The 16 Best Airport Lounges in Africa and How To Access Them [2024]

Africa is one of the most fascinating continents in the world. Not only is it the cradle of civilization, but it’s also got unique culture, stunning landscapes, and in modern times, a safari industry worth $12.4 billion!

With all these things, it’s no surprise travel to the region is growing. It’s only slated to pick up in the coming years, as the world eases out of the pandemic travel slump. If Africa travel is on your radar, you’ll want to consider using a points consultant to help you book luxury flights and hotels for a fraction of the cost.

If you have flights set for Africa, you might want to add one more thing to it – a visit to some of the best airport lounges in Africa. These lounges not only help you relax but ensure your stay in the country starts and ends on the right foot.

Find out how to maximize your points!

1. British Airways Galleries Lounge at CPT (Cape Town International)

Cape Town Airport may not be known for premium lounges, but you might want to make an exception for the British Airways Galleries Lounge. If you are flying on a British Airways business class ticket, you might also have the privilege of sampling British Airways’ new Club Suites, which is one of our best business class seats for social distancing and privacy.

Updated in 2014, the lounge now comes with a sleeker, more modern appearance. All of the interiors are designed by Giles Miller Studio and decorated with fabrics from UK-based Osbourne and Little.

Inside, you’ll be greeted with the trademark style BA Galleries lounges are known for – a beautiful island bar, lovely hardwood floors, pockets of blue color, and an overall modern living vibe.

When you enter past the reception, you’ll find a beautiful central lobby. It’s lighted by a gorgeous chandelier with stylish artwork on the wall.

Turn left and you’ll find the shower area and bathrooms. Turn right and you’ll find a spacious seating area with a large glass wall, giving you a view of the tarmac below.

Right at the center of this area is the striking island bar. A small way after this is the main dining area with the buffet section and more seating.

Speaking of seating, there are multiple areas laid out to make you comfy. From English leather chairs, complete with buttoned details, to stylish cream loungers and ottomans. Seats are arranged for solo passengers as well as groups, so every traveler is accommodated.

Almost every chair comes with a power outlet, a necessity for any traveler. These include EU and South African plugs including USB ports for various gadgets.

High ceilings give the room an airy feel, while the large windows overlooking the tarmac allow plenty of sunshine to flood in during the daytime.

Compared to other British Airways lounges in Europe or in the U.S., this one is on the small side, with a capacity of only 150 guests. But it’s got enough flair to warrant a visit when you find yourself in Cape Town.

For other amenities, there’s a large wine wall along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy. From soft drinks, espresso, tea, bottled water, champagne, and of course, a heaping of wines, you’ll never go thirsty here.

Only buffet meals are available in the lounge. These are substantial with a choice of hot or cold dishes. There are also cheese plates and salad options.

Shower areas are a great addition to the lounge. These are spacious with Hans Grohe massaging jet showers to soothe your aching travel muscles. Elemis products are also abundant inside the bathroom and shower suites.

Other amenities include a compact business area with computers and printers for last-minute printing needs.

Overall, the BA Galleries Lounge makes for a refreshing getaway while at CPT. It’s modern, fresh, and has everything you need for a fantastic ground experience at Cape Town airport.

How To Get Inside

Access to the British Airways Galleries Lounge is open to anyone who is flying first class or business class on a Oneworld flight. Oneworld Emerald members can also use the lounge.

Of course, British Airways First and Business passengers can also enter including British Gold Executive and Gold Executive Silver members.

The lounge is located towards the end part of the Terminal building. It is only open four hours from BA’s flight times.

2. Emirates Lounge at CAI (Cairo International)

Opened in 2018, Emirates now has a dedicated lounge shared by first class and business class passengers whenever they’re flying out of Cairo International Airport. So if you’re flying on Emirates first class, which is one of our best first class seats, you’re in for a treat at the airport, too.

The Emirates Lounge is 880 square meters and comes with modern furnishings, and stylish amenities. When you step into the lounge, the modern architecture and decor are among the first you’ll notice.

This lounge is a far cry from the Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB, which is one of the best airport lounges in the Middle East, but it’s an exclusive space that’ll help you escape the chaos of Cairo International Airport. If you’re visiting Cairo, you’ll also want to check out our review of the best luxury hotel there: The St. Regis Cairo.

From leather chairs, large, bright windows, and strategic lighting so every area of the lounge looks airy, it’s all designed to be comfortable and fresh.

