Dzalanyama Forest House

The house has a simple, but spacious lounge and dining room with a snug little fireplace. Since all accommodation is on a self-catering basis, there's also a fully-equipped kitchen, though the resident cook will happily prepare all your meals according to your requirements. Lighting is provided with gas and solar lamps. The whole area is more functional than stylish, though it's comfortable enough. There's a lovely deck out front with a view of the riverbed and surrounding forest.

The main lodge, which is really more of a house, has four rather simple bedrooms. Besides the double or twin beds, the rooms are rather sparse and lacking in artistic design and colour, however, large windows ensure there's plenty of light and the whole space is kept spotlessly clean. Each room has a basin, but all the rooms share one bathroom with a toilet and a shower. For a more private option, choose one of the two newly-built, free-standing tented chalets, with en-suite bathrooms and private verandahs overlooking the stream. There's also an eco-friendly campsite under construction.

Dzalanyama Forest is one of East Africa's prime Miombo birding areas, so it's worth bringing a good pair of binocs and a bird book; either sit patiently by the river or wander slowly through the forest listening for their calls. There are several walking trails from the lodge that beckon those in search of some exercise and fresh air, and there's a decent amount of game around to keep you interested. Otherwise, just bring your favourite read and enjoy the peace and quiet.