&Beyond Ngala Treehouse

Constructed from tall wooden poles and steel, Ngala Treehouse quickly steals your heart. It's filled with rustic charm - from the canvas-backed dining chairs to the woven lamp shades and 'bare pipes' look of the bathroom. Ngala is pretty economical with its space, a staircase rising over the kitchen counter and few knick-knacks to clutter up the rooms. Instead, there's wall-to-wall glass (and sometimes no wall at all) and on the top floor, you'll find a large day bed and deck chairs. Plus, little glass jars filled with picnic items and when you're ready for dinner, there's a food elevator to boot!

Furnished with a plush, king-size bed, the main bedroom is shielded from the elements by glass sliding doors and sheer drapes. For a night spent under nothing but stars, the elevated sleep-out platform has a retractable screen and there's no artificial light around to spoil the view. The bathroom is open-sided with a rainfall shower, brass basins and woven laundry baskets - and do not fear, it has a flushing toilet.

With a name meaning 'lion', it's no surprise that Ngala has some spectacular wildlife to ogle, including a number of large prides. Enjoy the flexibility of private game drives (there'll even be time to stop for a cocktail) where you can see everything from the Big Five to the elusive painted dog. After dinner at the treehouse or in the bush, seek out spotted hyena and leopard under the cover of darkness. Explore the reserve on foot, following the trail of a giraffe and watching for a flash of birdlife as your guide shares anecdotes from the area.