Ivory Lodge

The main area is a large, open-sided thatched building that encompasses the bar, several dining tables and a few comfortable couches and high-backed chairs. In front of the lounge, some lovely green grass stretches out towards a sunken fire-pit, where the guys get a big log fire going in the evenings. Beyond this is the camp's waterhole, with a viewing hide nearby. To one side, is a shaded swimming pool - a great place to cool off in the midday heat, though you may have to share it with the odd elephant.

There are nine rooms - seven tree houses and two Presidential Elephant Suites - built on substantially raised wooden decks. The suites have their own private decks with superb views of the waterhole and surrounding bush. The tree houses have the views but without the decks. Inside, the furnishings are simple but adequate and very comfortable. They have twin or double beds covered with mosquito nets, a fan, a desk and a few chairs. Ensuite bathrooms have a basin, toilet, shower, and storage shelves. Additionally, the suites have a bath with a sneaky little viewing window.

The lodge conducts game drives both on the Sikumi Reserve and in the national park, where you might have to contend with a few other tourists but the game viewing is better. Guided walks offer an exciting opportunity to approach big game on foot, as well as a chance to pay attention to some of the smaller, more easily overlooked intricacies of this rich ecosystem. Activities generally last between 2 and 5 hours, depending on what you're seeing and the distance you've covered. Visits to the local village of Dete, as well as the Painted Dog Conservation Centre are also available.