Hidden Gems Accommodation in Africa

When it comes to hidden gems holiday destinations, the place you stay has a large impact on the overall experience. These accommodations are a collection of rarities that make travelling worthwhile. This means exploring exceptional locations (remote or up-and-coming), travelling with a small footprint but big positive impact, and keeping experiences intimate, personal and passion-fuelled.

Our selection process is thorough and take various factors into consideration when evaluating whether a place is eligible to be included on our list of hidden gem accommodations. One of the top things that lead us to rank a property is whether it's owner run and managed or not, or whether it's owner-managed and run by members of the community.

Further factors include environmental and social initiatives the property takes part in and their involvement with the local community. Additionally, the chance for guests to experience or take part in those initiatives – for example, Pondoro Game Lodge is both owner-managed and support the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, the world's first all-female ranger group who operate in the Balule Nature Reserve, unarmed. Guests are invited to join an anti-poaching tour where all funds are donated back to the Black Mambas to support their efforts.

Other elements are also taken into account, such as remote concessions and reserves, or areas where limited numbers of travellers are permitted per kilometre or in a certain time period, and if special activities are available.