Little Black Book of Villas in Africa – Southern Africa Edition

Santorini Mozambique marries the charm of Greece with the tropical landscape of Africa in a manner that is nothing short of magical. Located on the eco-friendly archipelago of Vilanculos, above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay, this family-friendly establishment commands panoramic bay views from its private, elevated position. The multi-level, open plan Main Villa is the star of the show around which Santorini has evolved. It is a unique villa with expansive and enchanting hideaways. Two other exclusive-use villas called The Chapel and Villa Da Praia cater perfectly for the romantic couple and intimate groups of friends or families traveling together, respectively.

Chongwe River House is an award-winning safari villa with design at its finest. This remarkable two storey, four bedroom private house is set on a tranquil stretch of the Chongwe River against a stunning mountainous backdrop in the Lower Zambezi. The Chongwe area is famous for large elephants, and they will frequently wander through camp in search of seed pods from the winterthorn trees or cross the river right in front of the house.

The bedrooms, equipped with either king-size or twin beds under huge mosquito nets, are arranged on two floors and have their own private outdoor sitting area. Private, open-air bathtubs on the upper floor allow bathers to completely immerse themselves in the wilderness experience. Innovative ‘waterfall’ showers on the upper floor echo the waterfalls of the upper river, whilst guests on the lower floor can enjoy the experience of ‘rainfall’ showers.

Located on the slopes of Lion’s Head in Bantry Bay along Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, only ten minutes away from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and within walking distance of the Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, Ellerman House is a chic mansion that offers opulent accommodation and phenomenal service. Formerly a private residence, the estate combines contemporary philosophies and decor with an existing classical setting. Two ultra-modern luxury villas (5-bedroom and  3-bedroom respectively) provide a quintessential coastal escape with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and an authentically South African, world-class guest experience.

Matetsi River House | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Another one of the top villas in Africa is Matetsi River House. For those seeking total seclusion and privacy, Matetsi River House Private Villa embodies the luxury of space. Situated in the vast Matetsi Private Game Reserve along the banks of the Zambezi and close to the Victoria falls, this exclusive-use 4-bedroomed villa provides the ideal home-away-from-home for families or friends traveling together.

Matetsi River House is equipped with every luxury necessary in the bush from a full kitchen and indoor and outdoor dining areas that lead out to a spacious veranda with a private swimming pool and fire pit bowl. There is air-conditioning throughout as well as elegant mosquito nets draped over the beds. The 4-bedroom villa also comes with the dedicated services of a private chef, butler, guide as well as a dedicated game drive vehicle.

Escape to a place where all you will hear is the gentle desert wind. 75 miles from Sossusvlei, Desert Whisper by the Gondwana Collection is an exclusive and intimate retreat that caters to only two guests at a time. This opulent villa has been designed for satisfying and tranquil togetherness with splendor that leaves nothing to be desired. Inspired by nature and the surrounding environment, the Desert Whisper has been constructed using neutral materials and features colors that blend in perfectly with the Namib desert landscape. The deluxe ensuite bedroom boasts spectacular desert views. Indulge in a well-stocked bar, take in the scenery from the terrace or revel in the cool waters of your own private pool.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Villas | Whale Coast, South Africa

The Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star eco wonderland that exhibits the flora and marine life of Africa’s southern tip along the Whale Coast of South Africa. Experience this haven with a stay at one of Grootbos’ villas, where you will experience exquisite cuisine, exclusive activities and truly luxurious style that will ensure memories of a lifetime.

Home to a 6-bedroom villa and a 4-bedroom villa, Grootbos invites you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, while discovering every luxury at your fingertips. Each villa is equipped with a private kitchen, private swimming pool, fully functional gym, personal wine cellar, private airstrip and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the best of what the southern tip of Africa has to offer at this idyllic retreat like no other.

Feline Fields Family Villa | Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Located within the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, Feline Fields is designed with privacy and wildlife intimacy at its core. It is no wonder it is one of our favorite villas in Africa. The very spacious family villa, perfect for a family getaway or even two couples, overlooks the pristine wilderness of the Kalahari savannah. From inside the villa you can enjoy a panoramic view through the transparent netting, which also creates a natural flow of air to the private lounge and bedrooms. Under expansive canopies are two bedrooms each with twin beds which can be made as an extra king size bed. There are also two en-suite bathrooms with double basins, massage shower and toilet. The villa boasts a huge deck made from sustainable wood where you can relax during the day or gaze up at the starry African night sky.

Set within the Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, Kubili House is a 26,900 sq ft private residence that radiates safari lifestyle. The villa includes five bedrooms, three swimming pools, in-house spa and steam room, a private Land Rover game drive vehicle with leather seats, and three fully equipped camping vehicles.

Kubili is situated directly on the bank of the largest dam in the reserve, which provides consistent animal activity that is viewable from any of the various decks. A personal field guide and tracker are available at any time to accompany you on game drives. This villa promises luxury and an incredible wildlife viewing experience from the moment you arrive.

Banyan Tree | Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

Banyan Tree is located on the private island of Ilha Caldeira, just 12 miles off the coast of Mozambique and will open in July 2023. Encompassed by a large sand dune which protects its pristine interior, the resort boasts breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and plays host to the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Guests will truly be able to connect with their unexplored natural surroundings while embracing the country’s culturally-rich heritage. This sanctuary will offer 40 private pool villas, all with incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Each thoughtfully-designed spacious villa is inspired by the various local cultures and incorporates nature’s calming colors and local materials.

Singita Malilangwe House | Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe

Malilangwe House is one of Africa’s most remote getaways and is set among imposing trees in the pristine Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. This stunning exclusive-use home, with panoramic views of the untouched wilderness below, was designed to offer friends and family an intimate shared space and the freedom to customize their days in any way they choose.

The villa encompasses five spacious bedrooms, each with its own private deck, a large rim-flow pool, an extensive interactive kitchen and multiple outdoor decks. Guests are encouraged to thoroughly immerse themselves in the surroundings and enjoy wellness experiences such as calming massages and yoga. Malilangwe House provides a sense of seamless ease that ensures an unforgettable luxury safari experience.

Be sure to contact your LuxVenture® Designer to book a stay at one of these top villas in Africa. No trip to Southern Africa is complete without an indulgent time at one of these luxurious properties.