&Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge

The communal lodge area, with its simple and sophisticated decor of cool colours and rich textures, is where guests gather for meals and to chat to the chef about their likes and dislikes. Trust his judgement, though – who imagined that peanuts and tomatoes could make such a delicious soup! Meals are served indoors or on the porch facing the watering hole. There's also a lovely sitting area, a small but well-stocked library with internet and TV, a pool and viewing deck.

The wildlife roams freely here, so security guards will escort to to your stone-and-thatch suite, one of just four (each is 15 metres from its neighbour), all overlooking the waterhole. The furnishings are super-comfortable, with subtle African artefacts and fabrics. Each cottage has an indulgent stone-walled en-suite bathroom with a deep tub, double shower and twin hand-basins, and views. Private verandas and comfy lounging chairs are perfect for an afternoon siesta and to watch the waterhole, camera to hand.

Set your own schedule here. Go on long or short game drives, track the gorgeous cheetah, shy leopard or solitary and super-strong black rhino (rescued here from the brink of extinction), or take a night drive to see the nocturnal creatures and watch elephant looming ghostlike out of the the darkness. Photograph animals at the waterhole, hike on foot to see the birds, or simply settle back to soak in the choral sounds of nature.