Photo: Zocha Group – Best Luxury Travel Destinations in Africa

Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse continents on earth, with 54 countries and thousands of subcultures that are all drastically unique, both culturally and topographically. Often referred to as the ‘Mother Continent,’ it is widely believed that Africa is the center and starting point for mankind, which makes it the most historically intriguing area on earth. Adventure is the main attraction for travelers coming to Africa, a figure that has grown exponentially in recent years.

From overnight safaris on the plains of the Serengeti to luxury shopping in some of the world’s best shopping centers, Africa is truly diverse and holds something unique for everybody who visits. To get a better idea of what parts of Africa appeal to you, take a look at this list of the best luxury travel destinations in Africa and what they offer visitors.

Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt, was built right along the bank of the Nile River. At the heart of Cairo, you can find Tahrir Square and the massive Egyptian Museum which holds a multitude of Egyptian antiquities and King Tutankhamun artifacts. Just a short drive away you can gaze upon the grandeur of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.

At the end of your adventure, consider stopping in for a bite at one of Cairo’s many extravagant restaurants, such as Zitouni located in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. From moussaka to tabbouleh, Zitouni is sure to serve up some of the best traditional Egyptian cuisine in all of Cairo. After grabbing some quality grub, head upstairs to your Hotel Cairo room that features modern luxury and some of the best views of the Nile and the Citadel in all of Egypt.

Travel to one of the many Seychelles islands in the Archipelago to uncover a tropical destination made up of beaches, wildlife and sparkling blue ocean views. You’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind luxury getaway when you stay at the unparalleled MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa on Mahé. Situated on one of the oldest islands in the world, this peninsula locale boasts dozens of private villas with infinity pools, butler service and spa treatments that place you in the lap of luxury.

Known as one of the best restaurants in the Archipelago, La Plaine St. André in southern Mahé elevates Seychelles dining to include traditional and contemporary Creole cuisine in a historic plantation house setting. While the Seychelles is a more relaxed environment for nightlife, guests still enjoy toasting drinks at places like the Beach Bar at the Constance Lemuria Praslin Seychelles–an inviting hotel lounge where you can sip cocktails while overlooking a breathtaking view of the ocean.

Morocco is globally known as one of the most vibrant and beautiful countries in North East Africa. Each city turns the page to a new chapter of your adventure. Consider visiting the Red City of Marrakech, where visitors can wander through the exotic Majorelle Gardens, explore the sprawling Saadian Tombs, or stare up at the grand Koutoubia Mosque.

You can also walk down to the Jemaa al Fna Square, where bright stalls selling handmade goods are always eager to sell to travelers. At the end of the day, head back to your private villa at the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech to unwind and enjoy your plunge pool on the terrace with expansive views of the city.

If you’re more interested in connecting with the nature and culture of the places you visit, consider booking a flight to Tanzania. With Mount Kilimanjaro in the north and the picture-perfect white sand beaches of the Zanzibar archipelago to the east, Tanzania is truly one of the most beautiful countries on earth. If you don’t fancy hiking or laying out on the beach, Tanzania also holds the Serengeti National Park, where guests can embark on a wide range of all-inclusive safaris, or take a hot air balloon ride over the park. To the west of the Serengeti National Park lies Lake Victoria, one of the Great African Lakes.

Head inland towards some of the towns and cities, such as Arusha or Stone Town, Zanzibar. In Zanzibar consider grabbing a bite to eat at Tea House at the Emerson Spice Hotel, one of the highest-rated restaurants in the country for their creative and mouth watering takes on traditional African dining, based around fresh seafood. Next, dive into the rich culture and history of this magnificent portion of Western Africa with a variety of tours and museums. When your day is done, head back to the Park Hyatt Zanzibar to return to refined luxury with chic suites and incredible ocean views.

Photo: Zocha Group – Zanzibar Beach Tanzania

Johannesburg has quickly become the economic powerhouse of South Africa, which has understandably driven up the demand for high-end hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. During the day, visitors can roam about numerous museums dedicated to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Visitors can also check out the Johannesburg Zoo, which boasts an albino lion exhibit. If you don’t mind traveling a short way outside of the city, you can seek out the Cradle of Humankind, a world-famous paleoanthropological site, or the Lion & Safari Park, which takes guests on guided tours of a game reserve with a variety of live animals on display in a more natural habitat then a zoo.

When the sun begins to set, head back into the city and stop by The Little Fox, a cocktail bar that specializes in unique gin-based drinks. After drinks, make your way to DW Eleven-13 to grab a bite of the best seasonal menu in Joburg. If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, they have a wonderful dessert menu. When you’re properly unwound from riding along lions all day, catch a quick taxi ride to the Four Seasons Hotel, Westcliff Johannesburg where you will be greeted with nothing but the utmost quality and respect in an impressive hillside location overlooking the city below.