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These Private Villas Are the Ultimate Way to Do a Luxury Safari — Take a Look

Flora Stubbs
·2-min read

Exclusive-use villas are the latest in exceptional safari offerings. Here are a few of our favorites.

<p>Backdrop Production/Courtesy of </p> A lodge of one’s own at Lengishu, on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau

Backdrop Production/Courtesy of

A lodge of one’s own at Lengishu, on Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau

Villa rentals are no longer a strictly European phenomenon: exclusive-use properties that can host a big family — or a group of friends — are popping up across Africa. “Demand for these exclusive stays continues to grow,” says Meg Shepro, a safari specialist at Scott Dunn, the luxury tour operator. “These properties provide comfort and ease for big groups,” she notes, with game drives just for you and yours, led by private guides. Here are three of our favorites.

Lengishu, Kenya

<p>Backdrop Production/Courtesy of Lengishu</p> Bedroom cottage at Lengishu

Backdrop Production/Courtesy of Lengishu

Bedroom cottage at Lengishu

This chic hillside lodge that sleeps 12 is in the heart of the Borana Conservancy, which has a sizable population of black and white rhinos, as well as lions, leopards, and zebras. Book through Scott Dunn; from $10,000 per person for five nights, all-inclusive.

Time+Tide Chongwe House, Zambia

<p>Courtesy of Time + Tide</p> The pool at Time + Tide Chongwe House

Courtesy of Time + Tide

The pool at Time + Tide Chongwe House

At this elegant thatched-roof lodge overlooking a tributary of the Zambezi, up to eight guests can spot elephants without even stepping off-property. Book through True Travel; from $10,225 per person for six nights, all-inclusive. 

<p>Courtesy of Time + Tide</p> Elephants on safari at Chongwe

Courtesy of Time + Tide

Elephants on safari at Chongwe

Africa House at Royal Malewane, South Africa

Safari pros rave about this recently renovated lodge with room for 12 in the Thornybush Game Reserve, part of predator-rich Greater Kruger National Park. Book through Explore, Inc.; from $15,075 per night, all-inclusive.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Privacy Please."

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