23 Quirky and Unique Places To Stay in Africa.

Travelers can find almost any type of lodging they might possibly desire in Africa. This place offers everything from luxurious luxury to simple, bring-your-own-everything camping. We’ve selected a few of our favorite “unusual” lodging options throughout southern and eastern Africa.

South Africa’s Caves, Kagga Kamma, Cederberg

You believed that living like the Flintstones was only a daydream from a cartoon? Rethink your thought. You may live in a cave in Kagga Kamma in the breathtaking Cederberg, which is only 250 kilometers from Cape Town. However, the interior design of these is by no means prehistoric. This is an eco-friendly, opulent cave home.

Located in the Cederberg’s Swartruggens region, this location is incredibly beautiful, with amazing fynbos and rock formations. It is also home to a variety of buck, zebra, small mammals, and birds. You might be lucky enough to see a timid leopard.

Each of the ten cave apartments, which have their own private terraces, is cut out of the rock. There is also an outside room available at Kagga Kamma if you want the height of romance. You can enjoy a sumptuous night’s sleep beneath the stars at this secluded granite outcrop. The Cederberg is a star-studded place!

Stuurmansfontein, Carnarvon, South Africa’s Corbelled Houses

These odd-looking round cottages were constructed in the 1800s by the pioneering Boers and are still intact today. These homes were constructed for practical reasons rather than as an architectural experiment. There are only a few rocks and large open areas on this bleak, gorgeous, and arid terrain. There was nothing to create with save those rocks. They built circular homes with sturdy walls that got smaller as they went up.

You may experience what it was like to live in those days at Stuurmansfontein, where there is no electricity, no cell phone reception, and the amazing tranquility of the Karoo is unbroken. Enjoy the hospitality of Piet and Charmaine Botha, the farm’s owners, as you take in the tranquility of the Karoo, unspoiled by contemporary life, close to Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

Houseboat Myrtle, South Africa’s Knysna Lagoon

Constructed around the stunning Knysna Lagoon, Knysna is a small treasure in the Garden Route. In addition to all the amazing natural features in the area, such as the Knysna Heads, stunning woods, miles of pristine beaches, and everything that goes along with them, the town is a hive of activity with lots of fantastic restaurants, galleries, and shops.

The best place to start your exploration of the area is Houseboat Myrtle. Situated on the Knysna Lagoon, this fully furnished wooden houseboat can accommodate four people in luxury.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Knysna by spending the day exploring the forest (tree top tours, mountain biking, hiking, etc.), surfing the waves, seeing dolphins, or visiting local artists. Then, take the houseboat’s dinghy and head “home” to unwind on the deck or by the fire in the cozy lounge, which is surrounded only by water.

TiPi Bush Camp in South Africa’s Addo

Who hasn’t fantasized about spending the night in a real tipi? You may do it at TiPi Bush Camp in the Addo Afrique Estate Game Reserve, which is adjacent to the Addo Elephant National Park.

The camp has three spacious, fully furnished TiPis that can accommodate four people each, and it’s only 80 km from Gqeberha or Port Elizabeth. Both of them provide breathtaking views over a valley brimming with wildlife, and they are spaced sufficiently apart to provide seclusion. Since there are no predators in the park, you may stroll about without risk and witness giraffes, kudus, nyalas, eland, and more!

Since being environmentally friendly is the goal, everything is solar powered.

Swell Eco Lodge in South Africa’s Transkei

Live in eco-friendly huts modeled after traditional Transkei rondavels and explore the Transkei Wild Coast. Swell Eco Lodge, off the beaten path, is the ideal spot to relax with its thatched roofs and breathtaking sea views.

The Wild Coast is renowned for its pristine beaches, undulating green hills that are home to livestock, and relaxed way of life. Time passes slowly here, so you may choose to spend the days exploring the region or simply hang out on the beach or veranda and read a book.

There are plenty of activities available if you’re feeling active, like hiking, mountain bike routes, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and surfing.

Beehive Huts at Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

In Swaziland, traditional homes were constructed with a grass-covered frame of saplings formed like a dome. Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, they were (and still are) perfect for the climate. Although brick-and-mortar buildings have mostly replaced them, beehive huts are still available at a number of sites at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the stunning Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heavens).

They are completely furnished and arranged in semicircles, as is customary, with families residing in separate huts inside the circle. Don’t be alarmed if you spot a warthog or impala stealthily moving through the camp because they aren’t fenced. Among other things, Mlilwane provides game drives, horseback riding, and hiking.

The scent of a grass hut has a certain allure, and you’ll sleep soundly while taking in the soft sounds of the bush at night.

Namibia’s Namib Desert, Desert Camp

You can sleep in house-tent hybrids at Desert Camp in the Namib Desert. These self-catering homes, with their adobe plaster walls and canvas-covered beds, were built to blend in with their surroundings.

The Namib Desert is a unique location with an even more unique quiet. The horizon is endless, the air is pure, and the sky is huge (and the stargazing is amazing!).

