Discover How These Private Villas Offer the Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience

Villa rentals are no longer confined to Europe: exclusive-use properties accommodating large families or groups of friends are emerging throughout Africa. “The demand for these exclusive accommodations continues to rise,” shares Meg Shepro, a safari expert at Scott Dunn, the luxury travel operator. “These venues offer comfort and convenience for larger parties,” she adds, with private game drives led by personal guides. Here are three of our top recommendations. 

Lengishu, Kenya 

This stylish hillside lodge accommodates 12 guests and is nestled in the heart of the Borana Conservancy, home to a significant population of black and white rhinos, along with lions, leopards, and zebras. Available for booking through Scott Dunn; rates start at $10,000 per person for a five-night all-inclusive stay.

Time+Tide Chongwe House, Zambia

This stylish thatched-roof lodge, perched above a tributary of the Zambezi, can accommodate up to eight guests who can view elephants from the comfort of the property. Available for booking through True Travel; rates start at $10,225 per person for a six-night all-inclusive stay. 

Africa House at Royal Malewane, South Africa

Safari enthusiasts are praising this newly renovated lodge that accommodates 12 guests in the Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the predator-rich Greater Kruger National Park. Available for booking through Explore, Inc.; rates start at $15,075 per night, all-inclusive.

This article first appeared in the September 2023 issue of Dinogo under the title "Privacy Please."