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Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa
Private villas & houses in South Africa

Uplands Homestead can be booked exclusively by a small group of up to six travellers.

Kwandwe Melton Manor accommodates groups/families of up to eight people.

The private villa at Hog Hollow

The pool at Hog Hollows villa

South African private villas and houses

South Africa's nicest private villas and camps

South Africa's Cape lends itself well to family and relaxed group trips. There are several lovely private houses and villas in South Africa for travellers. Most include a private chef and a private guide and vehicle for activities - so you can set your own schedule each day.

Ask us about the various options - but often families and small groups will drive themselves between just a few locations, staying in each for an extended stay. They're like having a home away from home, so beware: once you've spent time on one of these 'exclusive use' properties, you may find it difficult to go back to a normal lodge or hotel again.

Call us to discuss this type of trip and we can talk to you about these options in detail, as well as any obvious alternatives.

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.


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.

Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in South Africa


Hog Hollow Country Lodge

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.


95% (30 reviews)
Kariega Homestead

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.


No reviews yet
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

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.


100% (1 review)
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve

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.


98% (16 reviews)
River Bend Lodge

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.


92% (5 reviews)
Kwandwe Melton Manor

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.


No reviews yet

Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Africa

Private villas & houses elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Private villas & houses in other countries.


Private villas & houses in Botswana

Botswana

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

Private villas & houses in Kenya

Kenya

Eating privately as a family or group of travellers in your own house can give your Kenya holiday ...

Private villas & houses in Malawi

Malawi

There's currently really only one private villa in Malawi - and this offers you the possibility ...

Private villas & houses in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique is well-known for its stunning beaches and wide range of land- and water-based activities...

Private villas & houses in Namibia

Namibia

There are a handful of great private villas and houses in Namibia as well as a private camp, and ...

Private villas & houses in Seychelles

Seychelles

The Seychelles isn't short of luxurious beach retreats or five-star resorts scattered around its ...

Private villas & houses in Tanzania

Tanzania

There are a couple of great private villas and safari houses in Tanzania, and also some excellent ...

Private villas & houses in Zambia

Zambia

Located in several of the country's most amazing safari reserves, Zambia has a handful of very ...

Private villas & houses in Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Enjoy the powder-white beaches, coconut palms and turquoise water of Zanzibar from your own private ...

Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe

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 South Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Buffalo

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.

83% SUCCESS

2,956 sightings from 3,549 observations

Where to see buffalo in South Africa

Cheetah

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.

33% SUCCESS

1,203 sightings from 3,645 observations

Where to see cheetah in South Africa

Elephant

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.

91% SUCCESS

4,224 sightings from 4,640 observations

Where to see elephant in South Africa

Oryx

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

1,554 sightings from 2,225 observations

Where to see oryx in South Africa

Giraffe

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.

86% SUCCESS

4,074 sightings from 4,743 observations

Where to see giraffe in South Africa

Hippo

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

3,077 sightings from 3,439 observations

Where to see hippo in South Africa

Spotted Hyena

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.

55% SUCCESS

2,506 sightings from 4,573 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in South Africa

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

283 sightings from 1,791 observations

Where to see brown hyena in South Africa

Leopard

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.

47% SUCCESS

2,259 sightings from 4,800 observations

Where to see leopard in South Africa

Lion

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

3,496 sightings from 4,319 observations

Where to see lion in South Africa

Black Rhino

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

715 sightings from 2,354 observations

Where to see black rhino in South Africa

White Rhino

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

576 sightings from 1,340 observations

Where to see white rhino in South Africa

Wild dog

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.

32% SUCCESS

1,015 sightings from 3,161 observations

Where to see wild dog in South Africa

Wildebeest

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.

67% SUCCESS

2,850 sightings from 4,236 observations

Where to see wildebeest in South Africa

Pangolin

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

65 sightings from 3,833 observations

Where to see pangolin in South Africa

Aardvark

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

81 sightings from 3,794 observations

Where to see aardvark in South Africa

Eland

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.

49% SUCCESS

1,672 sightings from 3,403 observations

Where to see eland in South Africa

Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

21% SUCCESS

97 sightings from 473 observations

Where to see meerkat in South Africa

Zebra

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

4,437 sightings from 5,276 observations

Where to see zebra in South Africa

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

25% SUCCESS

586 sightings from 2,354 observations

Where to see roan antelope in South Africa

Sable antelope

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.

24% SUCCESS

560 sightings from 2,369 observations

Where to see sable antelope in South Africa

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other styles of holiday in South Africa

Discover all that South Africa has to offer


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

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