Desert Camp, located at the entrance to Sossusvlei and Sesriem, two of Namibia’s most well-known tourist locations, is an excellent starting point for exploring this stunning and intriguing region.

Pelican Point Lodge, Lighthouse, Walvis Bay, Namibia

The closest you can come to becoming a Lighthouse Master is this. The Pelican Point Lodge, situated on a peninsula between the untamed Atlantic Ocean and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, was constructed in the former harbor control structure at the base of the Pelican Point Lighthouse.

This isolated location is stunning in its untamed beauty, with breathtaking views over both and a wealth of seals and birds. Watch ships go by, seals play (and jackals kill), and hundreds of birds fly around. You may also stroll along the bleak beach and find treasures the ocean has dumped there.

The suites are opulent, completely furnished, and cleverly designed to keep you comfortable no matter what—sometimes crazy! – weather brought in by the Atlantic Ocean.

Planet Baobab, Bakalanga Huts, Botswana

The remnants of an old inland ocean can be found at Botswana’s Magadikgadi Salt Pans. You may experience authentic Africa at Planet Baobab, which is situated on the border of the Ntwetwe Pan and offers lodging in Bushman grass huts or traditional Bakalanga mud huts.

The shebeen in the center, which has beautiful beer bottle chandeliers, is a welcoming, social spot where many travelers gather late into the night to share travel tales.

While visiting, make sure to join the Kalahari Surf Club, which uses quad bikes rather than surfboards. Savor the excitement of the Makgadikgadi’s expansive areas, marvel at the Dr. Seuss-like baobabs, and spend the night resting on a traditional bedroll beneath the stars.

Bulawayo’s Nesbitt Castle in Zimbabwe

So you believed that in order to stay in a medieval castle, you had to travel to Scotland’s frigid north? False. With its towers, gargoyles, and crenellations, Nesbitt Castle is situated in the center of Zimbabwe in a lovely, verdant landscape in the suburbs of Bulawayo.

It was constructed in the early 1900s by the eccentric Thomas Holdengarde, but after his wife passed away in 1967, it fell into disrepair and gained an unsettling reputation before collapsing. Digby Nesbitt lavishly furnished it with antiques and oddball additions in 1988, restoring it to its previous (and present) splendor. Apparently, a resident ghost is one of the oddball features, as every decent castle ought to have.

You’ll feel like you should have brought your suit of armor because of the nine opulent suites and numerous reception areas that are stocked with literature, trinkets, and mementos!

Backpackers in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Backpackers is located just outside of Victoria Falls, away from the bustle of the city. It has fairly standard backpacking accommodations, including camping, dorms, and double en suites under thatch, all situated in lovely gardens with a central swimming pool and fire ring for socializing with other travelers.

In addition to excellent accommodations, we included them on our list because of the amazing outdoor chessboard made of carved stone, which features a lion as the king and hippos as pawns. With hammocks, unique outdoor art, and beautiful shade, the rest of the garden is also rather nice.

Zambia’s Jackalberry Treehouse in South Luangwa

The entire camp is situated eight feet above the ground among the woods. To be precise, it is constructed around three living ebony trees. You can spend your days on the deck, taking in the views of the lagoon and dambo (wetland), where animals come to drink and splash around. Have you ever had an elephant G&T? You can at Zambia’s Jackalberry Treehouse, which is a component of Flat Dogs Camp.

With three main decks and an en suite bedroom on each side, it is the pinnacle of safari luxury. There are walking and driving safaris available, so you can take in South Luangwa’s amazing wildlife and landscape.

Because it lacks a roof, the treehouse is only accessible during the dry season, which runs from 5 April to 15 November.

Malawi’s Mumbo Island

Mumbo Island might appear if you searched for “paradise” in a dictionary. Never inhabited, this small island in Lake Malawi (part of Lake Malawi National Park) remains in its unspoiled, natural state.

Only fourteen people can stay in fully furnished tents with hammocks and shaded decks, so you can be sure of solitude, tranquility, and unadulterated island happiness. In addition to its many awards, the entire establishment is off the grid; no power is used, all construction and furnishings were completed locally using materials that were found locally, and all waste is recycled.

You can swim, explore, kayak, scuba dive, snorkel, or simply relax in a hammock and read a book while admiring the breathtaking scenery. This is the best of Malawi.

Nkwichi Lodge, Lake Malawi, Mozambique’s Star Bed

Sleeping beneath the African stars is the ultimate in magic. The “Lake of Stars Bed” is located in Nkwichi Lodge, which is on the Mozambican side of Lake Malawi.

This opulent wooden bed can be positioned on a rocky island off the shore, on a private beach guarded by fanciful baobabs, or on the lakeshore. This is the pinnacle of romance, wherever it may be, and the night skies will leave you speechless. Wishing for those shooting stars is the right thing right now!

