Top 4 African Alternatives to Airbnb used by people visiting Africa

According to Forbes, Airbnb has a number of disadvantages which may affect your travel experiences. These range from a lengthier booking process to being at the mercy of your host.

We have carefully selected a number of sites where you can book your room and enjoy your trip especially if you are planning to visit Africa. Most of these are African founded companies by Africans in Africa who understand your destination well.

1. Tulavo 

Tulavo is one of the fastest growing hotel booking platforms founded by Africans. The platform offers a wide range of cheap travel accommodation choices ranging from hotel rooms, apartments, campsites, riverside and lakeside guesthouses among others. Since it was founded in 2019, the platform has expanded to almost all the major towns of Uganda.

Tulavo was one of the 6 tech companies which was accelerated by the Travel Tech For Good (TT4G), a United Nations world Tourism organisation backed program. It is also among the 1000 companies selected by GOPA to participate in the GIZ-NORAD backed ECOS program to enhance competitiveness and job creation in Uganda.

Tulavo does not offer luxury accommodations. All rooms are careful selected not to exceed $100 per night.

To maintain the quality of the properties provided, Tulavo uses its team who verifies these properties. Only those that meet hygiene, security, good neighbourhood and legal compliance factors are the ones that listed. What a better idea to book from the real people who understand your destination! This is what makes Tulavo unique and the best alternative for Airbnb especially if you are visiting Uganda.

Pros

• A local experience
• Budget-friendly
• Ideal for long-term stays
• Simple booking process

Cons 

• Few user reviews
• Limited choices

2. Mauritius Conscious 

Mauritius Conscious is a hotel booking platform suitable for people who want to spend their vocation in the islands of Indian ocean. Just like Tulavo, Mauritius Conscious also works with local hosts. They list the finest travel accommodation available in the islands.

Mauritius Conscious offers a wide range of hotels and experiences for people who want to visit the islands in the Indian Ocean

 Pros 

• Wide choice
• Ideal for families
• Ideal for travellers visiting the Indian ocean

Cons 

• No booking link on the website.
• Accommodation options are available with a pre arrangement

3. Bongalo

Bongalo is suitable for travellers going to Rwanda. The platform which started in 2019 has been used by over 5,000 now to book their travel accommodation.

This Google backed start-up is one of the Tonny Elumeru Entrepreneurship program finalist.

Pros 

• A local experience
• Budget-friendly
• Both cheap and luxury hotels available.
• Simple booking process

Cons 

• Few user reviews
• Limited choices

4. Tubayo

Founded in 2018, Tubayo is an online travel marketplace that enables travelers to book unique homes and experiences hosted by locals in more than 10 countries in Africa. Users can access Tubayo on web or mobile Application. The unique technology platform economically empowers many people to unlock and monetise their spaces, passions and talents to become hospitality entrepreneurs.

Pros 

• Wide selection of travel options.
• Great pricing & Easy booking process
• Great customer servicing systems

Cons 

• Few user reviews
• Limited choices

The final word

Almost all of those companies are good is you want to book a vacation rental in Africa. They are all African founded and located in Africa.