As Africa’s total private wealth continues to grow at a steady rate, with recent projections indicating that private wealth on the continent will rise by 38 percent over the next 10 years, African billionaires and millionaires are now spending more on vacations, luxury, and recreation than ever before, fueling growth in the hospitality sector, and particularly the luxury hotel segment.
The recent increase in ultra-high net worth individuals’ spending on luxury and recreation on the continent has been supplemented by thousands of multimillionaires who visit the continent on a regular basis for vacations (primarily from the UK, United States, France, Switzerland, and Germany).
This influx into Africa, combined with the spending of the continent’s fun-loving billionaires and multimillionaires, has resulted in the growth and expansion of the hospitality sector, as well as the growth of many luxury hotels in countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Kenya.
NW Wealth, a global wealth intelligence firm, disclosed that South Africa remains the top luxury tourist destination in Africa, with destinations such as Marrakech in Morocco, Cairo in Egypt, the Serengeti in Tanzania, Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, the Masai Mara in Kenya, Livingstone in Zambia, and the Okavango Swamps in Botswana also ranking high.
According to a recent study conducted by NWWealth, after carefully ranking the hotels on the continent in terms of popularity among high-net-worth individuals, prime location, views, gardens, and scenery, the following are the five most popular hotels for the super rich on the continent.
Durban, South Africa
Price per night: $465
Oyster Box, one of South Africa’s most cherished hotels, charges at least R8,000 ($465) per night and is situated on a beachfront in Umhlanga, Durban, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse.
This iconic hotel, which opened in the 1950s and quickly became a popular summer destination for Johannesburg visitors, has gone through several renovation phases. The property was renovated in 2007 and transformed into one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
Red Carnation Hotel Group, the new owners, have gone to great lengths to preserve the original character, style, and charm while also introducing cutting-edge technology and green initiatives.
Cape Town, South Africa
Price per night: $700
Ellerman House, one of the world’s top boutique hotels, is located in Bantry Bay in Cape Town and takes great pride in sharing the beauty, bounty, and diversity of the Cape with its guests.
The charming boutique, built in 1907 as an original Cape Edwardian mansion, boasts ultra-luxurious facilities, incredible views, and a refined comfort atmosphere that draws the most discerning travelers year after year.
The luxurious hotel is a hotspot for the rich and famous and is known for its “jet-set” appeal. It has beautiful views of the ocean and only 13 rooms, giving its residents a lot of privacy. The hotel’s classic houseroom costs R12,000 ($700) per night.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Price per night: $1,960
The Royal Mansour, which is located just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square and beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, is known among travelers as the “best hotel in Marrakesh.” It offers travelers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Royal Mansour, designed by King Mohammed VI, is one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. The hotel, which has 53 private riads set within five hectares of beautiful Moorish gardens, was created to share the Moroccan way of life with the rest of the world. A night in one of its riads costs at least €1,900 ($1,960).
#4 Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Cairo, Egypt
Price per night:$7,235
The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, which cascades down the hillside from the desert to the Red Sea, is a must-see for any snorkeling and diving enthusiasts visiting Egypt.
The well-established resort, which has fantastic facilities and restaurants, welcomes guests to an Arabian fairy tale with year-round sun, sleek, modern accommodations, over 3,000 palm trees, and panoramic sea views. A night in one of its signature suites costs at least $7,235.
Livingstone, Zambia
Price per night: $500
The Royal Livingstone hotel is situated on the Zambezi River’s banks and offers views of Victoria Falls from Zambia. Anantara oversees its management.
It has a beautiful spa and is well-known for its upscale river safaris. A night in one of its suites will set you back at least $500.