Mozambeat Motel party in Tofo, Mozambique

The lively Mozambeat Motel is located in Mozambique, just a short stroll from the warm, blue seas of Tofo Beach. “Quirky” doesn’t adequately describe this location; it’s a tropical paradise motel that’s all about fun and music.

While the vibrant bar serves cold beers and vibrant cocktails, the expansive second-floor balcony hosts sundowners and later transforms into a dance floor. The restaurant serves Mozambican specialties including piri-piri chicken and the freshest fish every day.

If you’re a music enthusiast who enjoys parties, this is the place to be, with regular Tuesday Poker evenings, Wednesday Moonshine Cinema Nights and parties, braai evenings, and live bands!

Treehouses in Tanzania’s Chole Mjini

Baobab trees are reminiscent of something from Dr. Seuss’s books. Something enormous and breathtakingly lovely. You can sleep in a treehouse erected around a living baobab at Chole Mjini. On this magical island in the balmy Indian Ocean in Tanzania, just off Mafia Island, there are seven treehouses, each constructed in a different location around a different tree.

With everything supplied locally, off the grid, and a strong focus on empowering and involving the local community, Chole Mjini is the quintessential example of “green tourism.” It is owned and operated by a family.

You may explore the island (and its ruins), do scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks, sleep in the trees, and visit Popo area, the first fruit bat conservation area in the world. It’s pure pleasure.

Manta Resort, Zanzibar’s Under Sea

Take Zanzibar’s aquarium concept and turn it upside down. The abundance of marine life in the floating space makes you feel as though they are watching you. This marvel of contemporary engineering, which sleeps two, was created by Sweden and is moored 250 meters off the point of Pemba Island (and Manta Resort).

It’s difficult to come any closer (in terms of absolute luxury) to sleeping in the sea with a glass-walled bedroom below the water line and a deck above where one may relax, sunbathe, eat, and watch the stars.

Prepare to be both observed and observed by inquisitive marine life, including a particularly voyeuristic trumpet fish known as Nick.

Dreamer’s Island, Zanzibar, houseboat

This place makes you want to carry a parrot on your shoulder and talk “Pirate.” A simple room is available at Dreamer’s Island, which is a 5-minute boat journey from Stone Town (next to Africa House). on the ocean.

Away from the bustle of Stone Town, Dreamer’s Island is a houseboat bar and restaurant that offers views of the city’s glittering lights at night or, conversely, the horizon across the azure Indian Ocean. It’s the ideal location for sundowners.

The room is over the restaurant/bar deck and is available on Airbnb. This is an experience, darlings! Shiver me timbers!

Nairobi, Kenya’s Giraffe Manor

Go to Giraffe Manor in Kenya right now if sharing breakfast with a giraffe is your top life goal. This historic colonial structure is situated within 140 acres of native forest in Nairobi’s lush Langata district.

The exciting part is that a sizable herd of Rothschild giraffes live on that property, and they frequently visit the manor, sticking their noses in the windows in the morning and evening in the hopes of snagging a small snack!

Tower-Living in Naivasha, Kenya’s Hippo Point

One of the homes available at Hippo Point (during certain seasons of the year) is Dodo’s Folly, which must be seen to be believed. It is a 120-foot, eight-story skyscraper with views of Oloidien Bay and opulent furnishings.

Hippo Point is situated between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloidien in Lake Naivasha National Park. This indicates that it is surrounded by amazing fauna and gorgeous birds (more than 350 kinds). You may walk, swim, cycle, or just sit back and watch the zebras, hippos, and birds—as well as the other 1,200 creatures that call this place home—pass by from your tower!

Aberdare, Kenya’s The Ark

One of Africa’s most eccentric lodges is located in the verdant Aberdare National Park, north of Nairobi. The Ark was constructed to resemble Noah’s Ark and is operated like a ship, complete with “decks” and references to being “on board.”

The Ark’s most amazing feature, however, is that it is situated just next to a very active waterhole that attracts a variety of wild creatures day and night. If large game shows up during the night, you can wake up and go to one of the observation decks thanks to their fantastic bell system—one ring for an elephant, two for a rhino, and three for a leopard!

Murchison River Lodge, Uganda: Thatched Tents

Murchison River Lodge in Uganda is a great option for those seeking a tented safari without the inconvenience of setting up tents. The cozy, rustic camp is located on the River Nile and offers stunning views of the Murchison Falls National Park. Permanent tents with built-in restrooms and protective thatch are used for lodging.

Eco-friendly, without electricity, and with ready-made tents beneath thatch, this is camping at its finest. All you need is a sun hat, insect repellant, and the willingness to see Africa’s wilds.

Uganda’s Malakai Eco Lodge in Kampala

Malakai Eco Lodge is a joy, offering a variety of apartments and cottages, each unique and full of eccentricities. Constructed from locally sourced materials, in the trees, and from volcanic rocks, the rooms and cottages are situated in lovely gardens with ponds full of fish and a plethora of birds.