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Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe
Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe private villas & houses

Zimbabwe's best private villas & houses

For a group or a family, private travel using villas or safari houses is the ultimate in exclusivity. Zimbabwe has only one purpose-built house for guests, but it does have some very private options for small, tented camps - and combining the two would make a great holiday.

We've noted the only private safari house, plus one or two options for small, tented camps which can be booked exclusively. These camps are really just a taste; ask us as there are a real variety of similar camps - using different guides in different areas - and all offer the same high levels of care that you'll find in a good private safari house or villa.

Somalisa Acacia

Acacia is a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Somalisa Camp. It is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff making it a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Designed as a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Nayamatusi Camp, Mahogany is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff. It is a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.


Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

The Baobab Villa at Bumi Hills is a 2-bedroom private villa, complete with its own living room, bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks. This is a perfect option for those wanting some privacy on their Zimbabwean safari.


Chobe Princesses

Although not a villa or a house, each of the Chobe Princess Houseboats comes with a private chef, a guide, four twin cabins and motorboats for excursions. So it’s like a floating villa; a unique base on the Chobe – great for generally relaxing and wildlife-viewing.


Onguma Camp Kala

Onguma Camp Kala’s four tents can be booked privately for small groups or families travelling together. Having the camp to yourselves, with your own private guide, gives the ultimate flexibility to enjoy the Onguma Reserve and Etosha.


Jackalberry Camp

With just four tented rooms, Jackalberry Tented Camp on the Caprivi Strip can be booked on an exclusive-use basis for groups or families travelling together. This would be a fantastic way to enjoy this spectacular corner of Namibia.

Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe


The Hide

The Hide

Tom’s Private Hide and The Private Hide, next to The Hide in Hwange National Park, are ideal options for a private safari holiday in Zimbabwe. With your own guide, vehicle and hosting team, you will be able to organise activities according to your personal interests and needs.


95% (37 reviews)
Khulu's Retreat

Khulu's Retreat

Nestled within the teak forest of the Sikumi Forest Reserve is Khulu's Retreat. An exclusive villa with a private chef, guide and vehicle offering personalised service and flexible activities - a fantastic option for a private safari in Zimbabwe.


No reviews yet
Khayelitshe House

Khayelitshe House

Although no one from Expert Africa has visited Khayelitshe House yet, we have a long relationship with property's owners and have no doubt this will make a superb and luxurious stop for groups or families that want to explore Matobo Hills.


No reviews yet
Nyamatusi Mahogany

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Designed as a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Nayamatusi Camp, Mahogany is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff. It is a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.


100% (2 reviews)
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

The Baobab Villa at Bumi Hills is a 2-bedroom private villa, complete with its own living room, bar and indoor and outdoor dining decks. This is a perfect option for those wanting some privacy on their Zimbabwean safari.


95% (4 reviews)
Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia

Acacia is a standalone satellite camp to the adjacent Somalisa Camp. It is totally self-sufficient with separate guides and staff making it a great choice for families or groups looking for some privacy and flexibility.


100% (4 reviews)

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 South Africa

South Africa

South Africa's Cape lends itself well to family and relaxed group trips. There are several lovely ...

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 ...

Where to see wildlife species in Zimbabwe

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


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

3,309 sightings from 4,086 observations

Where to see lion in Zimbabwe

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

2,128 sightings from 4,524 observations

Where to see leopard in Zimbabwe

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

1,124 sightings from 3,434 observations

Where to see cheetah in Zimbabwe

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

961 sightings from 3,022 observations

Where to see wild dog in Zimbabwe

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

3,991 sightings from 4,390 observations

Where to see elephant in Zimbabwe

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

529 sightings from 1,233 observations

Where to see white rhino in Zimbabwe

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

2,370 sightings from 4,311 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Zimbabwe

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

666 sightings from 2,210 observations

Where to see black rhino in Zimbabwe

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

2,812 sightings from 3,390 observations

Where to see buffalo in Zimbabwe

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

1,564 sightings from 3,224 observations

Where to see eland in Zimbabwe

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

3,822 sightings from 4,450 observations

Where to see giraffe in Zimbabwe

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

2,930 sightings from 3,276 observations

Where to see hippo in Zimbabwe

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.

69% SUCCESS

1,422 sightings from 2,058 observations

Where to see oryx in Zimbabwe

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.

24% SUCCESS

542 sightings from 2,234 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Zimbabwe

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.

23% SUCCESS

521 sightings from 2,242 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Zimbabwe

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

2,682 sightings from 3,992 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Zimbabwe

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

4,190 sightings from 4,978 observations

Where to see zebra in Zimbabwe

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

78 sightings from 3,593 observations

Where to see aardvark in Zimbabwe

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

60 sightings from 3,621 observations

Where to see pangolin in Zimbabwe

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

262 sightings from 1,658 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Zimbabwe

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other styles of holiday in Zimbabwe

Discover all that Zimbabwe has to offer


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

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.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses 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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