Exactly what long-haul travel will look like once the world returns to normal, and people are allowed to explore the world again, we’re not quite sure. 

While we continually champion sustainable travel with a purpose, there's also another trend that's waving its hand high as a potential front-runner: Sole-Use Properties.

Across Africa and the Indian Ocean, there are a number of stunning exclusive-use properties that allow you to explore these magnificent areas in complete privacy. Imagine your own Tuscan villa, but on the beach or on safari.

Not only do sole-use properties tend to be better value than lodge alternatives, but the complete freedom and flexibility that they provide make them superb options for families, especially those with younger children. 

Furthermore, should an element of social distancing still be required in the months and years to come, having sole-use of a single property ensures you have complete control over who you share the space with.

 So, without further ado, here are 5 of our favourite sole-use properties across Africa:

Chongwe River House

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

We love this property with its quirky design, incredible views over the channels of the Zambezi and hugely fun atmosphere. 

The range of activities offered here is almost impossible to beat.

Mkombe's House

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

An old and firm favourite of ours is Nomad’s Mkombe's House, right in the northern tip of the Serengeti on the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara. 

This is one of Toby’s favourite areas across the whole of safari Africa and is perfect for young families, and groups of friends.

Matemwe Beach House

Zanzibar, Tanzania

There are a number of superb sole-use beach properties across Africa, but Matemwe Beach house is right up there for us.  Its genuine beach atmosphere and phenomenal value make it hard to beat.

Phinda Homestead

South Africa

South Africa is home to many great options, but Phinda’s Homestead takes our pick for our favourite (today anyway, ask us tomorrow and it could well be somewhere completely different!)

For families wanting to avoid malaria areas there are some great options like Kwandwe Melton Manor or Tswalu Tarkuni.

La Clé des Montagnes

Franschhoek, South Africa

Not technically a safari or beach property, but an amazing sole-use property nonetheless. 

A journey to Southern Africa is rarely complete without a visit to the Western Cape’s wine country. La Clé des Montagnes has a number of brilliant sole-use properties to base yourself from.

These are, of course, only a small number of the many incredible exclusive-use safari, beach and town properties throughout our favourite continent. There are many more across all ranges of style, area and budget.

If you are interested in hearing more about travelling to a sole-use property we’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect one for you.