Hippo Point Manor House

The set-up of the main area is appealingly eccentric. The lounge with fireplace, furnished with antiques, opens on to a veranda that overlooks the beautiful traditional garden. The main dining area is open, but covered, and delectable meals are served in a variety of venues – indoors, in the garden, next to the lake – making every mealtime a new adventure. A short walk from the house, and very secluded, is a gazebo and swimming pool.

The eight rooms (six double, one single, one twin) scattered throughout the house and garden are spacious and luxurious, sleeping 15 people in total. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with only a bath, except Niko's Tower – a cottage with a single room on the first floor and a bathroom with shower on the ground floor. Wood features prominently, from the floors, windows and exposed beams to the bathtub casings and the intricately carved doors.

"A slow safari" is what the owners call activities here and that sums up their approach perfectly. Stroll in the garden, check out resident animals from the comfort of your room, set off on a bike, take a day trip to the surrounding attractions, enjoy evening game drives or go birdwatching. If that's too fast-paced, unwind with a massage, dip in the pool or find your chi with a yoga session.