World's Best Top 5 Africa Resort Hotels in 2019 By Brooke Porter Katz Brooke Porter Katz Instagram Website Brooke Porter Katz is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor specializing in travel, culture, food, design, and more. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, WSJ. Magazine, Afar, Bloomberg Pursuits, and Wine Enthusiast. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 10, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of La Residence Africa is a continent of varied landscapes, from the stunning vineyards of South Africa to the otherworldly dunes of Namibia and the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. These are settings you have to see to believe — and the array of luxurious resorts in Africa makes it possible. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities. Related: The World's Best Awards 2019 Four countries are represented on our Top 5 list of the best resorts in Africa: Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Coming in at No. 3, andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge — which will reopen in October 2019 after a renovation — commands arresting views of the Namib sand dunes and the Naukluft mountains beyond. One reader noted, “Beautiful hotel with the most attentive, friendly staff. Best hotel visit of 2018!” We move from the desert to the ocean — specifically, the crystalline waters around Zanzibar, Tanzania — for No. 2, andBeyond Mnemba Island, where a maximum of 24 guests can snorkel, kayak, spot dolphins, and just relax on the beach. One honeymooning couple wrote, “Absolutely the most romantic and relaxing place on earth….We learned to dive, went on daily snorkels, and saw beautiful sea life, and enjoyed amazing sundowners each night while leisurely watching the sunset. The staff at Mnemba Island made the experience — incredibly attentive and friendly.” South Africa makes two appearances on the list, including the No. 1 spot — a property in Franschhoek, a vineyard-filled enclave outside of Cape Town. Read on for more. 5. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe Courtesy of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Score: 87.76 More information: victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com 4. Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa Courtesy of Birkenhead House Score: 92.53 More information: theroyalportfolio.com 3. andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia Courtesy of andBeyond Score: 92.80 More information: andbeyond.com 2. andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania Courtesy of andBeyond Score: 94.89 More information: andbeyond.com 1. La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa Courtesy of La Residence Score: 95.11 More information: theroyalportfolio.com Franschhoek is the escape in South Africa’s Cape Winelands — and, according to our readers, there’s no better place to stay than this 30-acre farm. It has 16 suites, each done up in a unique color palette and style: the regal Frangipani is all white and gold, while the Disa is playful in pink and green. As one respondent put it, “Mind-blowing rooms. Nothing else like it anywhere.” Guests can relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, and take advantage of a complimentary shuttle into town. For the ultimate dining experience, book the chef’s table and watch as a four-course meal is prepared right in front of you. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2019. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit