A private safari retreat with a pool overlooking the wilderness

Exclusive retreats

Private safari houses
& exclusive retreats.

The best exclusive retreats offer more than seclusion: they give you control over the pace, the guiding and how each day is shaped.

Our take

Privacy with
a purpose.

The best exclusive retreats offer more than seclusion: they give you control over the pace, the guiding and how each day is shaped.

Kenya has an excellent collection of private safari houses, villas and small camps that can be taken exclusively. They work particularly well for families, groups of friends, multi-generational trips and travellers marking an important occasion. We distinguish between a genuinely private-use property and a conventional lodge with a private villa attached.

01

Your own rhythm

Private guiding and flexible meals allow the day to follow your group, rather than a shared camp schedule.

02

Value depends on party size

An exclusive house can offer strong value for a larger family or group, while a couple may be better served by a very small camp.

03

Privacy varies

Some houses are entirely standalone; others share vehicles, facilities or a wider lodge estate. We explain exactly what is private.

Our private-house collection

Exclusive retreats in Kenya.

Ten distinctive houses and private camps, from the Maasai Mara to Laikipia and Lewa. Explore each property, then let us help shape the stay around your group.

Cottar’s Bush Villa in Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara

Cottar’s Bush Villa

5 en-suite bedrooms · normally 10 guests · exclusive use

Cottar’s Bush Villa is an exclusive-use house above the Olderkesi Conservancy, with five bedrooms, dedicated staff and private safari vehicles. Wide viewing decks and a 25-metre pool make it a spacious alternative to the nearby 1920s Camp.

Explore the property
Arijiju in Laikipia

Laikipia

Arijiju

5 suites · exclusive use

Arijiju is an exclusive-use five-suite retreat within Borana Conservancy, where stone architecture, a private pool and extensive wellness facilities accompany a varied safari. It offers a house-based stay with room for several generations to spend time together.

Explore the property
Laragai House in Laikipia

Laikipia

Laragai House

8 bedrooms · up to 16 guests · exclusive use

Laragai House is an exclusive-use eight-bedroom home on Borana Conservancy in Laikipia. A staffed household, private pool, tennis court and varied conservancy activities make it a spacious base for families or friends travelling together.

Explore the property
Lengishu in Laikipia

Laikipia

Lengishu

6 main bedrooms across 4 cottages; additional children’s bunk room

Lengishu is an exclusive-use safari home in Borana Conservancy, with six main bedrooms across four cottages. A heated infinity pool, private living spaces and a flexible programme of drives, walks and conservation activities make it a residential Laikipia retreat.

Explore the property
Private Wilderness in Lewa, Laikipia

Lewa, Laikipia

Private Wilderness

5 en-suite cottages · up to 10 guests

Private Wilderness is an exclusive-use retreat in Lewa, with five thatched cottages overlooking the Eastern Marania River valley. Independent shared spaces and a pool create a private-home setting for up to ten guests, with the wider conservancy providing the safari backdrop.

Explore the property
Sirikoi House in Lewa, Laikipia

Lewa, Laikipia

Sirikoi House

3 en-suite bedrooms · exclusive use

Sirikoi House is a three-bedroom exclusive-use home within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. A private guide, vehicle, chef and heated pool give a small family or group its own safari rhythm, with the option to join Sirikoi’s main dining deck.

Explore the property
Enasoit in Laikipia

Laikipia

Enasoit

8 camp rooms, plus 2 Pool House cottages

Enasoit is an exclusive-use camp and private reserve in Laikipia, with tented cottages gathered around a wildlife waterhole. Its separate Pool House, varied outdoor programme and flexible family accommodation give one group room to settle into a private safari stay.

Explore the property
Sirai House in Laikipia

Laikipia

Sirai House

6 suites in an exclusive-use residence

Sirai House is an exclusive-use six-suite residence on Borana, combining a private safari setting with extensive house facilities. Personal dining, guided outings and separate bedroom suites make it a substantial base for a family or group travelling together.

Explore the property
Ol Jogi in Laikipia

Laikipia

Ol Jogi

11 bedrooms across 8 cottages; exclusive use

Ol Jogi is an exclusive-use home within its own Laikipia conservancy, with eleven bedrooms across eight cottages. Individually designed interiors, extensive leisure facilities and access to wildlife conservation work create a private safari with substantial scope beyond game drives.

Explore the property
Lolldaiga House in Laikipia

Laikipia

Lolldaiga House

6 en-suite bedrooms · private house

Lolldaiga House is a six-bedroom private home in Laikipia’s Lolldaiga Conservancy. A wide veranda, infinity pool and staffed dining offer a comfortable base for guided drives, walks and time exploring the conservancy’s hills, forests and plains.

Explore the property

Routes to consider

Tailor-made journeys to inspire.

These examples show the shape of a trip. We choose accommodation and arrangements around your dates, interests and budget.

A light aircraft above the open landscape of Laikipia

7 nights · From £6,500 per person

Maasai Mara & Laikipia

A beautifully balanced first safari: three nights among Laikipia’s varied landscapes, followed by four nights in a private Mara conservancy.

Explore the itinerary
A family spending time together on safari in Kenya

12 nights · From £7,500 per person

Maasai Mara, Laikipia & Coast

A family-friendly route with time for hands-on activities in Laikipia, classic wildlife in the Mara and a relaxed coastal finish.

Explore the itinerary

Illustrative starting prices based on two adults sharing, subject to availability. Exact rooms, family arrangements, private services and international flights are quoted for your request. View all Kenya itineraries.

Specialist planning

Make the right choices for your trip.

Confirm what is actually private

Private accommodation, dedicated guiding and a whole-camp buyout are different arrangements. We check bedrooms, shared areas, dining, staffing, vehicles and activities for your party.

Discuss your private-stay requirements

Build around the group

Room sharing, ages and activity interests affect the choice as much as the setting. Agree the priorities first, then match the property and wider route to a practical pace.

Read our family safari guide

Our UK-based safari specialists help compare the details and prepare a tailored proposal. Share your dates, party and approximate budget to start planning.

Your questions

Private Safari Houses & Exclusive Retreats in Kenya: your questions.

What does exclusive use mean on safari?

It may mean a private house, dedicated guiding or an entire camp booked for your group. These are different arrangements. We confirm exactly which accommodation, staff, meals, vehicles and activities are included.

Does a private villa include a private safari guide?

Not necessarily. Guiding and vehicle arrangements depend on the property, accommodation category and rate. We check the specific terms rather than assuming everything is private because the room has its own pool.

Are exclusive retreats suitable for multigenerational families?

They can be, particularly when shared living space and flexible routines matter. We consider bedroom configurations, access, children’s policies and activities for the youngest and oldest travellers before recommending a stay.

How much should we budget?

Our Maasai Mara & Laikipia example starts from £6,500 per person for 7 nights, based on two adults sharing. This is an illustrative starting point, subject to availability. Dates, rooms, flights, family arrangements and private services affect the final quote. International flights are quoted separately.

How many nights should we allow?

The right length depends on your route and priorities. Allow enough nights to settle into each safari area, and avoid adding a stop simply to cover more ground. Our itinerary pages show the total length and nights in each destination; every example can be adapted.

How do we start planning?

Tell us your dates, party, preferred trip length, interests and approximate budget through our enquiry form. We can then arrange a phone or video call, or develop the first ideas by email if you prefer. Your proposal confirms the route, properties and inclusions.

For more planning advice, explore our Kenya safari guides and seasonal guide.

Start planning

Tell us what you have
in mind.

We will help you shape the right route before preparing a detailed proposal.

Start planningor call +44 (0) 1235 635749