Airbnb Africa Host Spotlight
Shining a light on the top Hosts and listings on offer across the African continent
Celebrating the top Hosts and listings on offer across the continent, the Airbnb Africa Host Spotlight is a unique competition to shine a light on African Hosts for the incredible work they do for guests and the benefits they bring to their wider communities.Eight winners were selected by a team of judges including Jue Murugu, Host Advisory Board Member and Host Leader in Kenya, Loma Vosloo-Van Zyl, Cape Town Host Club Leader and Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead, Airbnb for Middle East & Africa.
“The passion and enthusiasm of these Hosts is inspiring and reflects just how many amazing stays there are across Africa. Local Hosts play a crucial role in supporting our mission of growing a more inclusive tourism economy on the continent and to disperse the benefits of tourism.”
Velma Corcoran, Airbnb Regional Lead, Middle East and Africa
Meet the 2023 winners
Host of the Year Spotlight Winner
Mohammed & Jessica, Fez, Morocco
Recognising Hosts who have gone above and beyond to ensure guests have an amazing stay or experience
“We treat everyone who stays with us as family. We share food, spend time chatting together, play and enjoy music.”
Mohammed, Host on Airbnb, Morocco
Design Stay Spotlight Winner
Nana, Accra, Ghana
Recognising Hosts who offer stand out homes with iconic architecture and interiors
“I am inspired by nature, by balance, simplicity and harmony. I am drawn to spaces that have an indoor/outdoor aesthetic, where the outdoors feels like part of the internal space.”
Nana, Host on Airbnb, Ghana
Rural Stay Spotlight Winner
Martinette, Laingsburg, South Africa
Recognising Hosts who showcase the best of Africa’s rural areas and countryside
“I love to provide a space for guests to come to, where they are enveloped by silence, night skies lit up by an incredible display of stars, and vast open spaces.”
Martinette, Host on Airbnb, South Africa
Private Room Spotlight Winner
Tania & Fabrizio
Recognising Hosts who are proud to open up their own home to guests
“We thought our home could offer a moment of wellness for people who stay here [...] We try to really be there for our guests as human beings, not as clients.”
Tania and Fabrizio, Hosts on Airbnb, Mauritius
Sustainable Host Spotlight Winner
Jane, Timau, Kenya
Recognising hosts who have taken the time to create an environmentally friendly listing and implemented steps to educate guests
“I started hosting to showcase within a wider community how a home can be designed and built to minimize its impact on the environment, as well as show how degraded land can be rehabilitated.”
Jane, Host on Airnb, Kenya
Unique Stay Spotlight Winner
Lahcen, Tamri, Morocco
Recognising Hosts who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home
“Engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and witnessing the joy our space brings to our guests is incredibly rewarding for us.”
Lahcen, Host on Airbnb, Morocco
New Host Spotlight Winner
Lindi, Noordhoek, South Africa
Recognising new Hosts, starting in 2023, who have gone above and beyond to ensure guests have an amazing stay
“Being in the hospitality industry, playing the role of host is in my blood and what I do on a daily basis.”
Lindi, Host on Airbnb, South Africa
Academy Spotlight Winner
Mhinti, Hout Bay, South Africa
Recognising an exceptional host who has graduated from the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, who demonstrates a deep commitment to positively impacting their community and spreading the benefits of tourism
“I’m authentic and offer something unique, not only for myself but for my co-hosts and my community.”
Mhinti, Host on Airbnb, South Africa
Meet the Airbnb Africa Host Spotlight judges
Airbnb Host Advisory Board Member and Host Club Leader, Kenya
Airbnb Cape Town Host Club Leader
Airbnb Regional Lead, Middle East & Africa & Host on Airbnb