Gondwana Ulubisi House

High thatched roofs and open-plan living spaces give the villa a particularly spacious atmosphere that's enhanced by the endless wilderness views through foldaway concertina doors. Exit to the wraparound veranda and take in the panorama to the distant mountains. The interiors are crisp, with polished concrete floors, African artworks and easy-on-the-eye touches of wood – and complete comfort. The lounge, one of several seating areas, opens to the deck and its side-by-side pool and Jacuzzi. There's a TV room too.

Downstairs are two gorgeous double bedrooms, with the main bedroom above (the latter can be transformed into a large room for kids). All in all, there's space for six adults, or four adults and four kids. The furnishings throughout are high quality, from the king-sized beds to the plush armchairs, and hand-crafted cupboards. The bathrooms, semi-open to the bedrooms, have tubs, double basins and huge rainshowers, all with views. You'll find plenty of family-friendly games in the cupboard upstairs.

Morning and evening game drives get you close to many of Africa's iconic mammal species, from lion, elephant, giraffe and zebra to black and white rhino, and antelope. This is a private reserve, so you can stay out after dark for some nocturnal action, or take a guided walk in the land around the house – no dangerous game here! Your private guide will help you schedule activities, and also accompany you on mountain biking, fishing or trail running excursions.