Dark bluish-green carpets paired with neutral furniture offer a pop of color without overwhelming the space.

You can tell Emirates thoughtfully arranged the seats, providing both communal spaces as well as pocket areas where you can simply sit in peace.

The lounge can accommodate up to 152 guests and while it seems small, it’s more than enough considering the lounge is only open during certain times of the day.

When it comes to dining, there’s never a lack of choices. Pre-COVID they offered buffets. Temporarily, they’ve switched to á la carte service. This ensures a more streamlined and safer approach. Orders are now taken via a menu you can scan using a QR code.

The dedicated dining space offers both hot and cold options with local and international dishes. Drink choices are also abundant inside the lounge.

Other amenities include shower and spa areas with Irish luxury-branded VOYA products and dedicated male and female prayer rooms. 

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is open to all Emirates First and Business passengers. Platinum and Gold Skywards members can also enter the lounge for free.

The lounge is located at Terminal 2, Departure area, Level 2, inside security. It is open daily from 9:25 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. then again between 4:20 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.

3. British Airways First and Business Class Lounge at JNB (O.R. Tambo International)

With refreshed first and business-class cabins in the air, British Airways is also making sure their services on the ground matches. This means injecting new life into their old airport lounges around the world including the BA Galleries Lounge in Johannesburg.

This revamped lounge can now accommodate up to 247 guests. Not only is it bigger, but it’s also got modern and stylish decor. It’s got a special dining area for first class guests, a simple business center, dining, a lobby bar, and various seating sections to keep you comfortable.

As you enter, you’ll see a rack filled with newspapers and magazines. Perfect if you want to spend part of your lounge stay reading. Keep walking and you’ll see the bar area, sporting BA’s signature marble bar.

This bar area has several chairs, both high and low. There’s also a dining space nearby in case you want to park near the bar after grabbing some light snacks.

If you’re craving for a specific drink, all you have to do is let the staff know and they’ll whip it up for you in seconds. Champagnes aren’t on display, true to BA’s style, but you can ask for them. Try out the Simonsig Estate – Kaapse Vonkel Brut for some traditional South African taste.

Various spirits are also on offer. The lounge offers a wide selection of food, plus, it’s stylishly displayed, making it appetizing to try.

After the bar section is the main dining area. Here you’ll find dining tables along with the main buffet featuring hot and cold dishes. From salads, Indian curry, a Mezze spread, and charcuterie, there’s always something to taste. There’s also a helping of beers and sodas in the two fridges.

Since this is a joint lounge for BA’s First and Business, there is an exclusive dining section meant especially for first-class guests. The Boutique Dining allows BA’s First to enjoy á la carte means with a special selection of wines to enjoy as well.

Other amenities you’ll find in the lounge include a private shower manned by an attendant. Inside, the toiletries are provided by Elemis products. There’s also a rain showerhead and a hairdryer. While it is a bit cramped (no space for your luggage) the shower is still chic and well-maintained.

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is open to both First, Business (Club World), and Executive Club members as well. Those flying on Oneworld flights and Emerald, as well as Sapphire Members, are also eligible for entry.

The British Airways Galleries Lounge is located at the mezzanine level of the International Terminal at O.R. Tambo International Airport. It is open every single day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

4. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JNB (O.R. Tambo International)

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Heathrow is considered one of the best lounges in Europe, so it’s no surprise their lounge in Johannesburg is also getting plenty of rave reviews.

While the lounge isn’t huge, it offers more than enough seating for guests. The room features hardwood floors in a herringbone pattern and large glass pendant lights injecting a cozy ambiance to the room.

Comfortable seats arranged in groups of two or four are all over the lounge. Most of these are in a luxurious dark brown/black shade, but there are fun pops of color, like the green armchairs with red pillows, to keep the space fun.

The food in the lounge is one of the best offered at O.R. Tambo International. Each dish is freshly made and perfect if you want a light snack or a full-course meal. Their á la carte service starts midday with hearty classic mains like Chicken Curry or Beer Battered Fish and Chips. There are salad selections like Roast Beetroot with Goats Cheese or starters like Cream of Leek & Potato Soup.

For drinks, they serve sparkling Silverthorn Green Man Blanc de Blancs 2009 and a selection of whites and red. There’s also a heaping choice of South African wines you can try out.

Other amenities include a spacious shower and luggage storage. After all, who would want to lug around their luggage when the lounge just invites you to relax.

