Airport Lounges in Africa – Business Traveller’s Directory (2025 edition)
A compact, no-nonsense reference for business travellers who want to know where to work, refresh and power through travel time across key African hubs. Below you will find the major lounges in each city, who can get in, notable amenities and quick tips to make the most of your stay.
Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta (JKIA) & Wilson
Key lounges
- Aspire Lounge (JKIA – major international departures) – airline & pay-per-entry lounge with reliable Wi-Fi, complimentary drinks and light meals. It is popular with business travellers for its airside views and quiet seating.
- Kenya Airways Pride Lounge (JKIA) – full-service airline lounge with buffet, showers and business facilities for Kenya Airways premium passengers and eligible partners. Good option if you’re flying KQ or partner Star Alliance services.
- Executive / Safari VIP lounges (Wilson & VIP services) – Wilson Airport mainly serves light aircraft and charters. Here you can expect smaller, private lounges and VIP rooms tailored to regional/fixed-wing operators. Booking often via the operator or through third-party concierge.
Who gets in: airline premium cabins & status holders, some credit-card & lounge network holders (varies), and pay-per-use / walk-in where available. Check your airline or Priority Pass listing before travel.
Tip: For quiet work time, aim for late-morning windows (after early charters) at Wilson. At JKIA, confirm shower availability before arrival if you have a tight connection.
Johannesburg – O.R. Tambo (JNB / O.R. Tambo)
Key lounges
- Bidvest / BidAir Lounges (multiple locations, including international terminal) – widely available commercial lounges with showers, buffet snacks, barista coffee and decent Wi-Fi. This reliable for last-minute access and paid entries.
Who gets in: international premium cabin passengers, alliance status holders (subject to airline rules), Priority Pass & similar memberships at specific lounges and paid walk-ins. Space can be limited at peak times so check access rules for the specific Bidvest site.
Tip: O.R. Tambo is busy, if you need a private call room or meeting space, reserve airline club access or arrive early to secure seating.
Cape Town (CPT)
Key lounges
- Bidvest Premier / Commercial Lounges (Domestic & International) – multiple lounges with light meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, select shower facilities and view of apron; walk-in and online entry options are common. Rates and hours vary by lounge.
Who gets in: airline premium customers, alliance elites on qualifying itineraries, Priority Pass at participating lounges, paid access.
Tip: For productivity pick lounges that advertise quiet zones and reliable power outlets; domestic lounges are often less crowded than international ones during peak outbound windows.
Accra – Kotoka International (ACC)
Key lounges
- Adinkra Lounge, Akwaaba, U Lounge, Sanbra – Kotoka runs several commercial lounges across terminals; offering beverages, snacks, seating, and paid entry options. Priority Pass lists multiple Kotoka lounges, so check the app for the terminal and opening hours.
Who gets in: airline premium & status passengers, Priority Pass members (select lounges), and paid entry. Terminal changes can affect which lounge is accessible.
Tip: If you’re connecting, verify which terminal your onward flight uses. Kotoka’s modern Terminal 3 hosts most internationals and the larger lounges.
Lagos – Murtala Muhammed (LOS)
Key lounges
- Premium Lounge / Gabfol / VIP Lounges (International Terminal) – a mix of airline and commercial lounges; many accept Priority Pass or offer pay-per-use access. Expect extended opening hours at major international lounges.
Who gets in: premium cabin passengers, eligible status holders, Priority Pass or pay-at-door where offered. Access arrangements can change so check listings ahead of travel.
Addis Ababa – Bole International (ADD)
Key lounges
- Ethiopian Airlines Sheba Lounges (Cloud Nine, Sheba Platinum/Gold) – airline lounges at Terminal 2 with food, work spaces and business facilities for Ethiopian Business/Cloud Nine guests and eligible status members. Ethiopian also operates Plaza Premium at some locations.
Who gets in: Ethiopian premium cabin and select partner status members, paid access at designated lounges, Priority Pass where listed (Plaza Premium etc.). Confirm terminal access when booking.
Tip: If you need a quiet place to work between long-haul connections, Sheba lounges have dedicated business corners; confirm shower availability for long layovers.
Access Options – how you can get in
- Priority Pass / Lounge Networks – global access program listing 1,700+ lounges; many African hubs host Priority Pass lounges (or partner lounges). Check the app for live hours, guest allowances and temporary closures.
- Flying Blue & Airline Loyalty Status – elite tiers (e.g., Flying Blue Gold/Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, oneworld equivalents) often include lounge access when flying internationally or on qualifying tickets. Policies changed in 2024–25 across alliances, always verify the precise rules (guest policy, time windows and partner lounge access) before travel.
- Airline Premium Cabin – business & first class tickets typically include lounge access on departure and, in some cases, on connections. Rules vary by carrier and alliance.
- Credit cards & bank perks – certain premium travel cards include Priority Pass or direct lounge benefits. Cardholder access rules (guest limits, visit caps) have tightened at times, check card issuer updates.
- Pay-per-entry / Walk-in – many commercial lounges accept walk-ins or online bookings (Bidvest, many independent lounges). Useful when status/priority passes aren’t available.
Quick checklist before you travel
- Confirm lounge hours & terminal on the day of travel (airport/priority pass apps are updated more frequently than static pages).
- Know guest rules – some programs charge for guests or limit access windows.
- If you need a meeting pod, shower or quiet zone, call the lounge or check photos/reviews (TripAdvisor / Priority Pass notes) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Top 5 Lounges for Productivity (mini-list)
These five consistently score high for Wi-Fi reliability, workspace layout, power availability and calm atmosphere. These are good choices when you need to get work done in transit.
- Aspire Lounge (JKIA, Nairobi) – has solid Wi-Fi, airside views and quiet seating; good for calls and laptop work.
- Kenya Airways Pride Lounge (JKIA, Nairobi) – spacious layout and business amenities for premium passengers.
- Bidvest Premier / Commercial Lounge (O.R. Tambo, Johannesburg) – reliable facilities, showers and decent workspace options.
- Plaza Premium / Ethiopian Sheba business areas (Addis Ababa (ADD)) – dedicated business corners and consistent service for longer connections.
- Adinkra / U Lounge (Kotoka, ACC) – multiple Kotoka lounges on Priority Pass & airport lists; quieter options in Terminal 3 for working travellers.
Maintenance & update cadence
This page is maintained on a quarterly schedule to reflect lounge openings, policy changes (guest rules, alliance changes) and major service updates. For day-of confirmation always check the airport, lounge operator or Priority Pass app.
Also Read: VistaJet Expands Business Aviation Services to East and Southern Africa
