Incredible private villas & houses in Zambia
These flexible private houses in Zambia work amazingly well for more experienced safari goes as well as novices - and often we send groups of up to eight people together: some of whom are 'old Africa hands', whilst for others its their first trip.
Enjoy private walking safaris with expert guides, go on day and night game drives in your private safari 4WD or explore the Victoria Falls. Afterwards, come 'home', relax by your pool and share stories around your own campfire.
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.
Puku Safari
11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
US$13,200 - US$19,920 per person
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.
Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Zambia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 Zambia
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite 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
3,284 sightings from 4,061 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
2,113 sightings from 4,504 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
955 sightings from 3,005 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
1,116 sightings from 3,422 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.
83% SUCCESS
2,787 sightings from 3,365 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.
48% SUCCESS
1,548 sightings from 3,207 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
3,966 sightings from 4,364 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
3,801 sightings from 4,428 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
2,910 sightings from 3,255 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.
24% SUCCESS
533 sightings from 2,223 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.
23% SUCCESS
515 sightings from 2,235 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
2,351 sightings from 4,289 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
2,668 sightings from 3,978 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
4,165 sightings from 4,953 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
77 sightings from 3,583 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
60 sightings from 3,609 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
660 sightings from 2,199 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
525 sightings from 1,229 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 367 observations
Other styles of holiday in Zambia
Discover all that Zambia has to offer
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
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.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
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.