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Private African Houses

Author: Lucinda Rome

Imagine having your own house on safari – a real home away from home with spectacular views over the surrounding landscape and wildlife.   The idea’s not as far-fetched as it might sound.  There is an array of options on offer, whether you want to safari in Kenya, Zambia, Namibia or South Africa, stay at the beach in Malawi, Mozambique or the Kenyan coast, or take in some of the sights of the Cape. 

Safari houses have all the benefits of traditional safari camps with excellent game viewing and luxury accommodation, and best of all – everything is tailored to your own requirements, with your own private guide, private chef and house manager:  Perfect for a family group or friends travelling together.

When I worked in Luangwa House in Zambia, it was not unusual for guests to forego a game drive and just watch the wildlife come to them.   Sometimes upwards of 50 elephant would be at the lagoon in front of the house doing what elephants do best – having a mud bath and entertaining.  This stunning four bedroom house with its own private pool combines beautifully with other private houses in Zambia, for example, Chongwe River House in the Lower Zambezi National Park with its magnificent river views, and Tangala House in Livingstone, perfect for visiting the world famous Victoria Falls.

Great examples in Kenya include Topi, Mara and Acacia Houses – all in the Masai Mara and slap bang on the wildebeest migration route with plenty of game right at the front door.   You can swim in the pool and watch the wildlife on the plains below, then take the vehicle to see what can be discovered further afield.   Other houses in different regions of Kenya combine very well to give another perspective of the country .  In the north is Ol Malo House where Samburu guides delight in sharing their unique culture,  or Lewa House where you can ride camels and horses, or fly in bi-planes alongside some great game viewing in the Lewa Conservancy.

The Kenyan coastline boasts properties of differing size and style, but all offer a private retreat on the Indian Ocean.  Kizingoni Beach Houses at the end of a secluded private beach in the south of Lamu Island cater to every whim, with a private chef, waiting staff and a boat for picnic and snorkelling excursions.   For barefoot luxury look no further than Kikapu Cottages, just south of Malindi.  Again all your needs are looked after by attentive personal staff, and the Indian Ocean is on your doorstep for snorkelling, fishing trips, scuba diving and a swimming pool. There is enough to keep the most active entertained, whilst also providing the perfect environment in which to relax.

South Africa’s Cape region, with a multitude of delights on offer, is well populated with gorgeous villas, houses and apartments, particularly in Cape Town.   Many offer a concierge service to arrange cultural tours, restaurant bookings and theatre tickets.   For a truly exclusive holiday try combining a Cape villa with Jembisa or Ant’s Nest in the malaria-free Waterberg region to the north of Johannesburg.  Both were originally private houses and now offer game drives, bush walks, swimming, horse riding and elephant back safaris.  

In many cases taking a property on an exclusive basis gives great value for money, and can be more cost effective than taking separate tents and rooms.  Typically single supplements will not be charged as you are taking the whole property, and children stay for reduced rates ensuring that you have a wonderful, private holiday in a stunning location,  at prices more affordable for a large family or group.   

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