Africa’s Finest Private Retreats
Our Exclusive-Use Escapes are the pinnacle of private travel in Africa: one-of-a-kind villas, design-led bush homes, and entire safari camps reserved just for you.
These handpicked properties combine architectural excellence with exceptional service, awe-inspiring locations and complete seclusion. Think sculptural spaces in cinematic settings, private chefs crafting menus to your taste, and intuitive staff who anticipate your needs before you voice them and surprise you in the most wonderful ways.
Whether you’re on a sandy beach overlooking the Indian Ocean or deep in a private conservancy, the experience is entirely yours. Exclusive-use safaris unfold at your pace: early game drives or lazy mornings, long bush walks or leisurely lunches by the pool. No schedules to follow, no other guests to consider, just tailor-made days shaped around you: your pace, your interests, your idea of luxury. Private safari guides, personal vehicles, dedicated chefs and discrete hosts who make every detail effortless, will be on hand throughout to craft a magical stay.
Ideal for discerning couples, small groups or anyone seeking privacy, our Collection of exclusive-use camps and safari houses promise adventures in style and solitude, and some of Africa’s most remarkable locations.
So for milestone celebrations, multi-generational reunions or simply a well-earned retreat from the world, we can help you find the perfect place to fit your people, pace, and idea of perfection.
Africa’s Ultimate Exclusive-Use Escapes Collection
Our most recent reviews of private villas & houses in Africa
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Africa travellers whose trips we tailored towards private villas & houses. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Africa holidays here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Guide to Africa's finest Exclusive-Use Escapes
Craving space to yourselves? Whether you're gathering family on a private island, swapping stories beside a campfire deep in the bush, or tracking wildlife from your own safari house, Africa’s exclusive-use escapes are all about privacy and freedom.
Wake to the call of fish eagles on the Zambezi, paddle past lechwe from a Delta-front camp, or take a plunge in your private pool as elephants stroll by.
From canvas hideaways to striking design retreats, these are the places where luxury meets the wild. Explore our curated Exclusive-Use Safari Collection and dive into our FAQs below to find some inspiration.
Which are the best private safari houses?
With its soaring thatch, huge leadwood trunks and a pool overlooking a hippo-filled lagoon, popular with thirsty elephants, this house is as dramatic as its setting. Enjoy tasty lunches on the tree-shaded deck, open-fronted bedrooms, a sunset dip in the pool, and safaris in one of Zambia’s top wildlife areas with a top-level guide.
• Sirikoi House, Kenya
Set within the Lewa Conservancy, this beautifully appointed house offers refined exclusivity: three en-suite bedrooms, thoughtful interiors, an organic vegetable garden, its own fire pit and heated pool. Log-fires by deep, blanket-covered sofas, cosy flower-filled bedrooms, buffalo grazing on the emerald lawns, candlelit dinners, and a little bridge to the campfire circle. The perfect retreat for those wanting homely elegance with a conservation-led safari.
• Mkombe’s House Lamai, Tanzania
Set high on a kopje in the northern Serengeti, Mkombe’s House is the only safari house in the park designed specifically for families. With sweeping views across the Serengeti plains, it’s wonderfully remote yet entirely self-contained, with a lovely pool, open-plan living, and easy access to seasonal wildebeest crossings on the Mara River. For all the wonderful child-friendly activities and thoughtful touches, this house is not just for youngsters; it’s beautiful, with open-fronted rooms for adults, starlit dinners, a sundowner deck and a star bed option. Treats for everyone
• Bushman’s Kloof Koro Lodge and Cedarberg House, South Africa
Set apart from the main lodge, these two exclusive villas both overlook the red wilderness of the Cedarberg Mountains, famed for its mountain zebra, wildflowers and ancient rock art. Completely private, both Koro Lodge and the Cape Dutch Cedarberg House are havens of luxury: wide, wraparound terraces, fabulous pools, superb al fresco dining and gorgeous interiors.
• Okonjima Villa, Namibia
Surrounded by 'big cat' territory, this thatched, welcoming villa is ideal for those interested in leopard and pangolin tracking, or carnivore conservation work in general (it’s the home of the AfriCat Carnivore Care Centre). The design is sophisticated yet unpretentious, with panoramic glass windows and a curvaceous pool overlooking the bush.
• Safari House, Namibia
Located within Etosha Heights Private Reserve, this charming three-bedroom homestead has a laid-back feel and excellent wildlife. Think spacious farmhouse-style interiors, giraffes at the waterhole, and the freedom to tailor your days exploring this wildlife-rich corner of Namibia. It’s great for families, with a swimming pool, chef for flexible dining, and host of activities to choose from.
• Long Hope Villa, South Africa
On the edge of the fynbos-covered mountains in the Eastern Cape, this elegant, solar-powered villa offers a peaceful, malaria-free base for exploring the Garden Route. Huge windows open to ‘Big-5’ wilderness, while the homestead’s warm interiors and tailored activities make it a great option for multigenerational groups.