How To Get Inside

You can access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse if you’re flying Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic. Club Gold Members, as well as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS cardholders, can also gain entry.

Virgin Australia Velocity Gold, Platinum and The Club cardholders can also enter when traveling on a Virgin Atlantic flight.

The lounge is located inside security at International Terminal A, Mezzanine Level. It is open from 4:25 p.m. up until the last departing flight of the day.

5. SLOW Lounge at JNB (Johannesburg International Airport)

Decked with gorgeous interiors and cozy space, the SLOW Lounge is meant for people who are in a rush to their flights. The goal is to give passengers a chance to unwind before they move on to their next destination.

From the moment you enter, you’re greeted by staff who will do a quick check of your boarding pass and then usher you inside.

The L-shaped room is filled with cozy armchairs and seats, several of which line the windows and overlook the tarmac. Park yourself here if you want to enjoy watching planes come in and out of the airport.

Another area is further divided into 3 sections featuring a small business center, where you can work on desks and in-house computers. Then there’s another section designated as the main dining area. This is where you’ll find the buffet spread as well. More on this below. Finally, the third section serves as another lounging area with a circular bar at the center of the room.

For food, you get a beautiful selection of dishes, with separate options for breakfast and lunchtime. A few of the morning dishes and food items you can expect are sausages, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, and various pastries.

Drinks are also varied, ranging from healthy smoothies to canned beverages to various alcoholic drinks.

What’s even better is that the presentation of the food is stylish and elegant – making you want to grab a plate and enjoy them.

Other amenities include speedy Wi-Fi, a small business center with computers, a wall of books, magazines, and newspapers for reading, showers, and even a TV room.

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is open to British Airways Club World passengers, provided the flights are operated by Comair. BA Executive Club Gold and Silver members can also enter and even bring along one guest with them.

Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members as well as Qantas Club members can also enter the lounge with one guest. Delta One, Air France Business Class, SkyTeam ElitePlus, and Alitalia Business Class are also eligible to enter.

The Comair SLOW Lounge is located inside security at the International Terminal A of the Johannesburg International Airport. It is open from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

6. South African Airways Premium Business Lounge at JNB (O.R. Tambo International)

Both the Voyager Platinum and the Premium Business Lounge for South African Airways (SAA) are located in the same area. The only difference is that to use the Premium Business Lounge, you have to turn right from the main entrance.

Upon entry to the lounge, you’ll be surprised at how spacious it is. There’s more than enough seating to accommodate different passengers eligible for access.

Seating areas are designed in sections. You can find sofas, window seats, a dining table, bar seating, and more. There are also large communal areas in case you are traveling with a larger group or your family.

The decor is decidedly modern with pops of color here and there. A beautiful wall shelf with colorful vases is on one side of the lounge while another seating space overlooks the windows of the terminal.

One part of the lounge also comes with recliners, perfect if you want to take a quick nap while here.

For food, the SAA Premium Business Lounge delivers a fantastic selection. There’s a stunning selection of pastries and bread, along with hot and cold dishes. You’ll also find a host of fruits and sweets, in case you’re craving a bite.

Drinks in the SAA Premium Lounge are extensive. Self-service wine and champagne, juices, tea, and coffee are among those served. Speaking of coffee, you can have the barista make it for you.

Unfortunately, there’s no á la carte dining in the lounge.

Upon request, you can book a shower suite in case you need to freshen up before flying off to your next destination. The restrooms are always kept clean with an attendant assigned to clean them after someone uses them.

Wi-Fi is steady and fast. There’s also a small business center in the lounge to get some work done. A dedicated smoking room is also available. It’s an enclosed space with leather seats lining the wall and small tables with an ashtray.

If traveling with children, there’s a colorful playroom filled with toys and other items to keep kids busy.

The SAA Premium Business Lounge is a fantastic space while waiting for your next flight. It’s clean, spacious and has great facilities for you to enjoy.

How To Get Inside

Access to the SAA Platinum Lounge is open to all SAA Voyager Elite Members. This includes Lifetime Platinum, Platinum, Gold, and Silver.

Star Alliance Gold Members can also use the lounge and bring one guest each. Those with an SAA co-branded credit card may also enter the lounge.

SAA business passengers may also use the lounge but are not allowed to bring any guests.

The SAA Platinum Lounge is located at International Terminal A, right above the Duty-Free shopping area. It is open from 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and 5:30 a.m. on weekends.

