Accommodation
This page is dedicated to the best places that make you feel at home and where you can meet others
Mauritania
Villa Maguela - Nouadhibou
Victor heads one of the most iconic guesthouses on the west coast of Africa. It’s situated in a large bay and you can swim right outside your tent. He offers fairly priced beds or camping spots and can help you with questions you may have about Mauritania. The communal dinner is a bit expensive but you’re also welcome to cook your own meals.
Auberge Driskell - Nouakchott
Another great place in Mauritania. Very central, it offers both shared and private rooms for reasonable prices. The owner is a huge help with info and will help you out with anything imaginable (helped me get a license plate made!) The open air courtyard is awesome to kick back and share travel stories in the evenings. Hostel like vibes
Senegal
Zebrabar - Moult
If you’re looking for beach vibes look no further. Remote, quiet, run by a Swiss couple and a nice stop for overlanders. Bungalows and camping options are available as well as a fully stocked bar and restaurant. Stop by for a night and spend three.
Gambia
Mama Folonko - Kartong
One of the most homely places you’ll find in West Africa. This is an extremely chilled place on the beach where you’ll enjoy the most peaceful nights on the continent. You can rent a bungalow or camp. They have a restaurant and drinks on-site both are great value for your money but it’s not too far from a town where they have other essentials. The guys that run it make you feel like family.
Guinea
Mission Philafricaine - Conakry
This is the cleanest place you will find in West Africa and possibly on the entire continent! The AC and private rooms are incredibly nice and trust me, you will not regret the extra $15 you’re spending over staying at the strange catholic mission downtown (a room for one person is currently $25 per night).
The Swiss couple in charge are both warm and though it is religious in nature they definitely do not try to evangelize. They also have amazing stories to tell from their years living in West Africa and are happy to provide give you advice if you need it.
Message them ahead of time as they tend to book out the rooms or could be traveling.
Ghana
Somewhere Nice Hostel - Accra
Probably the only true European style hostel you’ll find in West Africa with all its conveniences. There’s a large secure courtyard with a pool and a hot tub, two bars, and both shared dorms and private rooms available. It’s also one of the few places where you’ll be able to mingle with other travelers that aren’t necessarily overlanding. A nice change of pace from the road.
Benin
Chez Tata Edith - Abomey
The gem of gems. A family style guesthouse in the capital of voodoo, run by two 60+ year old women (or 40 and a few years as Edith will tell you) where you’re treated like family. Some of the most genuinely warm people I’ve met on all of my travels. If you speak French it’ll be a bonus as their English isn’t the best but they will try their best to help. Both shared and private rooms available.
Angola
Luanda Naval Club - Luanda
One of those free spots you just can’t turn down. Free wifi, toilets, showers, loads of restaurants, walking distance to the beach, you name it. The owners and the president of the club love overlanders and everyone there including the security guards are incredibly welcoming. This is camping only but they’re more than willing to help you with anything you need.
South Africa
Cape Agulhas Backpackers - Struisbaai
At the end of your trip drop by this beautiful place and celebrate with a cider or four. About a 5km ride from the southern most point of Africa, run by a lovely caring lady. Clean, safe, and a relaxed atmosphere are all guaranteed. It’s close to shops and restaurants as well and has a beautiful outdoor area.
Malawi
Mushroom Farm Eco Lodge - Livingstonia
An absolute must, run by two Americans who were Peace Corps volunteers in the country. They are crafting cool community development projects and social awareness. Amazing food, fantastic wifi, camping spots, bunks and independent cabins that are all widely different. They grow most of their food locally and it’s a standout.
Mozambique
Baobab Beach - Vilanculos
Another overlanders gem right on the beach! Cheap camping options but if you wanna kick it up a notch get one of the beach side bungalows for a night or five. There’s a kitchen on site but they also have a reasonably priced restaurant and bar as well. One of the top spots in Southern Africa.
Tanzania
Paul's Hidden Hillside - Mbata
Run by super knowledgable Zimbabwean motorcyclist, here you’ll find a large house with multiple rooms, secure parking, full kitchen, plenty of yard space. Loves having overlanders over and is able to source all sorts of vehicle parts even from Dar. .