Singita Ebony Lodge

The stone, wood and thatch communal area towers above the river, offering wide, wild views from all angles, especially from the wooden, multi-level deck area. Indoors, the style is deliciously eclectic, combining colonial leather furniture and brass chandeliers with bold fabrics and local artworks. The result? You feel at home from the minute you arrive. There are comfortable seating and dining areas, a bar, library, wine cellar, spa and the Singita gallery. Beyond the glass doors is the aforementioned deck, a swimming pool and a boma for starlit meals.

There are 12 private suites, each with its own unique character. Interiors feature curated still-life collections of antiques and artefacts, as well as vintage campaign furniture. Each is air-conditioned and has a large mosquito-tented bed, an en-suite bathroom with inside and outdoor showers and a tub, a minibar fridge and a double-sided fireplace for chilly evenings. The walls are floor-to-ceiling glass, so you really feel at one with the bush. There's a private deck with seating and a heated plunge pool. Your every need has been anticipated!

Safari lodges can become a blur after you've been to several, but this one stands out so vividly.