After many years of offering globetrotters luxury accommodations like remote safari lodges, lavish tented camps, and idyllic bush retreats, Discover Africa now offers the more discerning traveler a tasteful range of opulent African villas ideal for groups of friends or multi-generational family safaris. These exclusive-use properties provide the perfect getaway destinations, far from the crowds but close to Mother Nature. Get a closer look at some of the private villa safaris on the Discover Africa list.
1. Villa Verte – South Africa
Villa Verte is situated in the Future Found Sanctuary, Africa’s first and only 5-star regenerative travel destination. Nestled on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain, this four-room villa boasts expansive grounds, a timeless aesthetic, spectacular views, and a holistic approach to wellness.
Every aspect of the villa has been carefully considered to promote a sense of wellbeing, with a yoga studio, gym, healing garden, natural plunge pool, indigenous forest, sound healing studio, outside entertainment area, and fireplace for the cooler months.
2. Morukuru Farm House – South Africa
Morukuru Farm House is set on a malaria-free private concession within the Madikwe Game Reserve. This contemporary five-bedroom African homestead comfortably sleeps 10 people, making it ideal for a multi-generational family or group of friends celebrating a special occasion.
This destination’s hospitality team includes a private guide, tracker, hostess, chef, butler, and housekeepers, all dedicated to ensuring an unforgettable stay. Soak up some sun next to the private pool, lounge with a cocktail in hand in your outdoor bathtub, or head out on a safari in a private vehicle – Morukuru offers guests the ultimate exclusive escape.
3. Tswalu Tarkuni – South Africa
Tucked away in a remote, secluded valley at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, Tswalu Tarkuni is a private, exclusive-use homestead consisting of five luxury suites that can accommodate ten people, all under one roof. While staying here, guests can enjoy access to a host, personal chef, private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker.
Shaded outdoor living and dining spaces, exquisite cuisine, an eco-smart plunge pool, and a sundowner firepit all add to the charm of this opulent destination. Exclusive experiences here include indoor spa treatments, horse riding, sleeping under the stars, visiting a meerkat colony, touring rock art sites, and photographic safaris.
4. Santorini Villa da Praia – Mozambique
A luxury 3-bedroom villa that sleeps up to six people, Santorini Villa da Praia is set against the exquisite backdrop of Vilanculos. Thanks to its elevated position, this villa boasts incredible sea views that inspire relaxation – imagine a little piece of Greece in Africa.
During your stay you’ll be attended to by a dedicated host and private chef who will indulge your every whim. Exclusive activities range from island excursions, scenic helicopter flights, and horseback safaris to scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, yoga, and treatments at Spa Na Colina. After a day soaking up the sun, guests can look forward to extraordinary culinary experiences.
5. Victoria Falls River Lodge Rapids View Villa – Zimbabwe
In the wilds of Zambezi National Park along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Rapids View Villa offers travelers 5-star luxury close to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Two luxury family suites accommodate four adults and up to six children, making this idyllic destination perfect for small groups and families.
Guests can enjoy the services of a private butler and cool off on private decks with plunge pools overlooking the river. The villa offers a range of on-site activities as well as activities offered by nearby partners. Indulge in anything from a Chobe day trip and Victoria Falls helicopter flight to Zambezi river cruises and canopy tours.
6. Safari House by Natural Selection – Namibia
Located in the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, Safari House by Natural Selection is a traditional Namibian farmhouse featuring three ensuite bedrooms sleeping up to six guests, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and sitting area. Outside, lush green gardens surround a swimming pool, wraparound veranda, and two barbeque areas.
Available on an exclusive-use basis, Safari House is a great choice for a getaway with friends or family, with a private guide, safari vehicle, and chef to make your stay comfortable. Enjoy private night and day game drives, spot wildlife at the waterhole, or put your photography skills to the test in the double-tiered photography hide. This area of Namibia has a healthy population of rhinos, and Safari House donates a portion of its booking fees to the Rhino Protection Project, which combats poaching in the reserve.
7. Chongwe House – Zambia
Chongwe House is ideally situated on a peaceful stretch of the Chongwe River. This two-storey, four-bedroom house comfortably sleeps four to eight people and features private open-air bathtubs, waterfall showers, a large pool, and spacious indoor and outdoor lounges that will suit families and small groups down to the ground.
Guests can look forward to fine dining featuring local and seasonal ingredients, spotting elephants wading across the river, and simply relaxing in the midst of the untamed wilderness. A range of activities are on offer at Chongwe House, from private day and night game drives and walking safaris to canoeing safaris, boat cruises, and tiger fishing. All the while you’ll be looked after by a dedicated staff and guiding team.
8. Sirikoi House in Lewa – Kenya
Surrounded by 68,000 acres of pure wilderness in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House offers travelers three ensuite bedrooms – a master suite and separate bedroom cottage – in a spellbinding African location. In addition to a spacious central living and dining cottage, guests can look forward to private meals and sundowners at the fire pit deck overlooking the wetland. This unique destination also features your own private safari vehicle, guide, and dedicated team of staff.
While you’ll be tempted to just relax at the house, there are a range of activities available to make the most of your Kenya ranch living holiday. Take a morning, evening, or night game drive to encounter the abundant wildlife in the conservancy, embark on a guided bush walk, go horse riding, take a helicopter trip, or indulge in some armchair game-viewing at the busy waterhole right in front of the deck.
9. Jabali Private House – Tanzania
Perfect for friends or families, Jabali Private House is an intimate exclusive-use property surrounded by ancient baobabs in Ruaha National Park. The house features three bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, and a private pool overlooking the dense forest. A dedicated team comprising a private chef, guide, and safari vehicle are on hand to tend to your every need. The park itself is famous for its healthy herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as its bold lions, which have been known to hunt giraffes and even elephants.
Activities at Jabali Private House include day and night game drives, bush brunches, immersive walking safaris with experienced guides and local trackers, and photographic safaris in specially modified photographic vehicles. Safari vehicles are open-sided six-seaters with removable canvas roof and sides, maximizing the sense of being out in the wilderness. When you’re done exploring, head over to the Asilia Spa at Jabali Ridge for a rejuvenating massage and treatment.
10. Thanda Island
Situated on an uninhabited, 8-hectare tropical island in the Shungi Mbili Marine Reserve, Thanda Island has repeatedly been voted by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island. This single-key villa has five air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the beach and can comfortably sleep 10 adults, with additional beds for children. The island also features two traditional, open-air Tanzanian bandas – think spacious beach chalets.
During your stay, which includes your own chef, hostess, housekeeper, activities guide, and boatman, you’ll have access to the villa’s 36-foot adventure yacht, 28-foot deep-sea fishing cat, and 34-foot motor cruiser, all run by the highly experienced captain and crew. Guests have a choice of thrilling activities, including sailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and island tennis. After all the action, indulge in a spa treatment and massage.
This new collection of private villa experiences offered by Discover Africa offer families and groups of friends the very best of luxury holiday living. Whether you’re after a tropical island escape or a Big Five safari, a Discover Africa safari expert can help make your dreams of a private villa experience come true.
Author: Devryn Panaino
Published: 1 December 2023
Last Update: 30 January 2024