Our top 10 Private African Houses
We made a top 10 selection of our favorite Private African Houses. There are actually plenty of these stunning small hotels and villas all over Southern and Eastern Africa.
So while we only mention ten in this list, it would be perfectly possible to tour around any of the destinations we offer from Namibia to Kenya in complete privacy. Feel free to contact us to send you an overview of all the amazing Private African Houses we have visited and in our portfolio for your next safari!
1. The Nest
Sossusvlei – Namibia
The Nest in Namibia is not only an absolutely unique piece of architecture but also fantastically located near Sossusvlei, on the edge of an oasis valley within the desert! There are only 3 large bedrooms within this design-award winning Nest, so it can host up to 6 adults and 4 children in their own children’s room. You can make the Nest part of your self-drive safari or fly-in itinerary around Namibia. Contact us to design you a tailored trip with more private home options in the rest of this unbelievably stunning country!
2. Azulik Private Lodge
Bazaruto – Mozambique
Located on top of a sand-dune on the tip of the San Sebastián peninsula in the south of the Bazaruto archipelago this private lodge is absolutely stunning for a small group of 8 or less. The beach is also located within a wildlife sanctuary, with a variety of free-roaming game, including Zebra, Kudu, Eland, and Sable Antelopes!
3. Mara Bush Houses
Masaai Mara – Kenya
Tucked far away from the busy touristic area’s of the Mara Triagle these two Mara Bush Houses are a private fantastic getaway for families of a small group of friends. Your own ranger and house-team will make sure that you get to enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience that is the Maasai Mara, from the luxury of a private home in the bush.
4. Chongwe River House
Lower Zambezi – Zambia
Another spectacular private getaway is the Chongwe River House. With room for only 8 in 4 suites, this place has a sensational view over the Chongwe River! The design is inspired by the shape of termite hills and blends into nature. The large private pool and deck look out onto the breathtaking vistas of the Zambezi river.
At Chongwe River House you also get your own guide and private chef, allowing you to choose your own pace for safari and meals. Exploring the amazing surroundings can also be done by boat or in canoes!
5. Jabali Private House
Rauha – Tanzania
The complete wood-build Jabali House has very large decks connecting on three sleeping rooms, for up to six guests. The shared areas haven a lounge and an open-plan kitchen and a very large plunge pool. The big windows are covered with classic shutters and its roof is created from a mixture of bush materials giving the house a rough feel on the outside. But inside the décor is very cosy and modern with wood furniture.
The house is set next to the river in one of the best areas for Ruaha to spot the wildlife, which you also help to protect thanks to your stay here.
>> More on Tanzania
6. White Sand Beach Villa
Zanzibar – Tanzania
The White Sand Beach Villas are set along the eastern coast of the main island of Zanzibar. Each private villa is almost 500 sq. meters large and surrounded by a lush, tropical private garden op almost 1500 sq meters with direct views over the Indian Ocean! Your chef serves daily fresh-caught fish and greens from their own vegetable garden. All dished here are of course enhanced by the famous spices of Zanzibar! The spices are even used in all their spa treatments. Whether you prefer loungers, snorkeling, diving or kitesurfing, the warm blue waters Zanzibar are the ideal stopover after your safari in Africa.
7. Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Sabi Sands – South Africa
In the middle of the Sabi Sand Reserve, where the leopards roam, next to the world-famous Kruger Park you find the game heaven known as Londolozi! This amazing wildlife reserve is one of our favorite destinations in South Africa and home to 5 unique camps. The smallest and more private camp among them is the Pioneer Camp, hidden deep within an ancient forest. With only three suites this is the ideal home-away-from-home in the middle of the African bushveld. Their modern design is filled with historical touches like old photographs and gramophones. Your private chef serves mouth-watering meals in by the campfire under a starlit sky. Your daily adventures consist out of game drives or bush walks and even cultural visits to a Shangaan village are possible.
8. Tusitiri private Dhow
Lamu – Kenya
The somewhat strange duck in this row of private getaways must be this Tusitiri Dhow. Not a lodge or a camp, but your own private boat, with crew and chef to sail the Indian Ocean through the Lamu Archipelago along the Kenyan Coast. The Swahili inspired dishes served on board were for us some of the best foods we had in all of Kenya! Book your stay on this private Dhow for you and your friends or family. The Tusitiri team operates from March until October and looks forward to welcoming you onboard in Lamu!
9. The Private Hide
Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe
The Private Hide is a satellite camp of the famous Hide, deep inside Hwange Park, just 4 hours south of the Victoria Falls. Set overlooking its own waterhole, the Private Hide is a relatively simple camp, where guests are accommodated in only 3 tents and offering the full range of safari activities. Ideal for private groups of up to six adults and four children.
10. Serengeti House
Grumeti – Serengeti – Tanzania
Specifically created for families and small groups of friends, the Singita Serengeti House has only 4 bedrooms overlooking the local waterhole and plains of the Serengeti. The natural wood and stone construction is a stunning example of a private safari house: open-plan designed with both the sun and shade in mind! The large terraces seamlessly flow over into the plains. Next to your own pool this villa also has its own tennis court!
These Private African Houses can each be booked at part of your next African adventure. Have a look at our many destinations or at all the other fantastic lodges and accommodations we’ve visited and selected as great places to stay to create the ultimate safari experience.