Many of the best projects, whether on the beach or in a remote rainforest, also offer impeccable eco-credentials. In one major triumph for the continent, Africa is leading the world in terms of best conservation practice, promoting responsible non-damaging tourism that is involving, educating and providing real financial benefits to the local people as well as helping to protect often crucially endangered wildlife.
Many of the finest luxury projects are also very small and exceedingly remote, accessible only by plane -- this exclusivity is a crucial part of their extraordinary charm. Few however are to be found outside the traditional tourist countries. There is still a lot to be done to develop countries in Central and West Africa, while poor Zimbabwe would have merited entry only a few short years ago.

Africa's Top Five

1. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
This most unlikely of safari lodges has coined a whole new design concept -- safari-baroque. CC Africa's legendary luxury service has an entirely unique dimension here, with rooms draped in raw silk and crystal chandeliers, steaming hot baths scattered with rose petals and even, should you be in a romantic mood, a traditional wedding -- Western or Maasai style. Add the hotel's location, perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, and this is African luxury at its most self-indulgent.
Be there >> For the Ngorongoro Crater, an almost perfect, vast volcanic caldera filled with superb Big Five game-viewing; Maasai villages; Olduvai Gorge; and, within an easy day's drive, Lake Eyasi and the Serengeti.

2. Amanjena Resort, Morocco Elegantly sophisticated resort set among the date gardens just outside Marrakech.
Be there >> For sybaritic pampering after a hectic day's shopping and sightseeing in Morocco's most entertaining city.

3. Governor's Camps, Masai Mara, Kenya
The first, and still among the most luxurious tented safari camps in Africa, in the game-rich western half of the Masai Mara.
Be there >> To enjoy wonderful game-viewing, especially during the great wildebeest migration, walking and balloon safaris.

4. Blue Train, South Africa
A famously comfortable way to travel since 1928. Routes between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth or Pretoria, and Pretoria and Hoedspruit or Victoria Falls.
Be there >> To dine on the finest gourmet cuisine and wine while being gently rocked across South Africa.

5. Hebridean Spirit Indian Ocean Cruises.
Cruise the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles, Madagascar and the Comores in an unfailingly elegant small ship.
Be there >> To float gently between some of the world's most beguiling picture-book tropical shores.

Off the Beaten Track

Chumbe Island, Zanzibar
An island off an island, Chumbe is a privately operated marine reserve, with over 400 marine species to be found in its kilometre-long coral reef, easily accessible with a snorkel. Ultimate eco-credentials combine with attractive, friendly, relaxed comfort and in-depth knowledge of the environment.

Abu Camp, Okavango, Botswana
This luxury tented camp on a vast private concession in the western Okavango Delta is all about elephants -- during your week's stay here, you ride, play with and can even help to bath them.

MV Fantastique, Mozambique
Private diving charters in a luxurious yacht in the Quirimba Islands, off the coast of northern Mozambique, amid some of Africa's finest coral.

Anjajavy, Northwest Madagascar
This primary forest is virtually untouched, with lemurs playing in the trees above the wooden chalets which front onto white sand beaches. Excursions include snorkelling, canoeing, big game fishing and guided forest and village walks.

Jacks Camp, Kalahari, Botswana
A 1940s-style tented desert camp in the middle of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans. Walking safaris led by San trackers and quadbiking on offer.

Gorilla Forest Camp, Uganda
The only camp within the park boundaries of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this tented camp caters specifically for those making the trek up to visit the mountain gorillas (only six visitors to each ape family per day).