Experience Africa in private
If you are travelling to Africa with your family or a group of friends, you might want to consider staying at a private house or an exclusive-use villa. A number of camps can also be booked in their entirety for an incredible safari shared with just your group.
There are some truly stunning properties in Africa which can have all to yourself, ranging from intimate bushcamps deep in the wilderness through to villas by the Indian Ocean and sprawling houses in vast private areas where you won’t encounter another soul.
They are often fully-staffed, with private chefs, babysitters and hosts to make you all feel at home with highly personalised service. Most private properties in safari areas will include your own safari guide and 4WD vehicle, allowing you the freedom of setting your own activity schedule and being able to change it when you wish. This is the ultimate luxury – you choose when to head out on safari, what to do, when to come back, when to eat, and when to just relax.
Seek out exactly the species you want and take things at whatever pace you fancy. With no strict daily schedule to follow, mornings are as early as you please, with quality time to relax around the pool or entire days spent exploring the bush.
Get in touch with our experts to start planning the perfect private African safari for your family.
Our top trips staying in exclusive-use accommodation
Get inspired for your private safari in Africa.
Azura Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 location
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
US$5,250 - US$6,880 per person
Azura Benguerra
The Presidential Villa and Villa Amizade are stunning private villas in Mozambique. Located on a pristine beach, they offer great beach and water activities. Both private villas sleep a group or family of up to six people each and come with private staff and a pool.
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,860 - US$16,590 per person
Selinda Camp
A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.
Duba Plains Camp
The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$7,000 - US$11,860 per person
Somalisa Acacia
Acacia is a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Somalisa Camp. It is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff making it a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Designed as a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Nayamatusi Camp, Mahogany is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff. It is a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$9,260 - US$11,960 per person
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje has a two-bedroom private house with a large master bedroom and a slightly smaller twin room, both of which are en-suite. The rooms share an open-fronted lounge and dining area and the house has a private infinity pool.
Tortilis Camp
With some of the best views available of Kilimanjaro Tortilis private house consists of two bedrooms, a lounge area and a private pool shared with the camp's family tent. One of the bedrooms can be made into a twin or triple, making this suitable for larger families or groups.
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
US$9,400 - US$13,240 per person
Luangwa Safari House
The Luangwa Safari House is a very luxurious and stylish private house in Zambia’s South Luangwa that was designed to accommodate families and groups of up to eight people. With its own pool and staff, it is a great base for an exclusive safari holiday.
Mopane Squirrel Safari
6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$5,890 - US$11,770 per person
Splash Camp
For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$6,910 - US$8,980 per person
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje has a two-bedroom private house with a large master bedroom and a slightly smaller twin room, both of which are en-suite. The rooms share an open-fronted lounge and dining area and the house has a private infinity pool.
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$8,240 - US$11,410 per person
Shinde Camp
While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$9,900 - US$17,340 per person
Sirikoi
Sirikoi has a 2-bedroom cottage and 3-bedroom house, each booked exclusively. Each base has a private vehicle and dedicated staff. They are perfect for families or small groups wanting a high-end, exclusive safari with excellent wildlife-viewing.
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$18,160 - US$36,280 per person
Zarafa Camp
The Zarafa Dhow Suite is one of the most luxurious private options in Botswana offering up to 4 guests opulent accommodation and privately guided activities in one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas.
Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Africa
Shinde Camp
While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.
Splash Camp
For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.
Eagle's Nest
Spaced well apart and with he option of being entirely self contained the chalets at Eagle's Nest are the perfect place to hide aways and sed a couple of night in privacy on your Namibian safari.
Chobe Princesses
Although not a villa or a house, each of the Chobe Princess Houseboats comes with a private chef, a guide, four twin cabins and motorboats for excursions. So it’s like a floating villa; a unique base on the Chobe – great for generally relaxing and wildlife-viewing.
Selinda Camp
A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.
Tongabezi
Tongabezi’s small Garden House is a lovely hideaway, booked exclusively by small groups or families of up to four. It makes a great starting point for a wide range of water- and land-based activities near Victoria Falls.
Onguma Camp Kala
Onguma Camp Kala’s four tents can be booked privately for small groups or families travelling together. Having the camp to yourselves, with your own private guide, gives the ultimate flexibility to enjoy the Onguma Reserve and Etosha.
The Hide
Tom’s Private Hide and The Private Hide, next to The Hide in Hwange National Park, are ideal options for a private safari holiday in Zimbabwe. With your own guide, vehicle and hosting team, you will be able to organise activities according to your personal interests and needs.
Tortilis Camp
With some of the best views available of Kilimanjaro Tortilis private house consists of two bedrooms, a lounge area and a private pool shared with the camp's family tent. One of the bedrooms can be made into a twin or triple, making this suitable for larger families or groups.
