Our Favourite 5 Private Reserves in Africa

Our 5 Favourite Private Reserves in Africa

And Why You Should Add Them to Your Safari Bucket List

Skip the overcrowded National Park tourist traps and enjoy an exclusive experience with unrivalled wildlife sightings at one of Africa’s top private reserves.

 

1. Sabi Sands Private Game ReserveSouth Africa

This sprawling 65 000 hectare private game reserve actually shares a border with the Kruger National Park. 

It’s renowned the world over for its close encounters with wildlife – most notably the elusive leopard. Visitors can expect once-in-a-lifetime sightings and unparalleled photo opportunities within the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the reserve, which offers a rich biodiversity thanks to its position between the Sabi and Sand Rivers. 

In addition to its famous leopard sightings and great numbers of game, the reserve is beloved by bird watchers for its over 300 species of birds.  

Known by many as ‘the ultimate African safari destination’, Sabi Sands offers guests the opportunity to marvel at the Big 5 in five-star style, with a range of fantastic luxury lodges catering to all preferences. 

Our favourite place to stay? Singita Boulders Lodge

2. Ongava Private Game ReserveNamibia

One of the largest private game reserves in Namibia and located next to Etosha National Park, Ongava offers 35 000 hectares of unspoiled nature, impressive wildlife, and four luxurious accommodation options. 

A highlight for most is the strong likelihood of spotting the near-threatened white rhino, plus the opportunity to see one of the few remaining critically endangered black rhino. 

Three prides of lion also roam the reserve, as well as great numbers of elephant, giraffe, and several species of antelope. 

When not enjoying game drives, nature walks, photographic expeditions or simply lounging on your private deck, you can check out the conservation efforts of the reserve’s unique research centre

Our favourite place to stay? Ongava Anderssons Camp

3. Lolldaiga HillsKenya

This 20 000 hectare livestock ranch and wildlife conservancy is ideally located at the foot of Mount Kenya

In contrast to the Maasai Mara (or ‘Mass Mara’, as we like to call it), Lolldaiga offers a quieter, more exclusive way to immerse yourself in Kenya’s famous natural splendour. 

You can expect to spot elephant, buffalo, lion, hyena, jackal, zebra (including the endangered Grevy’s zebra), vervet monkeys, baboons, and multiple species of game within its rolling hills, cedar forests, open grasslands, and wooded valleys. 

Although the more elusive leopard, cheetah and wild dog are harder to find, they are around for sightings by lucky guests. 

The Lolldaiga Hills Research Programme aims to conserve the wildlife that call the spectacular reserve home, and the team supports education and enterprise within the local community.

Stay in luxury and enjoy nature at its finest while making a difference to people and planet? You can certainly sign us up for that! 

Our favourite place to stay? The Safari Series

4. Amakhala Game ReserveSouth Africa

Looking for a family-friendly safari experience?

This private game reserve is perfect for all ages.

Located in the Eastern Cape, Amakhala Game Reserve is a malaria-free oasis offering over 7 000 hectares of pristine wilderness for lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, monkeys, tortoise and plenty of antelope species. Lucky guests have even spotted shy animals like hyena and bat-eared fox.

We love it because of all the unique ways to experience safari, including through walking safaris, horse safaris and private drives…all within an hour from Port Elizabeth. It’s the perfect end to a Cape Town and Garden Route tour!

With plenty of lodges to choose from, you’ll find an accommodation option that suits the whole family.

Our favourite place to stay? Bukela Game Lodge

5. Grumeti Game ReserveTanzania 

Serengeti National Park is probably one of the most famous national parks in Africa, but did you know that there’s a way to experience all its beauty away from the hustle and bustle of other tourists?

A private conservatory within the greater Serengeti ecosystem, this remote and beautiful corner of the Serengeti was created by the Tanzanian government to protect the annual wildebeest migration route – so you can expect to see plenty of them! There are also up to 60 individual lions roaming the reserve.

The remoteness makes for spectacular undisturbed game viewing, with a limited number of guests permitted at once.

Making the experience even more exclusive is the fact that the reserve is home only to the exquisite Singita Grumeti and andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge.

Our favourite place to stay? Singita Grumeti

Ready to safari in exclusivity and style at a private game reserve?

Contact us to create your very own bespoke private safari experience.