Exclusive Use Properties Tours and Safaris in Kenya

An exclusive-use safari offers the ultimate in privacy and personalization by giving your group sole occupancy of a private bush house, villa, or small safari camp. This travel style is perfectly suited for multi-generational families, groups of friends, or anyone seeking a completely secluded and tailor-made experience in destinations like Laikipia or the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara.

This page explains what an exclusive-use property includes, the benefits of this private model, and the types of groups that find it most advantageous. We provide practical information to help you understand how these unique safaris are structured and what to expect from your stay.

What "Exclusive Use" Means in a Safari Context in Kenya

"Exclusive use" means that you are booking an entire property for your group alone. You will have your own private accommodation, lounge and dining areas, and dedicated staff, including a chef, a host, and a private safari guide with a vehicle. It is essentially your own private safari lodge for the duration of your stay. This model provides a level of privacy and flexibility that is not possible when staying at a traditional lodge where facilities and staff are shared with other guests.

These properties range in size from intimate two-bedroom bush homes to small camps with five or six tents or rooms. The key is that the entire property is yours, allowing you to set your own pace and schedule. Meals, game drives, and other activities are all planned around your group's preferences. Our custom trip planner is the best tool for starting a conversation about this highly personalized type of travel.

The Main Advantages of a Private Safari Villa or Camp

Booking an exclusive-use property provides several significant benefits, particularly for families or groups with specific needs. The most important advantage is absolute privacy. You can relax and enjoy your safari in a secluded environment, making it feel like your own home in the bush. This is especially valuable for special occasions, celebrations, or for travelers who simply prefer to be away from other tourists.

Flexibility is another key benefit. With your own private guide and vehicle, you have complete control over your daily itinerary. You can decide when your safari tours begin and end, what wildlife you want to focus on, and when you want to have your meals. This is particularly useful for families with young children, as activities and meal times can be adjusted to suit their routines. For groups of keen photographers or birdwatchers, this flexibility allows you to dedicate as much time as you want to your specific interests. You can find more general advice on planning a trip in our main Travel Planning Guide.

Ideal Groups for an Exclusive-Use Safari Holiday in Kenya

While any traveler can enjoy the benefits of an exclusive-use property, this model is particularly well-suited for certain types of groups. The structure and amenities of these private houses and camps are designed to cater to the needs of families and small, close-knit groups.

• Multi-Generational Families: With multiple bedrooms, private living spaces, and dedicated staff, these properties are perfect for large families traveling together. The flexibility in schedules is a major advantage when coordinating activities for different age groups, from young children to grandparents.
• Groups of Friends: A private villa or camp provides a fantastic and social setting for a group of friends celebrating a milestone or simply traveling together. You can enjoy communal meals, private sundowners, and a shared adventure in a relaxed and exclusive environment.
• Photographers and Special Interest Groups: For those with a specific focus, such as wildlife photography, a private vehicle and guide are essential. An exclusive-use property ensures you have this dedicated support for the duration of your stay, allowing you to maximize your time in the field.
• High-Profile Travelers: For guests who require a high level of privacy and discretion, an exclusive-use property is the ideal choice.

An itinerary like the 8 Days Luxury Safari with Mt Kenya and Mara Experience can easily be adapted to use exclusive-use properties for the ultimate private journey.

Staffing and Service at a Private Bush Home

An exclusive-use property comes with a dedicated team of staff whose sole focus is your group. This personalized service is a core part of the experience. The team typically includes a private chef, a camp host or manager, house staff, and a professional safari guide. This setup ensures a seamless and highly personalized stay, where your needs are anticipated and catered to.

The private chef will consult with you to plan menus that suit your group's tastes and dietary requirements. You have the freedom to decide on meal times, whether you want a formal dinner, a relaxed barbecue, or a picnic lunch out in the bush. The host manages the property and coordinates all your activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Your private guide will lead all your safari activities, from game drives to nature walks, tailoring the experience to your interests and the pace of your group. This high level of attentive, personal service is what distinguishes an exclusive-use safari.

Top Destinations in Kenya for Exclusive-Use Properties

Kenya has a superb collection of private bush homes, villas, and camps located in some of its most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas. These properties are often found in private conservancies, which offer an exclusive and intimate safari experience away from the crowds of the main national parks. Our portfolio includes properties in the following key regions.

Destinations with excellent exclusive-use options:

• Laikipia Plateau: This region is renowned for its stunning private homes and ranches set in vast, wildlife-rich landscapes. Laikipia offers a very private and activity-rich safari experience, perfect for families and active travelers.
• The Masai Mara Conservancies: Many of the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara have dedicated exclusive-use villas or small camps. These provide a private gateway to the Mara ecosystem, with the added benefits of off-road driving and night game drives.
• The Kenyan Coast: Along the coast, particularly around Diani, Watamu, and Lamu, there is a fantastic selection of private beachfront villas. These come fully staffed and are the perfect option for a relaxing and exclusive end to a safari. A "bush and beach" trip, like the 10 Days Kenya Parks & Diani Beach Safari, can be designed to use private villas in both locations.
• Amboseli and Chyulu Hills: In the ecosystem surrounding Amboseli, there are several exclusive-use properties offering incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro and a very private safari experience.

Planning a Safari with Exclusive-Use Stays

Creating an itinerary based on exclusive-use properties requires careful planning and expert knowledge. As these are private homes and small camps, availability is very limited, and it is essential to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons like the Wildebeest Migration.

Our role is to help you select the right combination of properties to match your group's size, style, and interests. We will handle all the logistics, from booking the houses to arranging the private charter or road transfers between them. We will also coordinate with the property managers to ensure all your preferences, from dietary needs to activity choices, are communicated in advance.

A typical exclusive-use safari might combine a few nights in a private bush home in Laikipia with a stay at an exclusive-use camp in the Masai Mara, followed by a week at a private villa on the coast. This would create a comprehensive and incredibly private Kenyan holiday. To begin designing a trip like this, the best first step is to contact us through our custom trip planner with your group's details and requirements.