truly authentic experience. Stone by stone, the castle has been revived to showcase its original character while providing all the indulgences modern travellers crave.

Marataba Residence

Waterberg

4 Rooms

From $1K per person/night

Nestled alongside the tranquil Matlabas River, this Residence offers sweeping vistas

In the wild and sprawling Marataba Contractual National Park, a private sector of the Marakele National Park, conservation is king. Spread out under a leafy canopy of fever trees, it’s a small, exclusive-use camp with only four bright and beautiful suites and a main area overlooking the tranquil waters of the Matlabas. This is a family nature retreat where you set your own safari agenda, spend leisurely afternoons observing wildlife along the riverbank, and enjoy sundowners and memorable alfresco dinners.

Cardamom House

Watamu

10 Rooms

From $630 per person/night

A dreamy little getaway right on the beach that quickly feels like home.

Set in a bright, wild garden on Kuruwitu Beach, Cardamom House is the ultimate escape. Created by a Swahili architect to celebrate the beauty of the land and sea, the property has been carefully woven around existing trees and enjoys unspoilt ocean views. This area includes the 7.5 mile-long Kuruwitu Marine Area, the first locally managed marine park in Kenya, which protects the incredible creatures along the coast. A whole host of water activities are available to you, but a good helping of R&R is highly recommended too. Trust us, you won't want to leave.

Shahpura Bagh

Rural Rajasthan

11 Rooms

From $260 per person/night

Picture days filled with scenic boating on the lake and nature walks in the Raja's garden

Set amongst a tapestry of lakes, life is unhurried at Shahpura Bagh. Off an alleyway in the bustling village, the doorman opens a large gate leading you into a quiet refuge filled with neem, ashoka and mango trees. Managed by the current Raja and his family, Shahpura has the feel of a homestay where evenings are spent sharing stories in the drawing room or by the fire. There are a plethora of walking trails round the tranquil lakes, and plenty of hammocks and day beds are found in scenic spots. Head out on birding excursions and visits to ancient forts before returning to your spacious suite.

54 on Bath

Johannesburg

75 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

Stylish boutique hotel in one of Johannesburg’s most beautiful suburbs.

Five-star 54 on Bath is a hotel renowned for its warm hospitality and professional service, whether you're travelling for business or leisure. This red-brick structure, its exterior highlighted with columns, is situated in the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank, close to numerous attractions and amenities. The atmosphere is sophisticated and comfortable, inspired by the grand hotels of the past, when living was gracious and no detail was overlooked. If you're looking for a top-end city hotel with high levels of service and luxury accompanied by the personal charm generally associated with smaller establishments, 54 on Bath is for you.

Anja Jimbaran

Jimbaran

From $30 per person/night

A welcoming family escape, just steps from Jimbaran’s sandy shores.

Just a short stroll from Jimbaran’s famous beach, this boutique hotel offers a peaceful getaway with a touch of Balinese elegance. It’s all about understated luxury here—whether you’re soaking in your private plunge pool or relaxing in the gardens. Spacious suites and villas are designed with modern comforts and Balinese accents, making them perfect for couples or families. The location is ideal for exploring Jimbaran’s seafood restaurants or simply unwinding by the beach. And with a serene spa and welcoming staff, you’ll feel right at home in this tropical escape.

The Neela Boutique Hotel

Stone Town

From $330 per person/night

A dreamy boutique hideaway in the heart of Stone Town with superior dining & style.

A vision of white-washed walls, Arabian arches and minimalist decor, the Neela Hotel is the boutique bolthole Stone Town has been waiting for. Occupying a painstakingly-restored historical building in the centre of Stone Town, you couldn't be closer to the town's many delights, including the famous Forodhani Gardens. If you'd prefer to stay in, Neela serves up some mean cuisine including beautifully-presented seafood and salads. After a day spent meandering through Stone Town's endlessly fascinating alleyways and ancient structures, there's nowhere you'd rather be than the atmospheric rooftop terrace with one of Neela's signature cocktails in hand.

Best Hotels & Lodges

nZuwa Lodge

Ankasy Lodge

Tsala Treetops

Ngare Sero Lodge

Epako Safari Lodge

Mogundula island

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Mitsui Garden Hotel

Garden House

Waterberg Guest Farm

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Old Harbour Hotel

Laba Fanjove Island

The Aiyana Resort

Severin Safari Camp

Kaza Safari Lodge

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

Lake Natron Tented Camp

Coopmanhuijs Hotel

Oberoi Udaivilas

Kersefontein Farm

Cederberg Ridge

Kilimanjaro Hotel Dar

Castel Hörtenberg

Marataba Residence

Cardamom House

Shahpura Bagh

54 on Bath

Anja Jimbaran

The Neela Boutique Hotel

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