7. Federal Air Lounge at JNB (O.R. Tambo International)

While not exactly a huge airline, Federal Air is a big favorite for many African safari guests.

The airline consists of just a handful of small turboprop airlines in the country. They fly guests to various remote bush lodges so they won’t have to go by land which can be dangerous or tricky, at best, to navigate.

The lounge is a 10-minute drive from the main O.R. Tambo Terminal. Once you’re at the airport, just head to the Federal Air kiosk. From there, a bus will drive you to the Federal Air lounge.

You’ll be checked in and given a boarding pass. All you have to do is wait in comfort as your flight gets ready.

Inside the lounge, to the right is a small enclosed room with a couch and several cozy chairs. Further in, you’ll find more chairs and sofas along with some fresh flowers, and rustic decor.

There’s a larger part of the lounge if you turn left from the entrance. At the very end of this room is the boarding gate.

Other amenities you can explore in the lounge include an outdoor area, which is perfect especially since the weather is generally nice in Africa. There are also beautifully-maintained bathrooms, although there’s no shower area.

Meals aren’t extensive, but there’s more than enough to satiate your appetite if you’re feeling a bit hungry. There are pastries, muffins, cookies, and more. Drinks are also available, from sodas, and yogurt, to water and even espresso.

The lounge has its own security checkpoint and metal detector. Once boarding is ready, the plane would be towed right by the lounge.

All you have to do is go through the security gates, hop on the plane, and be taken to your bush lodge.

How To Get Inside

Access to the Federal Air Lounge is available only to passengers of Federal Air who are flying to and from remote bush lodges that the small charter airline caters to. The company has 5 different types of planes and a fleet of around 18.

The Federal Air Lounge is found outside the security gates. A bus will take you to the actual lounge, you just have to head to the Federal Air counter where a representative will be waiting to guide you.

The flight will depart from O.R. Tambo International but it will be located across the field from the main departure area so you need to be driven there.

8. Emirates Business Lounge at JNB (O.R. Tambo International)

The Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai is considered one of the best lounges in the world. From spacious interiors, a great selection of food, and impeccable service, Emirates delivers.

It’s no surprise their airport lounge in O.R. Tambo International Airport is also among the greatest in the region.

The lounge is found between the South African Airways lounge and the British Airways Galleries Lounge. Agents will be on hand, ready to greet you with a smile as soon as you enter. They do a quick check of your boarding pass and then usher you inside.

If you need to book a shower, you can do it at the reception as well. Since there are only two shower rooms available, you might want to book ahead of time or use them before the lounge gets crowded.

Each shower room is basic, with a shower stall, a small bench, and a spot to hang your clothes. It also has enough room to fit your luggage inside.

If you don’t need to shower, you can head to the main area of the lounge. You’ll find a good amount of seating. From comfy leather chairs to dining spaces and sofas.

Decor-wise, it has that distinctive Emirates touch of old-world luxury, thanks to the tan leather, pops of green carpet, and wood accents.

Unlike their humongous lounges in Dubai, this lounge isn’t all that big, but it’s enough to cater to Emirates First Class and Business passengers, even during peak times.

Where the lounge shines though, is in the food. Like most business lounges, there’s only a buffet spread, no á la carte service here. However, the food offered on the buffet is ample. Plus, you get a fantastic selection of hot and cold meals.

There’s Indian food, vegetarian dishes, and non-vegetarian meals. Small, plated dishes are also available so you can just grab and go. There’s also a host of yummy desserts and a selection of salads and cheeses.

To go with your delicious food, there’s fantastic wine and champagne. True to Emirates style, they have free-flowing MOËT at the lounge as well.

All in all, this lounge might not be on par with some of Emirates’ first-class lounges worldwide, but it’s more than enough to keep you comfy and satiated while waiting for your flight.

How To Get Inside

You can access the Emirates Business Class Lounge at O.R. Tambo International if you are flying Emirates First or Business. If you are a Platinum or Gold Skywards member, you also get in for free.

The lounge is located at International Terminal A, inside the security gates. It is open 24 hours a day, daily.

9. Bidvest Premier Lounge at JNB (Johannesburg International)

The Bidvest Premier Lounge is a Priority Pass Lounge in Johannesburg International. Despite that, staying here is surprisingly enjoyable.

Like most Priority Pass Lounges, expect this to get a bit crowded during peak times. To enter, all you have to do is scan your Priority Pass card (if you’re using that) and you can go inside.

