Safari houses and villas that can house the whole family under one roof…staff on hand 24/7 to cater to your every need…expert guides dedicated solely to you and your family…private chefs who will cook just what you want to eat (and take into consideration any little fussy eaters too) – family holidays don’t come much more personalised than this. And in our opinion, East Africa has some of the best safari houses around.

Kenya

Head north to the Laikipia area where you will find two hidden gems. Sirai House has 6 bedrooms in 4 cottages and a spectacular master house with stunning views in all directions. The owner is a wine connoisseur so it’s no surprise to find a private wine cellar with over 3,000 bottles. Other leisure facilities include a cinema, tennis court, 20m lap pool, gym and a full-sized billiard table. Activities include guided game drives in open safari vehicles and walks. And with a staff of 45, there isn’t much that can’t be catered for.

Also in Laikipia we happen to know of a fabulous property where a game experience can be combined with a wellness retreat – bliss.  The owner of this super-stylish house prefers it to remain below the radar, but rest assured it ticks all the right boxes. Clever eco-design blends in with the surroundings and cloistered pathways lead to the spa with hamman, gym, squash and tennis courts. Of course there’s a spectacular pool, game drives, the opportunity to go rhino tracking on foot – there isn’t much that isn’t possible here.

Over on the coast, a palatial, 5/6 bedroom Moorish-style private villa overlooks the Indian Ocean. This is Sirai Beach. Despite the name, there’s no real beach to speak of (though steps lead down to a private cove) but with a 25m infinity pool, gym, spa, breath-taking views and a well-stocked wine cellar, we don’t think the beach will be missed. If a smaller villa would fit your family’s requirements, have a look at Alfajiri – the 4 bedroomed Cliff and Garden villas may be just the ticket.

Tanzania

The Serengeti is the big draw card here, and there are two incredible exclusive use villas that we are happy to recommend. Singita’s Serengeti House, a masterpiece of a villa in the private Grumeti Reserve overlooking the Serengeti. Four spacious bedrooms, a full gym and media room, a tented spa suite, a tennis pavilion and the exceptional service we know and expect from Singita staff.

Further north, in the Lamai sector of the Serengeti is Mkombe’s House – a great place to be in June/early July when the wildebeest heading into the Masai Mara. The guides here are great at planning safaris around the needs of all the family. There are 2 open fronted bedrooms (which can be zipped closed if preferred) and two that are completely secure – fabulous for the little ones.

And if it’s pure escapism the family requires, then it’s hard to beat a private island – this one comes with a hugely impressive list of amenities, which includes snorkelling and fishing boats, wake boards, waterskis, jet skis, floodlit tennis, table tennis, indoor and outdoor games…and all just a flight and boat ride away from the Serengeti. Paradise found.