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A safari in private will ruin you for all future safaris – if there are three or four of you often Africa’s most exclusive private houses can provide you with a haven of your own, far from the madding crowd and surrounded by beautiful landscapes and wildlife. There are tonnes of options for private safaris, some of which include two bedroom luxury tented suites with private sitting rooms, whereas others include vast private houses which are ideal for those not wanting to see another soul. They often work out more economic than the camps themselves and to have that little piece of private Africa to yourself really does make all the difference. Here we discuss Southern Africa’s top private safari options, we also have plenty in East Africa which will blow you away, but let’s start with these:
Leobo Private Conservancy – Waterberg, South Africa
Leobo is out of this world, not only do you get one of Africa’s most amazing private houses to yourself but you also get a vast private conservancy, so essentially you really do have a rather large chunk of Africa for your own. The private house is magical with modern and stylish décor, fully staffed with amazing guides and chefs, and exceptionally comfortable furnishings. There is also a lodge for those groups that need more space than the three bedroom (one childs bedroom) private house (known as the Observatory). Here the emphasis is on freedom to explore and one can walk, quad bike, ride, take helicopter trips, sleep out above the hippo dam and much more. A favourite of guests here is to have a day’s paint balling using the helicopter and the quads – Leobo represents private African safaris at their best.
Chitwa House – Sabi Sands, Kruger
Chitwa Chitwa Lodge has long been known as one of the best in this amazing area, and their private house is no exception. The lodge is owned by an artist so everything is quirky and unique, no two rooms are the same and the private house is done in a way that feels very glamorous and exclusive. Chitwa House has access to one of the best areas for private safaris in all of Africa and the excellent guides will show you wildlife sightings you only dream of. Safaris here are always private with your own expert guide at your disposal.
The Zindoga Villa – Kapama, Kruger
The Zindoga Villa is attached to the world famous Camp Jabulani, famous for it’s habituated herds of elephant which provide wonderful walking and elephant riding safaris through the game rich bush. The Zindoga Villa is extremely luxurious and when you head off on your afternoon elephant ride your elephants will meet you outside the villa itself – it doesn’t get more private than this since you literally don’t have to see another soul.
Tswalu Tarkuni – Kalahari, South Africa
The vast openness of this amazing private reserve in South Africa’s chunk of the Kalahari is breathtaking and so it remains one of the top places in Africa for a safari in private. The Kalahari has so much to offer compared to other parts of Africa including meerkats, and black maned Kalahari lions. Tswalu Tarkuni has recently been re done having previously been the owners house, where they would take their own much prized private safaris. It’s modern and spoiling suites each have their own magical star beds so you can sleep out under the milky way whenever you like. Nothing can compare to a private safari at Tswalu Tarkuni, it really is amazing.
Chinzombo Family Villa – South Luangwa, Zambia
Chinzombo has so much to offer a family of three or four, their two bedrooms suites are magical all with views directly down to the river, a hub for animals coming to drink. The suites are vast with huge plunge pools and private verandahs with comfy chairs. They are ideal for those that want to pick and choose just how private they are, and the game viewing in the South Luangwa is out of this world, with leopard round every corner and some of the most beautiful sunsets you will be treated to anywhere on safari.
Sausage Tree Camp, Kigelia House – Lower Zambezi
Sausage Tree Camp boasts one of the finest locations in all of Africa, located on the mighty Zambezi River itself this amazing camp has so much to offer those looking for a private safari – firstly every single room gets a private guide whether you book their luxury private house or not. Kigelia House has it’s own pool and two bedrooms, with a vast and comfy sitting area in the middle ideal for lazing away the hours, watching hippos and elephants in the river below you. The game viewing here is amazing with very few other people around and some of the best private guides you will ever meet.
Sandibe Okavango – The Okavango Delta, Botswana
Sandibe Okavango is a luxury lodge which has been refurbished to such a high standard that it’s hard to imagine being so spoilt anywhere else in Africa. Their family suite offers the perfect luxury private suite for those that want to go on safari together – here you will not only stay in one of the most luxurious lodges in all of Botswana but you can stay together in this private option for families. The light bounces off the modern but understated décor in a way which is so beautiful you won’t know what’s hit you. Game is often wondering around camp and you will have great fun game viewing from the privacy of your verandah.
Zarafa Dhow Suites – Selinda, Botswana
The Zarafa Dhow Suites blow every other private safari option out of the water and we’re not surprised – owned and run by some of the most famous safari industry giants this amazing set of private houses provides an escape for everyone from families wanting privacy to celebrities and big wigs. Here the game viewing is also exceptionally private as you have a vast area of land to explore alone, without another soul in sight.