So, you’re on the hunt for that perfect overwater bungalow in Africa?
While these dreamy huts-on-stilts are famously found in places like the Maldives and Bora Bora, Africa has a couple of gems that’ll tick off your bucket list in style.
Below, you’ll find them neatly listed by country—complete with insider tidbits, estimated price ranges, and the features that make each spot unforgettable.
Why Africa for Overwater Bungalows?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s answer the big question: Why choose Africa for an overwater vacation?
- Adventure Factor: Africa’s bungalows often pair well with safaris, cultural tours, or historical excursions. You’re not just lying on a beach; you’re also exploring centuries-old spice trade routes, meeting local communities, or spotting wildlife.
- Diverse Landscapes: From the Indian Ocean islands (like Zanzibar and Mauritius) to inland waterways (like Botswana’s Okavango Delta), the continent’s diversity is astonishing.
- Fewer Crowds: Compared to overwater hotspots in Asia or the Pacific, African destinations can feel more exclusive and less overrun by tourists.
- Local Culture & Cuisine: Sampling East African seafood, Mauritian Creole dishes, or the flavors of a bush dinner in Botswana? Prepare for next-level gastronomic experiences.
Sure, Africa might have fewer overwater resorts, but the ones that exist deliver in a big way. Ready to see where you can hang your hammock above crystal-clear waters? Let’s go!
Tanzania
When you think of Tanzania, you might imagine the sprawling Serengeti, big cats on the prowl, or the majestic Kilimanjaro.
But did you know Tanzania also boasts gorgeous island destinations off its coast?
Zanzibar gets plenty of love, but if you head a bit further north to Pemba Island, you’ll find one of the most iconic overwater stays on Earth.
The Manta Resort, Pemba Island
If you’ve got a “sleeping under the sea” fantasy, The Manta Resort on Pemba Island is where it comes true.
The highlight here is their Underwater Room, a self-contained floating structure anchored to the sea floor.
This unique three-level accommodation gives you a sun-soaked rooftop deck for daytime lounging and stargazing at night, a sea-level entry area complete with a bathroom and lounge space, and an underwater bedroom below that’s ringed with windows.
Yes, you read that right—fish literally swim around your bed!
Approximate Price Range: $1,700–$1,900 per night (double occupancy, full board).
(Prices vary by season and package deals; always check for the latest rates.)
Key Features
- 360° Underwater Views: You’re surrounded by a living aquarium—spot clownfish, octopus, and maybe even a sea turtle drifting by.
- Rooftop Deck: Perfect for sunbathing by day or gazing at the Milky Way by night.
- All-Inclusive: Rates generally include meals, some drinks, and spa vouchers.
- Privacy Galore: Feel like you have the ocean to yourself—just you, the fish, and total tranquility.
What Makes It Special
- Off-Grid Experience: Limited cell signal means a real digital detox.
- Local Vibes: Enjoy Swahili-inspired dishes and get to know the island’s friendly communities if you venture out on a tour.
- Conservation Efforts: The resort supports local reef conservation programs and responsible tourism initiatives.
Pemba is known as the “Green Island”, with lush forests and smaller crowds than Zanzibar.
If you like the idea of an intimate, under-the-radar island escape, Manta’s floating suite is your ticket to bucket-list bragging rights!
(Word to the wise: Book far in advance—there’s only one Underwater Room!)
Mauritius
Mauritius often appears on lists of the world’s best honeymoon destinations. Its beaches are indeed that postcard-perfect, with turquoise lagoons and lush interior mountains.
And while overwater bungalows aren’t exactly everywhere on the island, one resort in particular stands out for offering this special experience.
Constance Prince Maurice
Constance Prince Maurice has a reputation for luxe villas, sumptuous dining, and a setting that’ll make your jaw drop.
Tucked away on the tranquil northeast coast of Mauritius, the resort boasts a collection of stilted suites above a sheltered lagoon.
From your private deck, watch the sunrise, or keep an eye out for fish darting underneath your bungalow.
Approximate Price Range: $1,000–$1,500 per night (varies based on season and special packages).
Key Features
- Overwater Junior Suites: Wake up to gentle lagoon breezes and panoramic water views.
- Floating Bar & Restaurant: Sip cocktails at the floating bar or dine at Le Barachois, a floating seafood restaurant—very James Bond.
- All the Amenities: Infinity pool, spa treatments, championship golf courses (yes, you can golf in paradise!), and more.
- Watersports: Snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding—perfect for an active day in the sun.
Why You’ll Love It
- Romantic Vibe: Ideal for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion.
