Zimbabwe's best private villas & houses
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.
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$7,000 - US$11,860 per person
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.
Grysbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
US$8,990 - US$16,110 per person
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.
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$9,310 - US$17,220 per person
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.
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$6,310 - US$9,500 per person
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.
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$6,350 - US$10,630 per person
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
Where to see wildlife species in Zimbabwe
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
3,309 sightings from 4,086 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
2,128 sightings from 4,524 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
1,124 sightings from 3,434 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
961 sightings from 3,022 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
3,991 sightings from 4,390 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
529 sightings from 1,233 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
2,370 sightings from 4,311 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
666 sightings from 2,210 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
2,812 sightings from 3,390 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
1,564 sightings from 3,224 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
3,822 sightings from 4,450 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
2,930 sightings from 3,276 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.
69% SUCCESS
1,422 sightings from 2,058 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
542 sightings from 2,234 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
521 sightings from 2,242 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
2,682 sightings from 3,992 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
4,190 sightings from 4,978 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
78 sightings from 3,593 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 3,621 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
262 sightings from 1,658 observations
Other styles of holiday in Zimbabwe
Discover all that Zimbabwe 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.