The first space that greets you is a large area that also functions as the main buffet space. Dining seats are nearby along with various lounge chairs.

While the decor could use an upgrade or at least some attention, there is plenty of seating available and the food is good.

A hot buffet is provided with meats, curry, veggies, and potatoes. On the cold spread, you get salad ingredients, fruits, yogurt, and more. There’s also a dessert spread with bread, sandwiches, cake, and other pastries.

When it comes to drinks, there is good diversity – from still and sparkling water, to sodas, beer, and wines. Middle brand liquors are on serve in the lounge, so don’t expect a free-flowing Moët a la Emirates here.

Other lounge amenities you can enjoy include a shower, a smoking room, and baby changing facilities. For a short stay and some light meals, you can’t go wrong with the Bidvest Lounge.

How To Get Inside

Anyone with a Priority Pass membership can access the lounge. Elite and premium customers of certain airlines served by the lounge can also get in for free.

The Bidvest Premier Lounge at the O.R. Tambo Airport is located at the Mezzanine level of the International Terminal. Walk-in guests can access the lounge by paying R436 or approximately $25. The lounge is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

10. Amédée Maingard Business Lounge at MRU (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International)

Featuring two levels of lounge space, the Amédée Maingard Business Lounge is one of the most stylish and spacious airport lounges in MRU.

The first level of the lounge is dubbed the Tamarin Lounge while the second level is called the Chamarel Lounge.

Once you enter, staff will immediately greet you and do a quick check of your boarding pass.

The first level is decorated with a spacious seating area with a full snack buffet on a gorgeous marble table. There are wooden accents on the floor with stylish furniture available as well.

Some plants are added helping lift the ambiance of the windowless space. The upstairs area is far more modern and makes for a more relaxing stay when in the lounge.

The Chamarel area is large and spacious, capable of accommodating up to 150 guests. In contrast to the more classical style of Level 1, the second level is more contemporary with plenty of colors and stylish furniture.

Dark green chairs, with bright yellow pillows and stools with a splash of red walls liven up the space. There are also stylish block marble tables with high chairs in patterned and colored upholstery.

Close to the side, an entire wall is lined with plants, and the bright lights from the window, give the space an airy feel compared to the windowless feature of the first level. There is also booth seating available and airplane-designed ceiling decor.

If you have kids, there’s a dedicated children’s area on the second level too. A large sofa filled with colorful pillows and cloud decor can be found on the walls of the play area. Various children’s books are also available for reading.

A stylish bar is available on the second level, serving up Champagne Duval Le-Roy together with a selection of fantastic white and red wines.

Overall, if you ever find yourself here, make sure to spend some time at this lounge. Enjoy some great wine, good food, and luxurious seating with an ocean view during your stay.

How To Get Inside

The Amédée Maingard Business Lounge is accessible to Air Mauritius Business passengers as well as Kestrelflyer Gold members.

Those flying on Air Mauritius Economy Class can also gain access for 2000 MUR (~$50).

Elite members and certain premium passengers flying on partner airlines can also access the lounge. Priority Pass holders can also enter the lounge through the complimentary membership from The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.

The lounge is located at the New Terminal Building, to the right of Gate 28. It is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

11. Kenya Airways Pride Lounge at NBO (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International)

Once you’re at the Pride Lounge at NBO, all you have to do is present your boarding pass and you’ll be welcomed inside. It’s been recently renovated and now features beautiful art and nature-inspired furnishings inside.

The Pride Lounge is Kenya Airways’ flagship lounge.

Compared to the Simba Lounge, the Pride Lounge is large and spacious. Turn left from the entrance and you’ll find armchairs with strategic lamps right by the wall. The ceilings are sloped making you feel like you’re inside a loft.

Move further in and there’s a small area with a window overlooking the tarmac. Alongside one wall is a comfy seat bench with coffee tables and a colorful upholstered wall as a backdrop. There are also dining tables paired with two or four seats.

The large dining space features curved floor-to-ceiling windows, making dining extra special. At the back of the lounge, there’s more seating available. If you need to keep an eye on your flight, there’s a flight departure screen here.

When it comes to food, there’s a selection of hot and cold spreads, but the food can be underwhelming depending on what time you’re there. The usual selection includes salads, fruit, and several hot dishes.

The drinks include a soda fountain, self-serve wines, and beer. There are fridges stocked with canned soda and, of course, coffee makers are available.

