Africa is increasingly becoming a favorite destination for families and friends alike. And to accommodate this, absolutely beautiful private-use villas have been built in the most iconic and wild safari destinations. We are obviously slightly biased, but we cannot think of a better family holiday, than that of a safari.

Each of the exclusive-use lodges on this list tries to make the safari experience more flexible and unique. With a fleet of staff that are at your beck and call, you’re guaranteed to be well looked after during your stay. A dedicated butler sees to your every need, a private chef cooks up whatever your heart desires, and a personal guide and vehicle are available for game drives whenever you want. And to top it all off, each exclusive-use safari villa is the epitome of luxury and style,The complete family or small group is assured of a more intimate, personalized safari experience. We’ve compiled a list of the top exclusive-use safari lodges in Africa for you to explore.

Nyati House at Saruni Mara – Masai Mara

When you stay at Saruni Mara, you’ll be treated to boutique-level comfort in the depths of the African bush. It offers elegant cottages, one family villa and a private villa. You’ll be guided by Masai warriors and stay in a private wildlife concession neighboring the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Nyati House is a private safari villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a balcony. Come here for a safari experience that fits your schedule and provides all the amenities of home. It has excellent year around game viewing, ideal for those wanting to witness the Great Migration when the migration is there, day and night drives as well as walking safaris, and environmentally and community focused with Masai cultural experiences.

Duba Plains Suite – Botswana

Located in the famous Okavango Delta, this two-bedroom luxury tent is part of the exclusive Duba Plains Reserve, which spans an impressive 77,000 acres. The elevated room, which is made entirely of canvas, overlooks the bustling floodplains below. The tented home has two plunge pools that look out over the Delta, and each room has its own private balcony and bathroom. Your family may take their time on safari thanks to the Duba Plains Suite’s private host and chef, as well as a personal guide and private safari vehicle. Take a helicopter safari over the rivers, go on a night drive through the reserve, or explore the region’s wildlife from a flat-bottomed watercraft.

Lion Sands Fish Eagle Villa – South Africa

The Fish Eagle Villa at Lion Sands is one of their Ivory Lodge accommodations. But what really sets it apart is that it’s the ideal safari for a small family or group of friends that want some privacy. The villa has two deluxe bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, so four people can stay there comfortably. Together with the adjacent Bateleur Villa, this villa can sleep up to eight people in comfort.

Mara Bush House – Mara North Conservancy

There are probably not many things in the world that can compare to the feeling of waking up to a delicious breakfast with your loved ones while looking out over the hills of the Masai Mara. At Mara Bush House, you will have more exciting opportunities like this one to look forward to. This private safari villa in Kenya will serve as your base for exploring the private Mara North Conservancy on night drives and guided nature walks – luxuries that are not allowed in the national reserve – as well as engaging in traditional game drives while traveling through one of the most well-known locations in Africa.

Singita Serengeti House – Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is one of the best places to go in Africa to go on safari, and Singita Serengeti House, an exclusive-use house there, is one of the best places to stay. Serengeti House, located on the prestigious Grumeti Reserve, provides unparalleled views of the annual Wildebeest Migration. Tennis matches and laps in the 25-meter (82-foot) swimming pool are just two of the many options for keeping busy after the animals has moved on. The villa sleeps 8 in 4 spacious rooms, there is excellent year round game viewing and there is even a mini rangers program the kids as children of all ages are welcomed here.

Tintswalo Manor House – Manyeleti Reserve

Tintswalo Manor House is an absolute necessity if you want to take your family on a traditional safari. Children of all ages are welcome at this private safari property, where they can enjoy a specialized kids’ program, a swimming pool, and a securely enclosed garden. Staying in a private Kruger reserve like Manyeleti practically guarantees you and your family will see the Big 5 during your visit with excellent year round game viewing. They have a personalized children’s program, five en-suite bedrooms accommodate up to ten people, it is situated in the spectacular Manyeleti game reserve which is definitely one of the most underrated reserves in South Africa which has outstanding game viewing.

Thanda Island – Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve

Located in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Thanda Island is a private tropical paradise with its own coral reef. There is only one private villa on the island, which has five suites, and two rustic Tanzanian bandas for guests to stay in. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to swim with whale sharks or witness nesting and hatching turtles. You will be invited to participate in marine conservation initiatives such as marine animal monitoring and awareness sessions with locals from nearby Mafia Island. This is the perfect villa for families or a group of friends, with exceptional water activities which include snorkeling and diving, 100% off the grid with solar energy and rain water harvesting as well as a tennis court, gym and spa.

Get in touch with us and let us start planning the perfect family holiday with you, click the inquire now in the top right corner …