• Bailey’s Banda at Beho Beho, Tanzania
Nestled beneath tall trees on a ridge in Nyerere National Park, this two-bedroom hideaway has stone walls, open-air bathrooms, and a plunge pool with wide valley views. The atmosphere is personal and stylish, with all the flexibility of being part of one of Tanzania’s most characterful camps. Take private boat trips on Lake Tagalala, track wildlife on foot, sip morning tea in your open-fronted bedroom, and return to fabulous fireside dinners.
• Cottar’s Private House, Kenya
A large, laid-back home on a forested hillside in the Olderikesi conservancy with dramatic panoramic views, squishy sofas round the fire, spacious bedrooms, a lovely lap pool, and even a resident cat (domestic, not lion!). On the border of Maasai Mara National Reserve, there’s great game drives, or hang out at the villa for talks on wildlife, conservation, stargazing and massage treatments.
Are there any exclusive-use tented camps?
Serian’s Nkorombo
Set on the east bank of the Mara River in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Serian’s Nkorombo is a small, traditional tented camp. Its location places it firmly in the heart of action during the Great Migration, offering guests incredible sightings of wildebeest river crossings, not to mention the year-round abundant wildlife, including a god chance of rhino. The camp's down-to-earth safari style, with canvas tents and time-honoured bucket showers, provides an authentic yet comfortable experience.
Camp Sossus
Located in the Greater Sossusvlei-Namib area within the Neuhof Nature Reserve, Camp Sossus is an exclusive-use tented camp emphasizing sustainability and quality guiding. With eight Meru-style tents, each tucked under a clever oil-drum shelter, of which two are family units, the camp offers a unique experience close to Namibia's iconic dunes. Its private setting allows for flexible exploration of the surrounding desert landscapes. Visit Sossusvlei, walk in the reserve with guides, take a hot-air balloon ride, or head up to the plateau for phenomenal views.
Selinda Explorers, Botswana
Tucked beneath jackalberry and mangosteen trees on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, this small, stylish tented camp channels a vintage safari feel with a light environmental footprint. Think brass fittings, hurricane lanterns, campaign chests and Persian rugs. It’s available for exclusive use and suits families or small groups who want a private camp with access to excellent game viewing and first-class service - along with the chance to explore on foot, by vehicle, or canoe when water levels allow.
Little Ruckomechi
Situated in a private concession within Mana Pools National Park, Little Ruckomechi offers a personal, exclusive experience in a super spot under a shady grove of albida trees. The three tented chalets, each raised on wooden platforms, are modern safari chic: canvas walls, natural wood, and large gauze windows. Lounge by the plunge pool watching elephants drink at the waterfront, head out on productive game drives, sip sundowners by the Zambezi, and soak up the Old World Explorers’ vibe of the camp.
Shinde Footsteps
Overlooking a beautiful lagoon in the north of the Okavango Delta's, Shinde Footsteps is a small, personal camp with just four, fresh, airy tented chalets. Set in the shade of a serene forested area, it’s a lovely spot for relaxing, though you’re likely to want to head out on game drives and walks here as the wildlife diversity is excellent. For families booking the camp exclusively, there’s a dedicated child-friendly guide available as part of Shinde’s Young Explorers Club.
Duba Plains Camp and Suite
The Duba Plains Suite is a separate two-bedroom tented suite within Duba Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta. So whether there’s just four of you or you’d like to book the whole camp, exclusive-use is possible in either, or the two combined. Traditional in style, with lovely details and excellent service, there’s a distinctly elevated level of luxury here. Set on raised decking, it provides expansive views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife. Walk, drive, boat (in season)…and indulge.
Duke’s East
Five mutes form Duke’s Camp, Duke's East is a smaller near-identical camp, and is private for groups. With a vintage glamour aesthetic - brass-trimmed mahogany furniture, canopied beds, and luxe fabrics - it features four tented chalets, including a large family tent with its own private plunge pool, and a great range of activities: game drives, boat trips, mokoros and even a helicopter trip to Tsodilo Hills.
Jack’s Private Camp
Situated on Botswana's Kalahari Salt Pans, Jack's Camp is renowned for its unique desert safari experience. Nearby, Jack’s Private Camp is a decadent two-bedroomed camp fashioned in the same distinctive, vintage style and offering privately-guided desert activities. Walk with the fascinating Bushmen, go quad biking on the salt crust, meet the habituated meerkats and gave at the most spectacular nightly display of stars.
Are there exclusive-use safari houses and villas by the water?
If you're looking for exclusive-use by the water, have a look at these super camps and houses for inspiration:
Chongwe River House, Zambia
Boldly sculpted from ferro-cement, gnarled timber and pebbles, this striking house overlooks the Chongwe River and is surrounded by abundant wildlife. Redesigned and reopened in 2025, its Flintstones vibe has been given a distinctly modern twist. With a private pool overlooking the canoe channel, its own team of staff and guide, and uninterrupted views, it’s a superb choice for adventurous travellers who want comfort without conformity.
Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia (exclusive-use on request)
Set on the banks of the Zambezi, this sophisticated property combines pared-back modern design with warm hospitality. Ideal for families or small groups, the entire lodge can be taken privately for a sleek Zambezi stay just upstream from Victoria Falls.
