South Africa's nicest private villas and camps
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.
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$3,800 - US$7,900 per person
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.
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
US$2,510 - US$3,500 per person
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 South Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Other styles of holiday in South Africa
Discover all that South Africa has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Family holidays
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Honeymoons
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Luxury
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Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails 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.