Africa’s icons may be perennially popular but we have some fabulous little retreats where you can avoid the travelling masses without compromising on quality or experience.

South Africa

There’s no doubting the appeal of Franschhoek, however everyone else knows about it too so don’t expect to have it to yourselves! Instead, consider basing yourself at the delightful Light House Boutique Suites in nearby Paarl, where your minibar is personalised, selected drinks are included during the day and its just as convenient for exploring the local vineyards (your hosts will be more than happy to direct you to vineyards that are the real deal).

Cape Town buzzes so if you’d rather visit during the day and retreat to somewhere calmer for a relaxing afternoon by a pool followed by a fabulous meal prepared by a private chef, we highly recommend 26 Sunset Avenue, an award-winning villa set along the Atlantic coast in peaceful Llandudno.

Looking for something completely off the chart? For families who want utter privacy and a lot of fun, where they have oodles of space to themselves and can race around on quad bikes, go fishing, ride horses, try paint balling from a helicopter, enjoy game drives, experience a night fly camping… give us a call, we know just the spot.

Victoria Falls

Our top tip here is to stay upstream at Royal Chundu’s Island Lodge where you’ll have a spectacular suite on an island in the river and are still within visiting distance of the falls – or whiz down in a helicopter for a breath-taking scenic flight.

Zimbabwe

The country’s buzzing following recent events and tucked away in a far-flung corner is one of our favourite lodges, Singita Pamushana – it’s closing now for a refurb but reopening in June and we are sure it will be even more spectacular. The area is scenically gorgeous, the game’s good, and for added convenience, you can pop over easily on a short flight from South Africa.

Tanzania

The Serengeti may be vast but it can still be busy, especially in the central area. We suggest you head south, to Mwiba Lodge, for the ultimate luxury – space. With the added benefit of a private safari, just you, any activity, anywhere, any time. If it’s good enough for a certain Mr Clooney…

Kenya

The Masai Mara also attracts the crowds, so why not suggest Samburu? It’s another Kenyan gem, very different to the Mara, stunning landscapes, camel treks, colourful people and a superb addition to a Mara safari.

The Beach

If heading to Zanzibar, have a look at Xanadu, these private pool suites are exclusive. And of course, it’s hard to beat a private island – this one floats our boat and is easily reached from Johannesburg.