- Culinary Delights: Mauritius has a rich fusion of African, Creole, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, and the resort’s world-class chefs do it justice.
- Service Excellence: Mauritian hospitality is second to none, with staff who’ll go above and beyond to ensure your stay is legendary.
Stay over the water, then hop on a short drive to explore lush botanical gardens or local markets brimming with spices, textiles, and handcrafted trinkets.
Mauritius is small, so day trips around the island are easy and add extra depth to your lagoon-side retreat.
Stilted Safari Lodges: A Twist on “Overwater”
Traditional overwater bungalows are typically about crystal-clear lagoons, tropical fish, and maybe a bit of coral reef.
But Africa has some truly unique interpretations of “over water,” especially in safari areas where raised walkways and stilted chalets keep you perched above wetlands, marshes, and rivers.
If you’re seeking a more wild vantage point—think hippos grunting below your deck or elephants sloshing through nearby channels—these safari lodges could be your dream come true.
They may not have the classic “Maldives vibe,” but they deliver something arguably more thrilling.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta: Jao Camp & More
Welcome to the Okavango Delta, a sprawling wetland teeming with wildlife—lions, leopards, elephants, and hundreds of bird species.
Some lodges here are built on elevated platforms, giving you a sense of floating over the waters.
Jao Camp is often highlighted for its striking architecture and luxurious suites. While not your classic overwater bungalow, the raised decks offer mesmerizing views of the floodplains, especially during the high-water season.
Approximate Price Range: $1,100–$2,000 per person per night (all-inclusive safari package).
Key Features
- Raised Suites: Marvel at wildlife from the comfort of your deck.
- Canoe & Boat Safaris: Glide through reed-lined channels spotting hippos, crocodiles, and countless birds.
- Guided Game Drives: See lions, elephants, and maybe the elusive leopard.
- Spa & Pool: Relax in style after a long day tracking wildlife.
What’s Unique
- In the Heart of Nature: You’re literally surrounded by an ecosystem that changes with the seasons.
- Exclusive Experience: Small guest capacity means an intimate, personal stay.
- Eco-Friendly Ethos: Many of these camps focus on conservation and community support, adding a feel-good factor to your adventure.
Other Similar Camps
- Xigera Safari Lodge: Also in the Okavango Delta, famed for its design and wildlife experiences.
- Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge: Elevated wooden walkways and a vantage point over lush wetlands.
While you won’t be peering out a window at tropical fish, you will potentially spot elephants trudging through shallow waters below your suite—a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the African bush.
Seychelles & Beyond
The Seychelles archipelago is often lumped together with Mauritius and the Maldives as a dreamy Indian Ocean destination.
You might be wondering: “Where are all the overwater bungalows in Seychelles?”
Why No True Overwater Bungalows in the Seychelles?
Despite the pristine beaches, granite rock formations, and lush jungle landscapes, the Seychelles doesn’t really offer classic overwater bungalows.
Most resorts opt for hillside villas or beachside suites. The reason? Preservation of coral reefs, local regulations, and the island topography don’t favor building bungalows out on stilts.
However, you’ll still find a bevy of ultra-luxurious resorts—just not perched above turquoise lagoons.
Some come close with over-ocean spas or decks built along rocky outcrops, but if you want the full “floating bungalow” effect, Mauritius or Tanzania are better bets within Africa.
Notable High-End Resorts in Seychelles (No overwater bungalows, but still epic!)
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: Incredible treehouse-style villas.
- North Island: Private island experience with massive beachfront villas.
- Constance Lemuria: Renowned for its golf course and stunning beaches.
If your heart’s set on an actual overwater bungalow, you may need to skip the Seychelles or combine your trip with a stop in Mauritius or Tanzania.
Don’t worry—Seychelles is still unbelievably gorgeous if you decide to hop over for a visit.
Other African Destinations: Egypt, Morocco & More
At this point, you might be thinking about other African hot spots—could there be overwater bungalows there? Let’s do a quick rundown:
- Egypt: Known for the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs (and the ancient pyramids on land!), but overwater bungalows aren’t really a thing here. You’ll find seaside resorts in places like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, but they’re mostly large hotels with beach access, not stilted huts.
- Morocco: This North African gem is all about desert dunes, vibrant souks, and Atlantic beaches. Overwater? No. You’ll find plenty of riads, kasbahs, and oceanfront hotels, but nothing floating above the sea.
- South Africa: Fantastic for safari lodges and Cape Town’s urban charm, but no lagoon-style overwater accommodations.
