From cliffside marvels to floating suites, we uncover some unusual and unforgettable places to stay in Africa…

Nestled in the dramatic landscape of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate Lodge offers a truly immersive experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This eco-lodge combines luxury with sustainability, featuring villas designed to resemble traditional Rwandan thatched huts. Each villa offers sweeping views of the surrounding volcanic peaks and lush forests. The lodge is also deeply committed to conservation, with initiatives that include reforestation and community engagement. Guests at Bisate Lodge can enjoy a sense of place that is deeply connected to the land and the people of Rwanda.

Perched high on the cliffs of Lalibela, Ben Abeba is unlike any lodge you’ve ever seen. Designed by Scottish-Ethiopian architect John McAslan, the structure resembles a flower in bloom, with spiral walkways and sweeping curves that offer panoramic views of the Ethiopian highlands. This architectural marvel is not just a place to stay, but a cultural experience that offers insight into Ethiopia’s rich history. Guests can savour traditional Ethiopian dishes while enjoying a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The lodge’s unique design and cultural immersion make it a must-visit for those travelling to Ethiopia.

Chisa Busanga Camp, located in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, is a bird lover’s paradise. The camp’s unique ‘bird nest’ rooms are elevated above the ground, providing guests with a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding plains and waterways. These nests are not just a design feature, but an invitation to connect with nature. The open design allows for an immersive wildlife experience, with elephants, antelope, and a variety of birds often visible from your nest. This lodge offers a unique way to experience one of Africa’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas.

Imagine spending the night in a luxury train carriage suspended above the Sabie River in the heart of the Kruger National Park. Kruger Shalati offers this extraordinary experience, where history meets modern comfort. The train, once used for transporting travellers to Kruger, has been transformed into a boutique lodge with glass walls, allowing guests to watch elephants, hippos, and other wildlife from the comfort of their beds. The lodge’s location, hovering over the river, provides an unbeatable vantage point for wildlife viewing, making it one of the most unique and exhilarating stays in South Africa.

Situated on the slopes of the Olmoti Volcano, The Highlands Lodge offers a striking blend of modern design and traditional Maasai culture in Tanzania. The lodge’s domed suites are inspired by the traditional Maasai boma, yet offer all the luxuries of a modern hotel. With floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can gaze out over the sweeping plains of the Ngorongoro Crater while staying warm by their in-room wood-burning stoves. The location is perfect for those looking to explore the diverse ecosystems of the crater while enjoying a high level of comfort and privacy.

In the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the Baobab Suite at Xigera Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and nature. The suite is designed to mimic the iconic baobab tree, with its structure rising above the delta’s floodplains. Guests can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape from the suite’s private deck or even sleep under the stars on the rooftop platform. The lodge itself is a celebration of African art and design, with each piece of furniture and decor commissioned from local artisans. The Baobab Suite offers a unique vantage point for exploring the waterways and wildlife of the Okavango Delta.

Set against the backdrop of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge offers a stay like no other. The lodge’s design is inspired by the shipwrecks that litter this remote stretch of coastline, with each chalet resembling a wreck washed ashore. Despite its rugged exterior, the lodge offers all the comforts of a luxury stay, including wood-burning stoves and private decks with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The remote location and eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast make Shipwreck Lodge a truly unique destination for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Rising above the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, The Silo is a beacon of contemporary luxury in one of Africa’s most vibrant cities. The lodge is housed in a historic grain silo that has been transformed into a stunning architectural masterpiece by British designer Thomas Heatherwick. With its multi-faceted glass windows, The Silo offers panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and the Atlantic Ocean. Each room is uniquely decorated with vibrant colours and eclectic art, reflecting the creative energy of Cape Town. The Silo’s location and design make it a perfect blend of urban chic and historical charm.

Ready to be suspended above a river in South Africa, nestled in a volcanic crater in Tanzania, or watching the waves crash on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast?

Let’s make your truly unique dream safari a reality!