Best private villas & houses in Kenya
The Kenya coast has quite a lot of villas in the more developed areas, like Diani Beach and the coast north of Mombasa. Again, we have chosen one or two more individualistic private houses that we particularly like.
Eating private together as a family or group of travellers in your own house can give your Kenya holiday a much more exclusive feel. Talk to us if you'd like more ideas and info on the various private villas and houses available in Kenya.
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$10,140 - US$12,240 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.
Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$6,910 - US$8,320 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.
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$9,900 - US$16,050 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.
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
US$11,740 - US$14,410 per person
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.
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Private villas & houses elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Private villas & houses in other countries.

Botswana
While private villas and houses are not the norm in Botswana there are a number of tented camps ...

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...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.

Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
2,395 sightings from 2,962 observations

Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
46% SUCCESS
1,529 sightings from 3,305 observations

Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
31% SUCCESS
786 sightings from 2,525 observations

Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
82% SUCCESS
2,012 sightings from 2,449 observations

Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
31% SUCCESS
694 sightings from 2,206 observations

Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
53% SUCCESS
1,663 sightings from 3,135 observations

Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
16% SUCCESS
103 sightings from 663 observations

Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
90% SUCCESS
2,874 sightings from 3,183 observations

Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
477 sightings from 1,585 observations

White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
387 sightings from 902 observations

Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
47% SUCCESS
1,110 sightings from 2,368 observations

Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
78% SUCCESS
74 sightings from 95 observations

Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
85% SUCCESS
2,757 sightings from 3,227 observations

Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,067 sightings from 1,523 observations

Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,086 sightings from 2,349 observations

Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
21% SUCCESS
354 sightings from 1,662 observations

Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
66% SUCCESS
1,944 sightings from 2,926 observations

Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,034 sightings from 3,615 observations

Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
62 sightings from 2,708 observations

Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
42 sightings from 2,649 observations