Other amenities you can enjoy in the lounge include showers and a nap area. The napping area is filled with lounge chairs and some wood slatting to offer semi-privacy.

How To Get Inside

To enter the Pride Lounge, you need to be a Kenya Airways Premier World Business Class passenger. If you’re flying First or Business on a SkyTeam member airline, you can also enter the lounge. SkyTeam Elite Plus members can even enter with one guest.

The lounge also offers day access for $40.

The Kenya Airways Pride Lounge is located inside the security at Terminal 1A. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

12. Air Mauritius Premium Lounge at MRU (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International)

Also called Plaisance Airport, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport is the main international airport in Mauritius.

In 2013, they debuted a new terminal and this includes new lounges like the Air Mauritius Premium Lounge. This particular lounge is also open to Economy Class passengers for a fee.

Transit passengers can stay anywhere from 4 hours to 10 hours on their transit through the airport. The lounge can seat up to 120 guests and features two levels.

On the ground floor, you get light gray furniture coupled with a bright ambiance. A lovely fountain of water can be heard trickling on the side, keeping the space relaxing. If you head upstairs, the interiors are done up in a traditional style with comfy armchairs.

To add to the luxurious feel, the lounge is decorated with stunning African artworks, making you feel as if you just stepped inside a museum.

For amenities, you get a speedy Wi-Fi connection, desks for working, a buffet area, a play area, changing rooms, and showers. The lounge is also planning to add sleeping quarters so those with a longer layover can get some shut-eye when needed.

What’s so amazing about the lounge is it’s committed to being eco-friendly so you won’t find any plastic or single-use items here.

Other things you can enjoy include an online library with access to over 7,000 magazines and newspapers to read and a good amount of power outlets with sockets for charging.

By providing fee-based access, the lounge allows all types of Air Mauritius passengers to unwind and relax before heading out on their next flight.

How To Get Inside

To access the Air Mauritius Premium Lounge, you can simply pay to enter. Air Mauritius Economy Class passengers can enter for €25 (~$30) for 4 hours and up to €35 (~$42) for up to 10 hours.

The Air Mauritius Premium Lounge is located at the New Terminal Building, near Gate 15. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

13. Pearl Lounge at KGL (Kigali International)

A hidden gem inside the Kigali International Airport, the Pearl Lounge is the perfect getaway space before your next flight out.

The lounge offers a lot of comfortable leather armchairs paired with side tables and power outlets on each seat. Dining tables flanked by two seats are right by the counter.

If you need to work, there are high chairs on the counter table with individual outlets so you can plug your laptop or other devices for work.

The room can be a bit dim at night but during the daytime, the room floods with light thanks to the large windows. The area by the windows is one of the best spots you can park yourself in while at the lounge.

When it comes to food, the options are minimal depending on what time you visit. But the selections they offer are good and varied.

Mostly it’s a host of Western options like salads, pasta, muffins, and beef sandwiches. There are also several Rwandan dishes like ginger rice and brochette. You can also treat yourself to fresh fruits.

Drinks like water, tea, coffee, and juices are available. The first sip of wine is free but the rest incurs a fee ranging from $5 to $15.

A single shower room is available and there’s a stack of newspapers as well as magazines for passengers to read. Wi-Fi is also available and quite fast.

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is available to Priority Pass members as well as Oneworld and SkyTeam members.

The Pearl Lounge is located after you go through Passport Control at the Main Terminal. It is found right next to Gate 1. It is open 24 hours a day.

14. Kenya Airways Simba Lounge at NBO (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International)

The Simba Lounge is one big room divided into several sections. The first area you’ll see is the main dining area. This features about 10 tables with two chairs.

Meanwhile, the rest of the lounge has more chairs, usually arranged in sets of two or four. There are even striking red chairs right in the middle of the room, injecting bold color into the otherwise neutral shade of walls and floor.

When it comes to food and drinks, it’s similar to what you’ll find in the Pride Lounge. You get several hot dishes as well as cold dishes on display.

Cold dishes include various salads, fruits, and veggies. Hot dishes include rice, curry, fish, potatoes, and pasta. It’s also a nice touch that there’s a menu describing what’s in the food.

For drinks, you’ll find fresh fruit juices, beer, water, soft drinks, coffee, and the usual alcohol like Baileys, Black Label, and Smirnoff. There are also more drink options on the lounge fridge.

If you head to the back part of the Simba lounge, you’ll spot a huge Kenya Airways model plane, a nice little touch for aviation geeks to gawk over during their visit.

