An increase in multigenerational travel has increased demand for lodges that can be booked on an exclusive basis. Kim Emmanuel rounds up some of the options that cater for up to 10 guests.

1.            Machaton Private Camp

Machaton Private Camp is in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. There are no fences between the Timbavati and the KNP, which allows for the free movement of the animals between the reserves.

The camp has three individual luxury suites, each with its own bedroom, dayroom, and a bathroom with an outdoor shower and private terrace. The camp may be booked either on a sole-use basis or per suite basis and includes a field guide and tracker, butler, chef, housekeeper and groundsman.

The main building features a lounge, kitchen and covered veranda. Features include a game-viewing terrace overlooking the river, plunge pool with panoramic views of the Nhlaralumi River, covered pool lounge, curio shop, 360-degree bar, WiFi connectivity in the reception, lounge and deck area, and spa in-room treatments.

2.            Tom’s Little Hide

Tom’s Little Hide at The Hide in Hwange, Zimbabwe, comes with its own private guide and vehicle. There are three large adjacent rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, sleeping a maximum of 10 guests – six adults and four children. Each room looks out over the waterhole. The bedrooms are individually decorated and all have solid Zimbabwean teak furniture. All the rooms are mosquito-proofed and have fans. 

Two of the rooms are double en-suite bedrooms, and can also accommodate one child in each on a day bed. The bedrooms open on to the dining room and outside veranda with a pool.  The third room is a family tent with an outside bathroom. It also has a children’s room, which can accommodate two children.  A total of 10 guests – six adults and four children – can be accommodated at Tom’s Little Hide.  Because of its proximity, Tent 10 of The Hide’s main camp can also be incorporated into Tom’s Little Hide to include two more adults, if necessary.

Meals and activities are enjoyed privately and at leisure, and children of all ages are welcome.

3.            Makanyi Private Game Lodge

Makanyi Private Game Lodge in the Timbavati is often rented out on an exclusive-use basis, says Andrew Marshall, Sales Director.

The lodge has seven suites, five of which can be converted to twin beds.

Exclusive-use bookings allow the lodge to cater for requests from guests with regard to bush activities and meals (within reason and weather permitting). Guests can enjoy game drives and children can be accommodated on exclusive-use bookings.

4.            Rhino Walking Safaris

Rhino Walking Safaris is situated in a 12 000-hectare private wilderness concession in the south-eastern section of the Kruger National Park and can be booked for exclusive use depending on the number of people in the party.

There are four African-explorer style tents with en-suite shower, able to accommodate up to eight guests and two armed rangers 24/7.

Activities include birding, game drives, and safari walks. Guests are also able to spend a night under the stars at the sleep-out decks, which are built high above the ground in the trees’ canopy. Sundowners are served overlooking the Timbetene waterhole and guests can enjoy an evening round the fire on the main deck, with dinner cooked over an open fire, before sleeping under the stars on individual sleeping decks.

Season highlights include game viewing between June and September. The best time to view baby animals and the flowering season is between October and January, while February to April provides opportunities for birding.

5.            Lalibela Big 5 Game Reserve

All Lalibela’s lodges in the Eastern Cape can be booked on an exclusive-use basis.

Tree Tops Safari Lodge can accommodate 10 adults in five rooms. The luxury safari tents perched high on thatched platforms at tree-top level are joined by raised walkways and offer views over the thickly wooded valley. Each room has a private veranda, and the lodge has a large open-air dining deck with a view over a small waterhole.

Lentaba Safari Lodge sleeps 16 adults in eight secluded thatched chalets. Each en-suite unit has a private observation deck with views over the valley bushveld. The main lodge has a large lounge, viewing deck and swimming pool.

Mark’s Camp is a family-friendly lodge able to sleep 18 adults and eight children (under 12) in eight chalets. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom and ceiling-fans. The chalets open on to a private viewing deck with views over the surrounding bush. An abundance of birdlife can be viewed from the rooms, pool deck (Mark's Camp has two swimming pools) or central lounge area.

6.            Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

At Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, in Hlulhuwe iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu Natal, accommodation includes two honeymoon bush villas with private plunge pools; eight luxury bush villas with open-plan bedrooms, lounge area, fireplace, mini bar, full bathroom, and viewing deck; four safari rooms with private shower; and two safari family suites.

Facilities include a spa, event facilities and swimming pool. Activities include game drives, guided safari walks, children’s morning game drive, day trips to St Lucia and the Zulu Cultural Village.

There is little chance of rain between May and August and temperatures are not as hot and humid as summer.

7.            Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park can be booked for exclusive use, depending on the number of people in the party.

There are eight bush suites, two double rooms and six twin rooms (two are convertible to double). Children are welcome with a maximum of six children under eight years old.

Facilities include a swimming pool and in-room spa treatments. Daily game drives, birdwatching, golf and sleep-outs are some of the activities on offer at the lodge.

8.            Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Safari Lodge at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve can accommodate 22 guests sharing 11 rooms, and Rock Lodge can accommodate between 20  and 25 guests sharing 10 rooms and suites. The rooms at Safari Lodge include a treehouse suite overlooking the nearby Xikwenga Dam while other rooms have their own private plunge pools. Kids over the age of 12 are welcome to stay at Safari Lodge. The treehouse suite is a 10-minute walk from the main lodge and is accessible by swing bridges and raised walkways.

Cliff Lodge can accommodate up to five adults and four children and can be hired independently for smaller groups and families.

Ulusaba offers spa treatments, stargazing activities, community tours and excursions, safari walks, tennis. A gym is also available.