Private Safari Houses

If you are looking for an exclusive safari experience that you want to share with friends or family then consider booking into one of Southern Africa’s Private Safari Houses and have it all to yourselves!  I can speak from personal experience of how amazing this is; being lucky enough to celebrate a milestone birthday a few years ago at Chongwe River House in Zambia.  Complete pampering is the order of the day, with your own private safari guide and a team of talented kitchen staff to cater for your every culinary whim!

So the next time you have an upcoming special occasion that you want to spend with those closest to you, think Private Safari House and create some memories to last a lifetime.

Below we have reviewed just a small selection of wonderful private houses and villas any of which would be just perfect for an anniversary or birthday celebration or even a Family Christmas or Easter getaway in the African bush.

Uplands Homestead, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Description:  A stately 1905 colonial-style farmhouse, Uplands has been lovingly restored to retain the charm and grace of yester year. Refined interiors open to rolling lawns, a pool and sweeping slopes.

How many:  Sleeps 6 guests: 3 x en-suite, double bedrooms

Children are welcome at Uplands and the spacious grounds and malaria-free reserve are ideal for families.  Child minding is available.

Activities:  Morning and afternoon game drives, big game walking safaris and bush walks, fishing, morning visits and volunteering activities at community centre.

Highlights:  Malaria-free game reserve, so perfect for younger children.  Additional optional activities include photographic safaris, rhino conservation and notching, camp-fire cooking and spa treatments.

Fort House, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Description:  This elegant, sole-use 4 bedroom villa boasts elevated views over the wide open plains of the reserve and the Great Fish River Valley. It combines the charm of a safari lodge with the conveniences of a modern home, offering privacy and an abundance of space. A terrace, covered dining area, heated pool and sunken, outdoor boma allow guests to spend time soaking up the beauty of the surrounds. Comfy entertainment and living areas are ideal for quality family time. Private staff cater to guests’ meal and safari requirements offering families convenience and flexibility.

How many:  Sleeps up to 4 adults & 4 children: 2 x master en-suite rooms & 2 en-suite twin rooms

Children of all ages are welcome. A child under 2 yrs can be accommodated in a cot. Extensive lawns have a perimeter fence so kids have lots of space to play in a safe environment.

Activities:  A dedicated ranger and private vehicle ensure a tailor-made and flexible safari including game drives and guided walks.

Highlights:  Expansive lawns & outdoor boma. View over plains & waterhole.  Heated rim-flow pool.  Wine cellar & spa treatment room.

Motswari Geiger’s Camp, Timbavati Game Reserve, Kruger

Description:  Colonial and intimate in style, this property is constructed of rock and stone and artistically decorated.  Geiger’s Camp was once a traditional family home and ideal for families, or small groups of friends.  It’s 3 sumptuous bedrooms with bathrooms feature Victorian baths, each have a private verandah. The communal areas include a library/lounge just perfect for relaxing with a book as well as boma, swimming pool and dining deck.

How many:  Sleeps max 6:   3 x Luxury Rooms.

Children:  Children under the age of 16 are welcome when the camp is taken on an exclusive-use basis. No children under 6 are permitted on game drives and between the ages of 6 – 9 may only join game drives at the discretion of the guide. Children must be 16 years and over for bush walks and 18 and over for the Overnight Safari Walk Experience.  Au-pair services can be provided when requested at the time of reservation.

Activities:  Twice daily game drives and game walks.

Highlights:  Lovely pool area with stunning views.  Pampering spa treatments.  Optional dinner & treehouse sleep-out in “Giraffe’s Nest.”  Motswari has its own airstrip.

Singita Castleton Camp, Sabi Sand Reserve, Kruger

Description:  Steeped in history and capturing the spirit of the original family home, Castleton was designed to combine the elements of a private safari lodge with the rustic charms of a farmhouse. The main house enjoys attractive living spaces and 6 cottages are scattered about the grounds.

How many:  Sleeps 12 guests: 6 x doubles/twins, en-suite – individual cottages

Children:  Children of all ages are welcome at Singita. In the interest of safety, participation of children in any game activities (drives/walks/bike rides) is at the discretion of their guide. Children’s activities include games, baking with chef, community visits and archery. A mini rangers’ course covers: tracking, astronomy, survival techniques, quizzes and more.

