Over the last few years, we’ve seen a significant shift in the way we travel. While safari may have once seemed like the domain of honeymooners and couples seeking solitude, it has now become the go-to experience for groups of friends and families of all ages and sizes. And at YPA, we couldn’t be more thrilled! Our favorite way to travel in these cases is to book a private-use villa to maximize your time together. East Africa has had some really exciting openings recently, and we can’t wait to introduce them to our YPA guests.
Why Book an Exclusive-Use Villa?
Booking an exclusive-use villa on safari is the perfect way to reconnect with loved ones in a private, flexible, and tailored environment. Imagine padding through the villa in your pajamas to share your morning coffee on the veranda with a sibling or best friend and your kids as the sun rises over the savannah. With complete privacy and flexibility, afternoons and evenings can stretch long in the comfort of your own space. These moments of togetherness are rare, and this style of travel allows you to savor it all without the usual distractions. Plus, with your private game-viewing vehicle, guide, and a team of dedicated staff (who you’ll likely leave calling friends), your experience is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Who Should Book a Villa?
While families are the obvious answer, villas are far from a one-size-fits-all option. We live in an increasingly connected yet physically distant world, with friends and family often scattered across states, countries, and even continents. Travel becomes that special time when everyone can come together. Whether it’s a multi-generational family gathering, a reunion of friends, or a couple seeking unparalleled privacy, a villa provides the flexibility to craft the perfect escape tailored to your group’s needs.
What to Look for in a Villa?
When choosing a villa, we focus on matching the property to the needs of your group. Families with young children might prioritize accommodation options with convenient sleeping arrangements and child-safe design features, while friends might be looking for a bit more privacy. Location is another crucial factor—being closer to the reserve can take the hassle out of game drives, especially if you have little ones in tow.
YPA’s Yes-List for Villas in East Africa
Now, let’s dive into some of the most exciting new villas in East Africa that perfectly blend luxury, privacy, and that quintessential safari experience.
Amani House – Maasai Mara, Kenya
Set right on the plains of the Masai Mara, Amani House can welcome up to 14 guests in 7 bedrooms (one of which is a bunk room for the kids!). We love that the accommodation is split into a “family wing” and a “guest wing” with a communal living and dining area at the heart of it all. With sweeping views and frequent visits from giraffe and plains game, you don’t even need to leave the veranda… although you’ll love exploring the Enonkishu Conservancy on game drives, mountain bikes, and community visits.
Singita Milele – Serengeti, Tanzania
Nestled into the hillside in the heart of Singita Grumeti, Milele offers a private experience for up to 10 guests. We’re excited about the high-design feel, where inspiration has been taken from the region’s iconic species and design elements have been sourced locally. Not a stone has been left unturned when it comes to encouraging connection with each other and nature – outdoor fire pits, cozy lounges, sweeping decks, and an infinity pool are just some of the signature features guests can look forward to. Not to mention the epic wildlife encounters right on your doorstep!
Loirien Mara – Mara Triangle, Kenya
There is nothing we love more than a completely new addition to the safari landscape, and Loirien is just that. Located in Partakilat Conservancy, Loirien Mara is set in lush gardens with endless views of the Mara Triangle. With just three luxurious bedrooms, this villa is the perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In line with current trends, the villa even offers a full office space for those looking for the ultimate “work from anywhere” location.
Wild Hill, Maasai Mara, Kenya
Located just a 40-minute drive from House in the Wild, this hidden gem is accessed through a secret door at the edge of Kileleoni Hill. Perched on a secluded hilltop, this villa provides an intimate retreat with only five suites, accommodating up to 10 guests. The villa is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its surroundings, featuring walls inspired by the textured skin of elephants and living grass roofs that seamlessly blend into the natural landscape. We cannot wait to experience this exciting new property now that it’s open!