Hog Hollow
Hog Hollow's villas are a great for a family or group of up to six people travelling together. It offers stunning scenery from its private pool and fantastic walks through the indigenous forest. It’s a superb base if you want to explore this area of the Garden Route.
Sarara
Sarara’s Loimugi House has two bedrooms, a private dining area, a lounge and a pool. Set near Sarara’s main communal area, you can enjoy the camp’s wonderful atmosphere and location while being able to retire to your private house whenever you like.
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa’s Kopje has a two-bedroom private house with a large master bedroom and a slightly smaller twin room, both of which are en-suite. The rooms share an open-fronted lounge and dining area and the house has a private infinity pool.
Zarafa Camp
The Zarafa Dhow Suite is one of the most luxurious private options in Botswana offering up to 4 guests opulent accommodation and privately guided activities in one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas.
Duba Plains Camp
The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.
Azura Benguerra
The Presidential Villa and Villa Amizade are stunning private villas in Mozambique. Located on a pristine beach, they offer great beach and water activities. Both private villas sleep a group or family of up to six people each and come with private staff and a pool.
Bushmans Kloof
Bushmans Kloof ‘s Koro Lodge is an exclusive private villa. Located 3km from the main lodge at Bushmanskloof, it can accommodate up to ten people and comes complete with private staff. It is a great base to explore the Cederberg area.
Okonjima Villa
Okonjima Villa is an amazing private villa that is fairly secluded from the main property. Suitable for a group or family of up to eight adults and four children travelling together, it guarantees a very exclusive feel to your stay at Okonjima.
Little Tubu
Although not a villa or a house, with just three tents Little Tubu can easily be booked out on an exclusive basis for groups or families wanting a little privacy on their Botswana safari.
Luangwa Safari House
The Luangwa Safari House is a very luxurious and stylish private house in Zambia’s South Luangwa that was designed to accommodate families and groups of up to eight people. With its own pool and staff, it is a great base for an exclusive safari holiday.
Robin's House
Robin's House comes with a private 4WD safari vehicle and an expert guide, fully qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris; park rules also allow night drives and some off-road driving. Hence Robin's House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience.
Okonjima Bush Suite
The Okonjima Bush Suite is a private house that is fully staffed and suitable for up to four people travelling together. It consists of two en-suite bedrooms, with a long plunge pool and is an ideal spot for visiting the AfriCat Foundation.
Otjimbondona
By booking the four villas at Otjimbondona exclusively a family or small group can have the whole manor house and its 30km2 reserve to themselves. Perfect for a bit of R & R at the beginning or end of a Namibian adventure.
Sirikoi
Sirikoi has a 2-bedroom cottage and 3-bedroom house, each booked exclusively. Each base has a private vehicle and dedicated staff. They are perfect for families or small groups wanting a high-end, exclusive safari with excellent wildlife-viewing.
Kasaka River Lodge
The Hippo Pod at Kasaka River Lodge is a great value private house for families or small groups of up to four people. It offers various private safari activities by vehicle, boat and canoe, plus further options such as fly-fishing or visits to a cultural village with your guide.
Beho Beho Bailey's Banda
Bailey’s Banda is a great private safari house for an exclusive holidays. It can host up to five people travelling together and comes with a private chef, 4WD and your own guide so you can arrange your private game drive for an amazing safari holiday.
River Bend Lodge
Long Hope is a fully staffed private villa in South Africa’s Cape sleeping up to six travellers. About one kilometre from the main River Bend Lodge, it’s ideally located for visits to Addo Park, which is famous for elephant viewing.
Vamizi Lodge
Vamizi Island is the ultimate barefoot getaway, with stunning beaches, wonderful private villas and fantastic food.
Villa Mushara
The private villas at Villa Mushara promise luxury and opulence very close to Etosha. The lounge, bathroom and your private terrace are all spacious and stylish. Enjoy your own pool and private meals on request.
Somalisa Acacia
Acacia is a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Somalisa Camp. It is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff making it a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.
Jackalberry Camp
With just four tented rooms, Jackalberry Tented Camp on the Caprivi Strip can be booked on an exclusive-use basis for groups or families travelling together. This would be a fantastic way to enjoy this spectacular corner of Namibia.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
The Baobab Villa at Bumi Hills is a 2-bedroom private villa, complete with its own living room, bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks. This is a perfect option for those wanting some privacy on their Zimbabwean safari.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
A more rustic but still comfortable option for exclusive accommodation for groups and families is the Serengeti Private Mobile. It is pretty flexible in its location, moving between campsites for good game viewing and offers a real private safari feel for your group.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Designed as a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Nayamatusi Camp, Mahogany is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff. It is a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.
