The day’s activities are over.
You’ve just returned from an afternoon game drive where you came across a large herd of lumbering, playful elephants and a lone male lion on the move. You had sundowners next to the river and listened to the calls of baboons and the hippos splashing in the water. Now, you’re reclining next to the fire under a growing expanse of stars with a glass of world-class shiraz in your hand, while your private chef prepares your three-course dinner. Could life get any better?
Yes. Yes, it could.
You could share the experience with your favourite people. You could be staying in a private villa with your closest family and friends. That game drive could be in a private vehicle so that it feels like you have one of Africa’s finest game reserves all to yourselves.
Welcome to the glories of private villas. These often make for the “Best holiday of our lives,” as the African experience coupled with your family or friends create remarkable and truly memorable group holidays.
Many lodges offer something for groups, often with a private vehicle and personal chef to ensure that your trip is perfectly catered for and as exclusive as can be. Below are some of the best exclusive-use villas in Africa.
Kings Camp Waterbuck – Timbavati
The main attraction in the Timbavati Game Reserve is the astonishing diversity and abundance of wildlife species that inhabit the reserve. And the Waterbuck Private Villa at Kings Camp is a great place to take in that diversity. The villa has four bedrooms with its own Landrover and game ranger, as well a personal butler and chef to take care of your group’s every need.
Singita Serengeti House – Grumeti
The untouched wilderness of the Grumeti Game Reserve is located in northern Tanzania and forms part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, on the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park – Africa’s No.1 World Heritage Site. When not ogling at the wildlife your group can relax at the Singita Serengeti House, which is set on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill within the Grumeti Reserve. Itineraries, meals and activities are tailor-made in accordance with guest needs. There is a private 25-metre lap pool in front of the main house, tennis court, dedicated staff, ample space and all the delightful trimmings one can hope for.
Tswalu Tarkuni – Kalahari
Tswalu is the largest private game reserve in South Africa and is home to over 70 species of mammals. Tarkuni is one of Tswalu’s two exclusive lodges, which have both been recognised for their excellent service by Relais & Châteaux. Tarkuni is settled between two mountain ranges with five luxurious suites and its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure meticulous and completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker complete this bespoke safari experience.
Ellerman House – Cape Town
Something a little different, Ellerman House has two luxury villas available for exclusive use that offer an incredible base from which to explore the city of Cape Town. Infinity pools, sophisticated decor, oodles of space and heart-stopping views await you at one of Cape Town’s finest hotels.
La Cle des Montagnes – Cape Winelands
With panoramic views of the Franschhoek vineyards and mountains, La Cle des Montagnes has four unique and sophisticated villas, which are set on a working wine and plum estate, surrounded by vineyards, orchards and the magnificent Simonsberg Mountains. The villas offer a self-catering escape ideal for celebrating special occasions, family holidays or as a base for exploring the magnificent Cape Winelands and tasting the excellent wines they produce.
Singita Castleton – Sabi Sand
On 18,000ha of private land in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Kruger Park, Singita Castleton Camp is a prime spot for game-viewing. The main house boasts a farm-style kitchen, wine cellar, spa treatment room, gym, tennis court, boma, and trampoline while accommodation is found in the six cottages surrounding the camp ensuring privacy. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations due to its abundant animals and high chances of close encounters with Africa’s big cats.
Tintswalo Manor House – Manyeleti Game Reserve
The 23,000-hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve offers a more secluded safari experience than other reserves in the Kruger National Park area. Game drives and walks are offered, bringing guests up close and personal with the wildlife in the area. Manyeleti is a prime destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, bird-watchers, and photographers. And Tintswalo Manor House is the perfect base for your group. The luxurious villa is self-contained with fully equipped kitchen, dining room, lounge, boma, and swimming pool, and is served by a full-time chef, ranger and butler.