Africa’s 2024-25 Hotel Boom: Where the Next Big Openings Are Happening

Africa’s hospitality scene is heating up. International hotel groups, boutique brands, and luxury lodge operators are all rushing to capture a share of the continent’s growing travel market. From safari destinations to coastal resorts and bustling capitals, 2024 and 2025 are set to be record years for new hotel openings.

At RIC Hospitality Consultants, we take a closer look at the most exciting new properties, the hotspots attracting big investment, and what these developments mean for the future of African tourism.

Kenya: Gateway to East Africa

Kenya continues to be a magnet for international investors.

• Kwetu Nairobi (Curio Collection by Hilton) opened in March 2024 as Hilton’s first Curio property in Kenya. With 102 rooms near Karura Forest, it’s designed for both business and leisure travellers, blending modern luxury with local charm.

• Coming in mid-2025, &Beyond Suyian Lodge in Laikipia will offer 14 suites with private plunge pools. Positioned in a wildlife conservancy, it promises a premium safari experience with conservation at its heart.

  
  

Tanzania: Luxury Meets Wilderness

Tanzania remains a powerhouse for safari and coastal tourism.

• The Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Dar es Salaam (opening 2025) is set to become a landmark for the city’s business and leisure travellers.

• In the Ngorongoro Crater, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge opened in March 2025, featuring spacious suites with private outdoor showers and spectacular crater views.

Southern Africa: Safaris, Cities, and Style

South Africa and its neighbours are pushing the boundaries of safari luxury.

• Masiya’s Camp (Royal Malewane, Kruger) launched in April 2025, offering six tented suites with heated plunge pools and panoramic wildlife views.

• Monachira Camp, Botswana, opened in May 2025 in the Okavango Delta’s Moremi Game Reserve. With heli-access, private decks, and immersive water safaris, it’s redefining the high-end safari lodge.

  
  

Morocco: North Africa’s Rising Star

Morocco is fast becoming the region’s design and lifestyle hub.

• The highlight of 2025 is the Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, set to open in the Mohammed VI Tower. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the 18-floor property will feature an infinity pool, luxury spa, and sweeping valley views.

  
  

  

Pipeline Hotspots to Watch

While individual openings are exciting, the bigger story is where the hotel pipelines are most active.

• Egypt tops Africa with 143 projects and nearly 34,000 rooms in development. Cairo, New Cairo, and Red Sea resorts are booming.

• Morocco is second, with 58 projects underway, especially in Casablanca.

• Nigeria follows with 48 projects, led by Lagos and Abuja.

• Ethiopia is climbing the charts with 33 projects, centred on Addis Ababa.

What’s Driving the Growth?

1. Diversification of Travel Demand – Beyond business hotels, investors are pushing wellness resorts, lifestyle brands, and luxury safari lodges.

2. Global Brand Expansion – Radisson, Hilton, and Accor are leading, with Hilton even introducing lifestyle concepts like Canopy by Hilton in Cape Town (2025).

3. Conversions Over New Builds – Many groups are accelerating growth by converting existing buildings, cutting cost and time.

Risks and Realities

Despite the momentum, challenges remain:

• Overcapacity in cities like Cairo and Lagos may pressure room rates.

• Infrastructure gaps (power, water, transport) can delay openings.

• Political and regulatory changes remain a risk in some regions.

Africa’s hotel boom in 2024-25 isn’t just about room numbers — it’s about quality, diversity, and experience. From ultra-luxury safari lodges to lifestyle-driven city hotels, the continent is positioning itself as a global hospitality growth frontier.

For investors, developers, and travellers alike, the next two years mark a defining chapter in Africa’s hospitality story.

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