Seven of the Best Exclusive Lodges in Africa

Each of these private lodges, which are solely for exclusive use, are the perfect location for families and friends who want a home away from home within a magnificent setting.
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Each of these private lodges, which are solely for exclusive use, are the perfect location for families and friends who want a home away from home within a magnificent setting.

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Leobo Private Reserve
LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA

Amidst the scenic Waterberg Mountains, 20,000-acre Leobo Private Reserve is the setting for Observatory Bush Villa, a luxury lodge that's ideal for a large family or group of friends. Overlooking Palala Valley, the lodge is designed with traditional African safari style in mind, with a sunken fire pit and a pool that's built into the mountainside. Rather than game viewing, the focus here is on exploring the surrounding reserve with activities such as heli-picnics, fishing, camping, skydiving and kayaking.

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Ellerman Villas
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

While reflecting the opulence and style of Ellerman House, the hotel's two exclusive villas offer privacy in a ultra luxe setting for those travelling as a group. Villa One accommodates up to 10 guests and has the benefit of two spa rooms, an infinity pool and kitchen that's stocked by the villa's private staff. The villa and surrounding gardens offer panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean and Twelve Apostles mountain range. Villa two is located on the same vicinity as Ellerman House and designed for smaller groups, accommodating up to six people. The ocean-view villa is a short walk from Clifton beaches and has its own infinity pool and cinema with a wine gallery on the ground floor. Both villas include extras like daily sunset cocktails.

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Tarkuni Private House
TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA

Covering over 100,000 hectares Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is South Africa's largest private game reserve and with a maximum of just 30 guests at one time you won't have any crowds to contend with. Tarkuni Private House is the Tswalu home of the Oppenheimer family and a private retreat for groups of up to 10 guests.The lodge's pool, deck and open fires, along with the private host, chef, vehicle, field guide and tracker, make for an indulgent retreat as well as safari experience.

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Singita Castleton
SABI SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA

Originally used by the family, this luxury African-farmhouse style Singita lodge is now for exclusive use by guests travelling in a group of up to 12 people. The communal living area and six cottages are set within a 45,000-acre private reserve that's known for its abundance of game and frequent leopard sightings and even named 'big cat country' by some. Amidst the lodge and surrounding gardens a private pool, tennis courts, wine cellar and spa treatment room all add to the experience, with your own guide, tracker, chef and housekeeper on-hand too.

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Morokuru Ocean House
MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA

Set within Madikwe Game Reserve on the 36,000-hectare De Hoop coastal nature reserve, Morukuru Ocean House overlooks white-sand beach that's lapped by the Indian Ocean. The surrounding land is made up of shrubland, wetlands, limestone cliffs and sand dunes, making it a haven for birdlife, as well as being a prime spot for watching the migration of the southern right whales. Up to eight adults and four small children can stay in the luxury oceanfront lodge, with outdoor activities like sand-boarding and mountain biking on offer.

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Singita Serengeti House
GRUMETI, TANZANIA

On the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve this lodge is in a prime location for wildlife sightings, overlooking a waterhole and with views across the Serengeti plains from the private pool. Up to eight guests can stay at the lodge with a variety of family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts and archery in addition to the game drives, and horseback riding safaris for seasoned riders. The lodge, which showcases European design and African artifacts, has onsite staff throughout your stay.

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Chongwe River House
LOWER ZAMBEZI, ZAMBIA

Best known for its remarkable elephant herds, the Lower Zambezi in Zambia is home to Chongwe River House, an eight-person lodge for an exclusive safari experience. Situated on the banks of Chongwe River, the lodge is crafted from winterthorn wood and decorated with the river's coloured pebbles, while the deck and pool present views of the Zambezi escarpment.

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