This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Private villas & houses in Botswana
Private villas & houses in Botswana

Botswana private villas & houses

Nicest private villas & houses in Botswana

While private villas and houses are not the norm in Botswana there are a number of tented camps - one which we have featured here - that are set up purely for private use. Great for small groups of friends and families.

For other camps that can be booked for exclusive use please talk to us for more details!

Selinda Camp

A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.

Duba Plains Camp

The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.


Splash Camp

For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.


Shinde Camp

While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.


Zarafa Camp

The Zarafa Dhow Suite is one of the most luxurious private options in Botswana offering up to 4 guests opulent accommodation and privately guided activities in one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas.


Splash Camp

For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.


Shinde Camp

While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.


Splash Camp

For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.


Splash Camp

For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.


Onguma Camp Kala

Onguma Camp Kala’s four tents can be booked privately for small groups or families travelling together. Having the camp to yourselves, with your own private guide, gives the ultimate flexibility to enjoy the Onguma Reserve and Etosha.


Chobe Princesses

Although not a villa or a house, each of the Chobe Princess Houseboats comes with a private chef, a guide, four twin cabins and motorboats for excursions. So it’s like a floating villa; a unique base on the Chobe – great for generally relaxing and wildlife-viewing.

Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Botswana


Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains Camp

The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.


95% (19 reviews)
Splash Camp

Splash Camp

For small groups or families of six or more people the exclusive use Splash Enclave acts as a camp within a camp complete with it own plunge pool, dining area, lounge, bar and private activities is the perfect way to enjoy the Delta in privacy.


96% (90 reviews)
Shinde Camp

Shinde Camp

While still part of the main camp Shinde Enclave has its own private main area including a bar, lounge, dining room, mini library, outside fire deck and sun lounger area making it a perfect private get away in the Okavango Delta.


94% (102 reviews)
Zarafa Camp

Zarafa Camp

The Zarafa Dhow Suite is one of the most luxurious private options in Botswana offering up to 4 guests opulent accommodation and privately guided activities in one of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas.


100% (19 reviews)
Little Tubu

Little Tubu

Although not a villa or a house, with just three tents Little Tubu can easily be booked out on an exclusive basis for groups or families wanting a little privacy on their Botswana safari.


100% (14 reviews)
Selinda Camp

Selinda Camp

A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.


96% (67 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Private villas & houses in Africa

Private villas & houses elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Private villas & houses in other countries.


Private villas & houses in Kenya

Kenya

Eating privately as a family or group of travellers in your own house can give your Kenya holiday ...

Private villas & houses in Malawi

Malawi

There's currently really only one private villa in Malawi - and this offers you the possibility ...

Private villas & houses in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique is well-known for its stunning beaches and wide range of land- and water-based activities...

Private villas & houses in Namibia

Namibia

There are a handful of great private villas and houses in Namibia as well as a private camp, and ...

Private villas & houses in Seychelles

Seychelles

The Seychelles isn't short of luxurious beach retreats or five-star resorts scattered around its ...

Private villas & houses in South Africa

South Africa

South Africa's Cape lends itself well to family and relaxed group trips. There are several lovely ...

Private villas & houses in Tanzania

Tanzania

There are a couple of great private villas and safari houses in Tanzania, and also some excellent ...

Private villas & houses in Zambia

Zambia

Located in several of the country's most amazing safari reserves, Zambia has a handful of very ...

Private villas & houses in Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Enjoy the powder-white beaches, coconut palms and turquoise water of Zanzibar from your own private ...

Private villas & houses in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

For a group or a family, private travel using villas or safari houses is the ultimate in exclusivity...

Where to see wildlife species in Botswana

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,438 sightings from 4,247 observations

Where to see lion in Botswana

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,220 sightings from 4,721 observations

Where to see leopard in Botswana

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,176 sightings from 3,580 observations

Where to see cheetah in Botswana

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

997 sightings from 3,116 observations

Where to see wild dog in Botswana

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,457 sightings from 4,496 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Botswana

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

277 sightings from 1,756 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Botswana

Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

20% SUCCESS

95 sightings from 468 observations

Where to see meerkat in Botswana

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

4,153 sightings from 4,563 observations

Where to see elephant in Botswana

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,909 sightings from 3,496 observations

Where to see buffalo in Botswana

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,998 sightings from 4,657 observations

Where to see giraffe in Botswana

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

90% SUCCESS

3,028 sightings from 3,383 observations

Where to see hippo in Botswana

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

702 sightings from 2,314 observations

Where to see black rhino in Botswana

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

43% SUCCESS

565 sightings from 1,312 observations

Where to see white rhino in Botswana

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,526 sightings from 2,187 observations

Where to see oryx in Botswana

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,646 sightings from 3,358 observations

Where to see eland in Botswana

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

25% SUCCESS

570 sightings from 2,321 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Botswana

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

23% SUCCESS

545 sightings from 2,337 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Botswana

Sitatunga

Sitatunga

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

70 sightings from 376 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Botswana

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,798 sightings from 4,168 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Botswana

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,367 sightings from 5,189 observations

Where to see zebra in Botswana

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

64 sightings from 3,780 observations

Where to see pangolin in Botswana

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

81 sightings from 3,741 observations

Where to see aardvark in Botswana

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other styles of holiday in Botswana

Discover all that Botswana has to offer


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.