Must-visit regenerative and rejuvenating destinations across Africa
Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Sisters Nathalie and Vanessa Van Pee were born in Uganda and have returned to their roots to manage the Nile Safari Lodge, an award-winning regenerative luxurious travel destination on the southern banks of the Nile River. Women are central to the lodge’s identity. Not only are its owners female, the lodge also employs female chefs, operational staff, and artisans, as well as local women through craft partnerships. As the he entire lodge experience is shaped by women at every level.
Best Eco Lodge 2026, Pearl of Africa Tourism Award
Richard Bangs, Best Hotels in the World Award
Peponi Hotel
Lamu, Kenya
A globally known hidden gem, Peponi Hotel on the Kenyan coast, is the open secret that everyone knows about. Carol Korschen was the driving force behind Peponi for decades, and she recently handed over management to her two daughters, Elke Korschen Bertolli and Kaila Korschen. The hotel is active in conservation, supporting a community-led organization that works in sea turtle protection, environmental education, beach cleanups, and broader environmental stewardship across Lamu. Combined with local employment, local sourcing, lower-energy operations, and solar-heated water systems, Peponi represents a conservation approach built around protecting an entire place rather than a single species or project.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVn2em8CNzn
BE Agafay
Atlas Mountain, Morocco
Nicole Billi, one of three owners of BE Travel Morocco, curates a deep set of cultural experiences across the company’s three destinations. BE Agafay is the company’s Atlas Mountain design-led retreat offering curated escapes that blend energy and relaxation. Guests can begin their day with yoga in the shala overlooking the landscape, unwind in the stunning spa, or lounge by one of two pool areas before venturing out for camel rides, quad biking, pottery or cooking workshops. Whether for a private getaway or a curated retreat combining city and desert, BE Agafay offers an immersive experience.
Sterrekopje
Franschhoek, South Africa
Nestled in the mountains of Franschhoek, a 90-minute drive outside of Cape Town, Sterrekopje was started in 2019 by partners Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens. More than a hotel or wine destination, Sterrekopje is a “healing farm” and the perfect place for a personal or couples retreat to disconnect from technology and reconnect with creativity, the land, and one’s own thoughts. The property sits on a historic farm dating back to the late 1600s and spans roughly 50 hectares of regenerative farmland, gardens, indigenous plants, animals, wellness spaces, and only a small number of suites. Instead of positioning itself as luxury accommodation first, Sterrekopje sells restoration, slowness, creativity, and connection to nature.
Ol Gaboli
Laikipia, Kenya
Ol Gaboli is found in Kenya’s Laikipia region, a mosaic of open land, rare wildlife, and deep-rooted communities living alongside nature. The only female and Maasai-owned safari lodge in Kenya, Ol Gaboli puts the local Ilmotiok Community right at the heart of the lodge’s operations. Funds from the lodge are distributed 70% to the Ol Gaboli Women’s Group, which manages the lodge, and 30% to the community’s land management committee. Meanwhile, guests get to experience luxury accommodations and safaris that are unhurried, respectful, and led by people who know this land best.