Villa Amizade at Azura Benguerra, Mozambique
This airy, oceanfront villa offers barefoot luxury on a quiet stretch of Benguerra Island. It’s well-suited to families, with two bedrooms, a private pool, and all the services of the main lodge, yet still feels utterly exclusive.
Ndomo Point House, Malawi
At the southern tip of Likoma Island, this stone-built villa has a rare sense of both remoteness and home. With four en-suite bedrooms, private beach access and staff on hand, it’s perfect for a digital detox in barefoot comfort. Go kayaking, snorkel with gorgeous ciclids and enjoy a freshwater escape.
Tangala House, Zambia
A sopacious family home with a private pool and expansive gardens on the banks of the Zambezi. Owned and styled by the team behind Tongabezi, Tangala mixes personal charm with full-service ease, including private guiding and flexible activities.
Alfajiri Villas, Kenya
Three individually styled villas on Diani Beach, each offering indulgent privacy, direct beach access, and opulent interiors. With butlers, chefs, and no fixed meal times, this is barefoot beach living with a touch of European refinement.
Ephelia Presidential Villa, Mahé, Seychelles
Tucked into granite rocks above a pristine beach, this vast villa feels like a hidden retreat. With multiple bedrooms, a private pool, and full butler service, it’s ideal for groups seeking exclusive tropical luxury with access to Ephelia’s wider resort facilities if desired.
Thanda Island, Tanzania
One of the most exclusive private islands in the Indian Ocean. Accommodating just one group at a time, Thanda offers every imaginable luxury, from a private yacht and helipad to marine conservation experiences, fine dining and a glass-sided pool. It’s perfect for those seeking complete isolation, privacy, and pampering.
So whether you’re craving views of elephants strolling past your deck or dreaming of salt-tinged breezes and sea turtles offshore, these villas offer a rare combination of natural spectacle and total seclusion. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect waterside retreat for your exclusive-use escape.
Which exclusive-use stays are best for design lovers?
1. Kataza House at Kwitonda Lodge, Rwanda
Built from rammed earth, volcanic stone and woven eucalyptus, this architectural beauty is at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, and it’s marvellous gorilla trekking experiences. Glass walls frame grasslands and misty ridgelines, while gorgeous art and handcraft root the interiors in Rwanda. It’s a decadent place with four suites, a cinema, cellar, massage treatment room and heated plunge pools. Enjoy farm-to table fine-dining, trekking, cycling, yoga, and community visits form a seriously stylish base.
2. Zarafa Dhow Suite, Botswana
Evoking vintage East Africa, this elegant suite is clad in aged dhow timber and soft canvas, with copper tubs, leather furnishings and views over the Zibadianja Lagoon. Refined, romantic, and wildly atmospheric, it would be hard to leave the indulgent two-bedroomed camp were it not that the game drive activities were not so exciting and the guiding so good. And end your day on a a magical pontoon boat cruise at the lagoon: seek out tiny painted reed frogs, watch chortling hippos and splashing elephants before the sun sets the sky aglow pink – all with a chilled drink in hand.
3. Onguma Camp Kala, Namibia
Sculptural wood, lava stone and low-impact materials shape this serene retreat overlooking a floodlit waterhole on this private reserve bordering Etosha. Modern, textured, and beautifully integrated with the surrounding bush, the camp is a lovely spot to relax and watch the wildlife come and go in comfort, though it also offers activities in both the national park and on the reserve, with walks and sundowners available too.
4. Loimugi House at Sarara, Kenya
Set high in Kenya’s remote Matthews Range, Loimugi House draws on Samburu craft and culture with rounded stone walls, vaulted ceilings, curved pools and wide views. It’s an architectural tribute to people and place. Built just alongside Sarara Camp, but entirely private, it’s a super place if you like to get out and explore on foot, with some exceptional experiences at the singing wells and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary on offer.
Africa's Best Safari Houses, Beach Villas and Private Camps
From riverfront hideaways to island villas and remote bush homes, these private-use properties offer space, seclusion and a deep sense of place.
In Zambia, the striking design of Luangwa Safari House opens onto a busy wildlife lagoon, while Robin’s House sits tucked beneath giant trees on the banks of the Luangwa River.
In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, warm-hearted Shinde Enclave and intimate Splash Enclave both offer front-row seats to floodplain game in prime wildlife areas. While beautiful Zarafa Dhow Suite is an wonderfully indulgent choice.
Kenya’s Elsa’s Kopje Private House clings to a kopje above Meru’s sweeping plains, while Bailey’s Banda in Tanzania delivers relaxed decadence bush-style.
For coastal escapes, Azura’s private villas on Benguerra Island and Kenya’s Alfajiri Villas offer seriously stylish beach-chic, while Thanda Island delivers barefoot luxury on a private island in the Indian Ocean.
All of these small camps and private houses promise a private window onto Africa – and all are glorious!
To explore how these and our other private properties combine into unforgettable journeys, browse our Exclusive-Use Escapes holiday collection.
Exclusive-Use Escapes across Africa











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