Let’s be honest – although hotels are luxurious & amazing, spending a lot of time in a hotel room with (small) children, is not quite what Mum & Dad had in mind when planning a family holiday!
The ideal is to have a home-away-from-home environment – with ample space for the little ones to run around, a swimming pool, fun-filled activities & relaxing zones for Mum & Dad! We are sure that all parents will agree: Happy kids, happy parents!
So, if you are travelling with your family, the first prize is to stay in private villas where you’ll have all of the above, plus dedicated staff who will look after your every need.
We have compiled a list of our favourite African villas, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
1. Morukuru Houses, Madikwe Game Reserve – South Africa
Morukuru Family Houses consists of 3 exclusive bush villas located in the malaria-free Madikwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa. These private villas include Morukuru Farm House, Morukuru Owner’s House & Morukuru River House - each villa complete with a dedicated hosting couple, butler, cleaning staff, ranger & tracker. Private, intimate & secluded – Morukuru Family offers an exclusive safari to the discerning traveller.
2. La Cle des Montagnes, Wine Route – South Africa
La Cle des Montagne offers luxurious villa-style living in the heart of the Franschhoek valley in the Cape Winelands District. Sophisticated, stylish & breathtakingly beautiful – these opulent villas are located on a working wine estate, surrounded by picturesque vineyards, plum orchards & spectacular mountains.
3. Kwandwe Villas – Kwandwe Private Game Reserve – South Africa
The world-class Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is nestled in the heart of South Africa’s unspoilt Eastern Cape Province in a malaria-free private wilderness & is home to 5 lodges, of which 3 can be booked on an exclusive-use basis: Kwandwe Melton Manor, Kwandwe Fort House & Kwandwe Uplands Homestead. The 22,000-hectare reserve flanks both the north & south banks of the Great Fish River, attracting a variety of game, including the Big 5.
4. Singita Kataza House, Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
Singita Kataza House is an exclusive-use luxury private villa situated at the foot of the Volcanoes National Park & is a haven for trekkers to unwind after coming face to face with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Since the villa can only be booked on an exclusive-use basis, guests will enjoy the perks of having a personal chef, host, guide & safari vehicle throughout their stay.
5. Grootbos Private Villas, Whale Route – South Africa
Grootbos Nature Reserve is a private eco-reserve located on the beautiful Whale Coast & boasts three 5-star accommodation options, each designed to reflect the exquisite natural setting without compromising on style & luxury. Grootbos Private Villas are the last word in secluded luxury & come complete with a private chef, butler & nature guide.
6. Lion Sands Fish Eagle Villa, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa
Lion Sands Fish Eagle Villa is an exclusive & private piece of paradise on the banks of the Sabie River in the world-famous Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
The villa is part of Lion Sands Ivory Lodge but operates & functions privately so that guests have an exclusive safari experience. The southern section of the Sabi Sand Reserve is well known for its sensational Big 5 game viewing & regular cat sightings.
7. Lion Sands Hi’Nkweni Villa, Kruger Private Concession – South Africa
Lion Sands Hi’Nkweni Villa is part of Lion Sands Tinga Lodge but operates & functions privately so that guests have an exclusive safari experience. The 5,000-hectare private concession invites a variety of wildlife & exciting safari activities. Guests can explore off-road driving, night drives, follow in the footsteps of a leopard, track down a herd of elephants, or simply wait for them to come to you.
8. Singita Serengeti House, Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Perched on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the private Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, lies the exclusive & elegant Singita Serengeti House. This exclusive safari haven is set in 350,000 acres of unrivalled wilderness that forms part of the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration. Elegant & refined, this private villa is an ideal choice for discerning travellers requiring the utmost privacy & relaxation.
9. Little Tubu, Okavango Delta – Botswana
Little Tubu is situated on the Okavango Delta’s Hunda Island, next to its sister camp, Tubu Tree, connected to it by boardwalks. Hunda Island is the largest area of permanently dry land in the Okavango Delta. Because the camp is situated in an area with the most palatable grasses, animals flock here daily & often guests can experience fantastic plains game viewing from the main viewing deck. Little Tubu only has 3 suites, which means that the entire camp can be booked on an exclusive-use basis.
10. More Quarters, Cape Town – South Africa
More Quarters offers their guests exactly that….More. More space, more luxury & more personal service. Operating exactly like a hotel, guests will still enjoy the benefits of a hotel – including concierge, breakfast, daily cleaning & personal attention, while enjoying extra comforts like space & privacy. More Quarters is ideal for families, groups or couples interested in a little bit more. Guests will be able to choose between one & two-bedroom apartments as well as Redcliffe House - a three-bedroom villa, all set within a quiet haven close to the trendy Kloof Street.
11. Wolwedans Private Camp, Sossusvlei – Namibia
Wolwedans Private Camp is located within a quiet & idyllic valley in Sossusvlei’s Namib Rand Nature Reserve in Namibia. It is the perfect getaway for travellers seeking uncompromising privacy & solitude. Sossusvlei is famous for its gorgeous red sand dunes, dramatic landscape, excellent photographic opportunities & hot-air balloon safaris.
12. Jabali Private House, Ruaha National Park – Tanzania
Jabali Private House is an exclusive-use safari villa set within one of Tanzania’s most remote wildlife destinations: The Ruaha National Park, home to the largest lion & elephant populations in Africa. With a private chef, guide & safari vehicle – guests will be able to enjoy an intimate & private safari with their loved ones in a remote wilderness setting.
13. Singita Castleton, Sabi Sand Reserve – South Africa
Singita Castleton is – without a doubt - one of the Greater Kruger’s best private villas. Located in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Singita provides excellent game viewing year-round. The villa is ideal for families or friends who are looking for a private safari experience. Guests staying at Singita Castleton will have their own staff – including a private chef, guide, tracker & host – ensuring service of only the highest standard.
14. Tintswalo Manor House, Manyeleti Reserve – South Africa
Tintswalo Manor House is an exclusive villa located in the private Manyeleti Reserve in the Greater Kruger. The villa can only be booked on an exclusive use basis & is ideal for families or a group of friends looking for a private safari experience.
15. Bungalow 52, Clifton 4th Beach (Cape Town) – South Africa
Bungalow 52 is an exclusive beach villa that boasts one of the best locations in Cape Town – just a few steps from the fashionable Clifton 4th Beach. This tri-level 3-bedroom beach villa provides an unspoilt beach experience less than 10 steps from your front door & is a short walk from some of Cape Town’s golden beaches, including the glamorous Camps Bay.
16. Little Ruckomechi, Mana Pools – Zimbabwe
Little Ruckomechi is located within the private Ruckomechi Concession & one of only a handful of lodges scattered around Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. The camp offers a true wilderness experience combined with ‘just the right amount’ of luxury. For exclusive-use bookings, there are 4 tents available so guests will have the entire camp all to themselves.
17. Robin’s House, South Luangwa – Zambia
The exclusive Robin’s House enjoys a lovely setting on the banks of the Luangwa River in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. With breathtaking views of the river, this private Zambia villa - previously the home of the owner, Robin Pope - is the ideal safari choice for families who want to reconnect at their own pace. A private guide, safari vehicle & chef will be at your disposal when staying at Robin’s House, so guests can enjoy a flexible schedule when it comes to activities & mealtimes.
