Kiba Point
For an elegant small private safari camp, consider Kiba Point in the Selous. Complete with a private vehicle, guide and chef, it adds an exclusive feel to your holiday and allows you to create your own itinerary. It can host up to eight people travelling together.
Wolwedans Plains Camp
Relax and enjoy scenic drives and walks in Wolwedans Plains Camp in the Namib Desert. With your own private chef and private guide - on request - you can enjoy exclusive private holidays in Namibia for a family or group of up to four people.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is booked on an exclusive basis. As a private camp you'll have the ultimate flexibility when it comes to exploring the dunes of Sosussvlei and surrounding areas with your guide.
Uplands Homestead
Uplands Homestead is a private villa in South Africa’s Cape, which sleeps up to six guests on an ‘exclusive-use’ basis. It is - fully fenced - situated in Kwandwe Game Reserve and comes with a private chef, guide and 4WD safari vehicle.
Safari House
Safari House offers an exclusive stay on the impressive Etosha Heights Reserve for up to six people. Supplied with a chef and a private vehicle and guide for activities, guests staying here have the ultimate flexibility on a Namibian safari.
Khulu's Retreat
Nestled within the teak forest of the Sikumi Forest Reserve is Khulu's Retreat. An exclusive villa with a private chef, guide and vehicle offering personalised service and flexible activities - a fantastic option for a private safari in Zimbabwe.
North Island
North Island is the amazing location of one of the world’s most exclusive retreats. Each of its 11 private villas sleeps up to four guests, and comes with a butler and a buggy. It’s the ultimate in private beach villas in the Seychelles!
Vamizi Villas
Each of the six separate Vamizi Island Villas in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago has four or five bedrooms. These luxurious, remote beach hide-aways come with private beach access and a team to organise activities.
The Homestead
Kariega Homestead in the Cape is a safari house for exclusive-use by up to 14 travellers. Compared with other private villas and houses in South Africa it’s a relatively affordable option – though fairly basic. Expect a private chef and guide.
Melton Manor
Kwandwe Melton Manor is a private safari villa in South Africa for groups of up to eight travellers. Having your private guide, 4WD vehicle, butler and chef will allow you to time your activities and meals according to your wishes.
Cottars Private House
There are relatively few private accommodation options in the Maasai Mara and if you're looking for an exclusive and modern, fully staffed house, providing very spacious and comfortable accommodation, you could not do better than this.
Ndomo Point House
Ndomo Point House is part of Kaya Mawa and is a fully staffed private house/villa in Malawi for up to eight people. It is located on its own private beach and is a great spot for water and land based activities, or just relaxing beside the lake.
Galdessa
Downstream from the main Galdessa Lodge, Private Galdessa consists of three exclusive bandas with a private dining area. Together these can accommodate a group of up to six people – who can share a real degree of privacy in this idyllic riverbank location.
Tangala House
The stylish Tangala House is a lovely private house in Zambia’s Victoria Falls area that feels like a home - hosting up to eight guests. Expect excellent service from your private staff and enjoy activities like trips to the Falls or exploring the wildlife area near Livingstone.
Khayelitshe House
Although no one from Expert Africa has visited Khayelitshe House yet, we have a long relationship with property's owners and have no doubt this will make a superb and luxurious stop for groups or families that want to explore Matobo Hills.
Holidays with private accommodation
Browse trip ideas by country.
Botswana
While private villas and houses are not the norm in Botswana there are a number of tented camps ...
Kenya
Eating privately as a family or group of travellers in your own house can give your Kenya holiday ...
Malawi
There's currently really only one private villa in Malawi - and this offers you the possibility ...
Mozambique
Mozambique is well-known for its stunning beaches and wide range of land- and water-based activities...
Namibia
There are a handful of great private villas and houses in Namibia as well as a private camp, and ...
Seychelles
The Seychelles isn't short of luxurious beach retreats or five-star resorts scattered around its ...
South Africa
South Africa's Cape lends itself well to family and relaxed group trips. There are several lovely ...
Tanzania
There are a couple of great private villas and safari houses in Tanzania, and also some excellent ...
Zambia
Located in several of the country's most amazing safari reserves, Zambia has a handful of very ...
Zanzibar
Enjoy the powder-white beaches, coconut palms and turquoise water of Zanzibar from your own private ...
Zimbabwe
For a group or a family, private travel using villas or safari houses is the ultimate in exclusivity...
Africa trips to appeal to many different interests
Click below for ideas, then call us to discuss what you want. We will design a trip perfectly for you, around your interests.
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.