There’s a bathroom in the lounge but no shower area. You also get free, strong Wi-Fi while in the lounge.

Because it’s further away, most passengers prefer to visit the Pride Lounge instead. This leaves the Simba Lounge quiet and mostly empty, something that’s perfect if you want to avoid crowded lounges.

How To Get Inside

Guests of Kenya Airways flying on Premier World Business Class as well as International First and Business on a SkyTeam airline can access the lounge. SkyTeam Elite Plus flyers on a SkyTeam airline can also enter the lounge with one guest.

Access is also available for purchase at $40.

The Kenya Airways Simba Lounge is located at Terminal 1A. It is on the second level, right beside the Kenya Airways Service Center. It is open daily, 24 hours a day.

Find out how to maximize your points!

15. Salon Vallee De Mai at SEZ (Mahe Island Seychelles International)

After entering through security, you walk towards a set of stylish double glass doors. Even from the entrance, the lounge already has a premium vibe to it.

Once inside the glass doors, there’s a wooden reception desk where the staff is stationed. Although the lounge isn’t huge (it’s got a capacity for at least only 50 people) it is spacious and comfortable enough inside.

Towards the left side, you’ll find the buffet and food area. There’s a small island with toasted bread, cake, jams, and some hot meals. Bacon and sausages are also available.

By the wall is another self-serve area filled with drinks. From soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol, you can grab it here. There are also pastries like cookies and croissants.

A huge portion of the lounge is dedicated to comfortable armchairs, sofas as well as a large wall TV. At the end portion of the lounge, are more chairs including departure and arrival information.

All of the floors are hardwood which matches the furniture inside. There is neutral wall decor, window blinds, and beautiful plants giving a jungle vibe. On the ceiling are wooden beams to create separate zones.

Even though the lounge has plenty of dark wooden accents, the line of glass windows on the wall helps bring in light while giving passengers a view of the runway.

The lounge isn’t as premium as other lounges you’d find in other airports, but it’s a convenient stop when you want some food and a place to rest.

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is open to Priority Pass holders. Other passengers can also purchase access for $45 and stay for up to 3 hours inside. If the lounge is full, refunds will be issued.

It is also accessible to First and Business passengers of Air Seychelles, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Qantas, British Airways, Air France, Condor, Turkish Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, and Austrian Airlines.

The Salon Vallee De Mai is located on the 1st floor, airside. Just walk towards the Departure Gates. It is open 24 hours a day.

Find out how to maximize your points!

16. Turkish Airlines Star Alliance Lounge at NBO (Jomo Kenyatta International)

After a portion of the Jomo Kenyatta International burned down, there was never been a proper airport lounge at the airport until Turkish Airlines finally opened their lounge.

The lounge features a modern and spacious design, echoing the interiors of the Turkish Business Lounge in Istanbul.

Inside, there’s plenty of beautiful hardwood, comfy leather armchairs, stylish lamps, and large windows. Most of the chairs are arranged in sections so you can easily find a comfy spot.

With lovely arched details and wooden touches even on the ceiling, the lounge gives you a homey yet luxurious feel. A set of green armchairs also add a pop of color to the room.

The entire seating area gives you views of the apron while flooding light into the room during the daytime. If you prefer to take a quick nap, you can stay inside the quiet room.

This air-conditioned room only has one small window so it’s consistently dark and cool. It’s the perfect spot to retreat into if you want to get some shut-eye before heading out.

Right by the entrance towards the left is the buffet area. There’s an island with hot dishes served with salads and fruits. There are also egg rolls, popcorn, chips, and other finger sandwiches.

For drinks, the lounge offers a lot of choices from sodas, bottled water, and beer. A large selection of wine and liquor is available at the buffet. There’s also a barista service so you can order a cappuccino.

Other amenities you can enjoy at the lounge are a stylish bathroom and shower.

Just remember the lounge is a bit further from the gates, about 10-15 minutes so make sure to have plenty of time to get there.

How To Get Inside

Access to the lounge is available to Priority Pass members, Turkish Business Class passengers, and Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members.

Turkish Corporate Club members, as well as Star Alliance Gold passengers, may also enter with one guest.

Star Alliance members flying First and Business, United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf members also get complimentary entry to the lounge.

The lounge is located in Terminal 1A, close to Gate 13 at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport. It is open 24 hours a day.

Featured Image Credit: Federal Air