Activities:  Day and night game drives, bush walks, archery and mountain biking. Optional community visits.

Highlights:  Garden, pool, traditional boma, gym, tennis court and treatment room. Overlooking an active waterhole.  Courtyard and country-kitchen.

Morukuru River House, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, South Africa

Description:  This luxury private house on the banks of a river, enjoys European styling blended with handpicked African pieces. 3 well-appointed rooms, spacious central areas and a wonderful indoor and outdoor flow complete this appealing safari home.

How many:  Sleeps 6 adults & 4 children: 3 x double, en-suite bedrooms and 1 x family room with bunks for 4 children

Children:  All ages are welcome at Morukuru and permitted on game drives. A host of activities are provided to keep the kids entertained such as spoor tracking, biscuit baking, beading and mini bush walks.  A nanny service is available.

Activities:  Game drives, bush walks and fishing.

Highlights:  Bath tubs with bush views and a heated infinity pool.  Malaria-free reserve.  Safari drumming, massage treatments and Madikwe Hide.

Chongwe River House, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Description:  Exclusive use and stunning safari house set on the banks of the Chongwe River, fully staffed with guide, house manager and private chef.  Four open fronted bedrooms.  Each room has an en-suite shower, double vanity and w.c.  The two upstairs rooms have an outside bath.  Open plan dining area, lounge, expansive deck and good size swimming pool with amazing views over the Zambezi River.

How many:  Maximum 8 guests – Four bedrooms with kingsize or twin beds – 2 upstairs and 2 downstairs.

Children:  Children 7 and up welcome with lots of activities to keep them occupied.  Children younger than 7  years on request.

Activities: Create your own safari schedule and timings for game drives, bush walks, canoeing and boat safaris.

Highlights:  The Award winning design of this private house!  Unique showers and bathrooms – waterfall showers

Okonjima’s Grand African House, Okonjima, Namibia

Description:  The luxurious Villa at Okonjima overlooks a natural waterhole in an unfenced secluded part of the Reserve. Designed with older families and small groups of friends in mind.  All of the bedrooms have indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning and heating, open verandas with panoramic views.

The main area combines a large dining and sitting area with a warming fireplace, a spacious deck with an infinity swimming pool, comfortable sala and large fire pit.  Also modern kitchen facilities stocked with food and drink.

How many:  The Villa has 2 separate, private luxury suites and 2 select, chic, ensuite bedrooms in the Main House which together can accommodate groups of up to 8 adults and 4 children

Children:  Age limited to 12 years and older.

Highlights:   Your personal chef will cater for your party, along with a personal host and guide to attend to all your requirements.  Stays at the Villa allow guests to set the pace with total flexibility of activities allowing guests to indulge their interests, whether that be Okonjima’s predators, birding or simply relaxing.

Tswalu Tarkuni, Kalahari Game Reserve, Northern Cape, South Africa

Description:  An exclusive private homestead with 5 luxurious suites, Tarkuni is a serene oasis with beautiful open-plan central spaces and a covered deck leading to a sala and pool.  Set in 110,000 hectares

How many: Sleeps up to 10 guests: 5 x en-suite, double rooms

Children:  All children are welcome and this is a malaria-free reserve. The junior ranger programme includes activities such as archery, spoor identification and tracking. Children receive a welcome backpack.  Free baby-sitting is available around the clock.

Activities:  Game drives, bush walks and horse riding safaris. Bond with meerkats and have the chance to view black-maned lion and desert adapted black rhino.

Highlights:  Tranquil poolside deck.  Tswalu Kalahari Spa.  Malaria-free, child-friendly reserve.  Boma dinners, wine tastings and dune picnics.  Try the Malori sleep-out deck for a night under the stars.

So if you’re planning a group get-together whether with friends or perhaps a multi-generational holiday with family, then you can not do better than booking a safari in a private house or villa.

Call us on +44 (0)1722 445925 or complete an Enquiry Form to get the ball rolling and we will be pleased to start organising your party in the bush.