- Namibia, Kenya, Mozambique: Breathtaking sceneries and coastlines, but still no classic overwater bungalows. Some private island resorts in Mozambique might have stilted walkways or beach villas, yet they’re not truly over-the-water in the typical sense.
So, if you’re set on a true overwater bungalow, your solid options in Africa remain The Manta Resort in Tanzania and Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius.
But don’t forget the stilted safari lodges in Botswana if you want a more unique, nature-immersed twist.
Close-to-Africa Overwater Bungalows
Maybe you’ve traveled all the way to Africa and you’re thinking, “Hey, I’m already in this neck of the woods—where else can I hop for an overwater fix?”
Let’s check out a few nearby destinations that boast iconic overwater stays.
The Maldives
Not technically in Africa, but a relatively short flight (3–4 hours) from parts of East Africa, the Maldives is the capital of overwater bungalows.
Nearly every luxury resort in this island nation offers them. If you’re going for the ultimate, consider these standouts:
- Gili Lankanfushi
- Eco-friendly design, massive overwater villas, private slides.
- Price Range: $1,000–$2,500+ per night.
- Soneva Jani
- Famous for retractable roofs (sleep under the stars) and slides straight into the lagoon.
- Price Range: $2,000–$4,000+ per night.
- COMO Cocoa Island
- Dhoni boat-style villas, barefoot luxury vibes, and top-notch snorkeling.
- Price Range: $1,200–$2,500+ per night.
Why Consider Maldives After Africa?
- Compact Travel: Most experiences revolve around your resort’s private island—perfect for pure relaxation.
- Unparalleled Reef Life: Snorkel or dive among some of the world’s most dazzling coral.
- Combination Trip: After an African safari or cultural exploration, treat yourself to peak-luxury chill time.
United Arab Emirates
While not Africa either, the UAE is only a short hop away from many African capitals. If you want a quick taste of overwater living with a Middle Eastern twist:
- Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort: Has Thai-style overwater villas on Dubai’s iconic palm-shaped island.
- Approx. Price: $400–$1,000 per night, depending on the season.
Sure, it’s a completely different vibe (skyline, desert, mega-malls), but if you’re going to be in transit via the UAE, you could squeeze in a few nights over the water without straying too far from Africa.
Tips for Booking & Maximizing Your Stay
1. Book Early
- Overwater bungalows, especially in Africa, are in high demand and short supply. Secure your reservation months (if not a year) in advance to avoid disappointment.
2. Check Inclusions
- Is your stay half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive? That can drastically affect your budget. Some places include guided tours, spa treatments, or special dining events in their packages.
3. Consider the Weather
- In East Africa (Tanzania, Mauritius), the rainy season might affect your travel dates. In Botswana’s Delta, water levels vary throughout the year (May–September is peak flood season, which can be mesmerizing!).
4. Mind the Transfers
- Some resorts (like The Manta Resort) require a short plane ride or boat transfer to reach. Ask about transfer costs and logistics when booking.
5. Plan Extra Experiences
- Don’t just stay in your bungalow all day. Go on a local village visit, book a cooking class, or try your hand at watersports. In Botswana, definitely do the mokoro (dugout canoe) rides.
6. Pack Smart
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray (especially for safaris), and maybe an underwater camera for those epic lagoon shots.
7. Respect the Environment
- These fragile ecosystems depend on responsible tourism. Avoid stepping on coral or disturbing wildlife, and follow any guidelines provided by your lodge.
8. Travel Insurance
- Africa can throw a curveball at the best of us—weather delays, lost luggage, or unexpected health issues. Insurance is worth the peace of mind.
Conclusion: Ready for Your Overwater Escape?
Africa isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind for overwater bungalows—but that’s exactly why you should go.
Whether you’re scuba diving at The Manta Resort in Tanzania, sipping a sunset cocktail at Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius, or spotting hippos from a raised safari lodge deck in Botswana, your experience will be anything but ordinary.
Add to that Africa’s cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and incredible wildlife, and you’ll wonder why more people aren’t flooding this hidden gem of a market.
Sure, the classic overwater route (Maldives, Bora Bora, etc.) is dreamy in its own right—but if you’re craving something off the beaten path, Africa’s handful of overwater or stilted options deliver big on uniqueness.
So go on—ignite that wanderlust, pack your swimsuit (and safari gear?), and prepare to have your mind blown by the wonders of the African continent.
You might just find that your “Maldives envy” melts away once you see a lion roar at sunset or spot a turtle swimming by your private underwater suite.
You can always combine a safari in the Serengeti, a cultural tour of Stone Town in Zanzibar, and a few nights in an overwater bungalow for the ultimate East African adventure. Best of all worlds, right?