Private African homes

Booking a space on a guided wildlife safari is the way most visitors experience Africa. But theres another option few travelers know about that offers a more exclusive way to see the continent.

One can reserve their own luxury home deep in the African wilderness with an attentive staff at your beck and call offering the freedom to explore the countryside at leisure. These luxury estates, handpicked by African Safari Company, an agency that specializes in small group travel and custom safaris, are a perfect getaway for those looking for a unique travel experience off the typical path.

Set amidst two rolling mountain ranges, Tarkuni is the Oppenheimer familys own personal home at Tswalu Kalahari, the ultimate private sanctuary. Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, Tarkuni is an exceptional choice for families or groups of friends. Its five luxurious suites, each with a magnificent en-suite bathroom, accommodate a maximum of 10 guests. The home has its own dedicated team including a host and private chef to ensure a completely personal service. A private vehicle, personal field guide and tracker ensure an equally bespoke safari experience.

Tarkuni creates an oasis of serenity in the desert. Its quiet pool and shady salas offer calm and contemplation. Its own traditional boma (fenced enclosure) has seen many star-lit celebrations. And its beguiling charm has led many guests to return time and again to what has become their second home in the Kalahari.

Villa Saebin, set against Signal Hill in the suburban Tamboerskloof neighborhood, takes full advantage of the views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, the Stellenbosch Mountains, and the Durbanville Hills. The vertical spread of five levels has a private study at the entrance level (with a garage underneath) and three guest bedrooms on the level above. The living area on the fourth level includes open-plan living and dining areas, a sleek kitchen with Miele appliances, a yoga room, and a terrace with an L-shaped pool.

Nights are dreamy in the fifth-level master suite with a roof garden and terrace. Artworks from around the worlda mix of pieces highlighting contemporary African and Asia-Pacific influencesaccent the villa. Villa Saebin, which was completed in early 2014, comes with Wi-Fi, a home-entertainment system, and housekeeping service four days per week.

Zambia's Lower Zambezi is renowned throughout Africa for its magnificent herds of wild elephant, exceptional predator viewing and of course the Zambezi River. It's also home to one of the continents most spectacular and unique private homes. Chongwe River House sleeps eight in four spacious ensuite bedrooms, making an ideal safari base for a family or a group of friends wanting a private safari.

Chongwe River House stands on the banks of the Chongwe River, close to the Zambezi, and with a sensational view of the dramatic mountainous escarpment beyond. Many animals come to the Chongwe River to drink and from the deck the game viewing can be as good as any safari activity. The property comes fully staffed with Chongwes resident head guide Matt Porter, house managers Scott Simpson and Kim Bailey, private chefs and a full complement of support staff all of whom are masters at tailoring private safaris.

Kiba Point is an incredible private camp in the Selous; a totally exclusive retreat in the heart of one of the most game-rich areas of Tanzania. Kiba Point has just 4 sleeping rooms, raised and entirely open at the front, to take advantage of the river views. The thrill of sleeping in such proximity to nature, while completely safe from animal intruders, makes Kiba a special and unique experience. Bathrooms are bush deluxe, with flush toilets, indoor and outdoor showers and hot and cold water upon request.

At Kiba Point, each room has its own plunge pool set into the edge of the deck, and there is also a large house pool where you can sink into comfortable sofas and chairs for an afternoon of general laziness. Kiba Point has its own small team of guides and staff, all of whom can help plan outings and activities. Head out every day either on foot, by boat or by vehicle - as you want and when you want.

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Private African homes