19-05-2025
Africa Hotel Market Reaches New Heights: 12 New Entrants
Hotel development on the African continent is shattering records, and these 12 new properties will expand the possibilities for meeting and incentive groups.
Hotel development in Africa has reached a new level. In the works are 577 hotel projects, totaling about 105,000 rooms. That marks a 13.3% increase from last year, according to a report from W Hospitality Group, a Nigeria-based advisory firm. That's a record, according to the consultancy.
On Skift Meetings' list of 12 new properties for the meetings and incentives market, featured in our just-released What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report, are ultra-luxurious nature-focused resorts aimed at high-end guests seeking restorative experiences in exclusive natural settings. African properties such as the &Beyond Suyian Lodge, Few & Far Luvhondo, Gorilla Forest Lodge, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offer a blend of opulence, nature immersion, and truly unique, boutique experiences.
1. &Beyond Suyian Lodge
Laikipia, Kenya
Suyian Lodge is a 14-suite property located in Kenya's 44,000- acre Suyian Conservancy in Laikipia. Each suite includes a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Activities include game drives, bush walks, camel and horseback safaris, helicopter tours, and community visits. The lodge offers day and night safaris with chances to see rare species like melanistic leopards. Incentive groups benefit from high privacy, unique design, and access to a wide range of adventure and cultural experiences. Accessible via scheduled or private flights.
2. Few & Far Luvhondo
Limpopo, South Africa
Few & Far Luvhondo is a luxury lodge in South Africa's Soutpansberg mountains, offering six hilltop Cliff suites as the ideal base for an exclusive safari experience. On offer are hiking, stargazing, and conservation-focused experiences. It is carbon negative and accessible via private charter, Rovos Rail, or commercial flights to Polokwane. With rates starting at $1,800 per person per night, it caters to high-end incentive groups seeking remote, naturebased experiences with sustainable impact
3. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr
Rabat, Morocco
Situated in Rabat's historic Quartier l'Océan, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opened in October 2024 offering 200 guest rooms. The hotel is a blend of newly constructed and restored historic buildings. It offers more than 29,000 square feet of event space including two ballrooms, the largest of which has its own private lounge, and eight meeting rooms. Guests can enjoy the property's expansive gardens, seven dining options, a spa, a barber shop, and a beauty salon.
4. Gorilla Forest Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Gorilla Forest Lodge is located inside Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The lodge has 10 newly renovated villas and serves as a base for guided gorilla treks, birding, forest walks, and community visits. Activities include cultural engagement with the Batwa people and Sanctuary's philanthropic projects. Gorilla trekking is physically demanding, but sedan chairs are available for less mobile guests. Ideal for small, high-end incentive groups seeking rare wildlife experiences.
5. Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi
Cairo, Egypt
The recently opened Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is situated in the urban Maadi district of Cairo, overlooking the River Nile. The hotel features 255 guest rooms, four dining options, an executive lounge, and the first eforea Spa in Egypt. There are several versatile venues including a multi-function room with city and Nile views. The hotel overlooks Maadi Island, Cairo's 'green oasis.'
6. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya
The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands opened in January 2025, marking the brand's debut in Kenya. The hotel features 219 guest rooms and more than 21,000 square feet of event space, including a flexible ballroom with a capacity of 600 in theater style. Amenities include three dining options, a club lounge, a pool, a fitness center and a 24/7 business center.
7. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp
Solio Game Reserve, Kenya
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is expected to open in 2026 featuring 20 tented accommodations with private plunge pools. The property will provide an immersive wildlife experience within the 45,000-acre game reserve, and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, known for its rhino breeding program. Guests will have access to a spa, a pool, a fitness centre, a horse barn, and an animal viewing hide. Four dining options will be offered, including a sky deck restaurant.
8. La Fiermontina Ocean
Larache, Morocco
La Fiermontina Ocean is an eco-retreat located in the Dune of Khemis Sahel Regional Park. The property extends into a nearby village where guests can stay at four traditional houses fully immersed in the local community. The main building offers 13 suites among rock-carved gardens with a family pool, a restaurant, and one meeting room for up to 80. A nearby private beach can be accessed through a footpath or shuttle service
9. Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis
Tunis, Tunisia
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis, is the brand's debut property in Tunisia's capital, located between Tunis' City of Culture and the Convention Palace. The 305-room hotel offers more than 21,000 square feet of meeting space including a large ballroom for up to 1,100 guests seated in theater style, with a total of 16 event spaces on offer. The property offers six dining options, an indoor pool, a spa, an executive business lounge, and parking for up to 400 vehicles.
10. Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It offers four ballrooms — the largest of which can host up to 4,200 guests — 34 meeting rooms, exhibition space, and nine outdoor venues. The adjacent hotel offers 476 guest rooms. The resort incorporates various sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation programs, waste reduction, and sourcing local, organic foods.
11. The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Located on a secluded island in the Masai Mara National Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will offer 20 tented suites set among the trees, giving guests a front-row seat to the area's wildlife. Expected to open in August 2025, each suite will have a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Other highlights include a stargazing deck, a discovery hub and map room, a photography studio, and four culinary options.
12. Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Karatu, Tanzania
The newly opened Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge offers 37 Maasai-inspired suites and emphasizes communal spaces that include a restaurant, two bars, a pool and a spa. Activities offered include wildlife safaris, forest walks, and visiting the nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Guests are encouraged to engage with the local Maasai culture through storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and village visits.
