Kalahari Red Dunes

The thatched, African-style main building is set on a natural island in the dry former lake and is reached via a 120-metre wooden boardwalk. Inside is a restaurant with a panoramic view and a good Europe-meets-Africa menu. Winter mornings and nights can be cold, so you'll appreciate the glowing fire. In warmer weather you can elect to eat outside on the terrace (or even dine between the dunes). There's a well-stocked bar (try the locally brewed beer), free wi-fi and a pool.

Elevated on stilts above the dry lake are 12 private guesthouses, all named after a local wild animal (such as the large and luxurious honeymoon Ostrich #10 unit). Each has its own well-considered style, punctuated with African artifacts. There's a comfortable bedroom/sitting area, aircon, fridge, en-suite bathroom with private WC and outdoor shower, and a teak terrace that's ideal for game watching, gazing at the views and staring at the stars.

The Kalahari offers treasures for hikers: the four-hour Tree Hike crosses red dunes and the treed savanna (you may see giraffes); Dune Hike (three hours) allows for close inspection of the dunes; two-hour Nyala Walk leads across flatlands to the shrub savanna that shelters various antelopes and other great and small species (no predators here); and one-hour Red Dam Walk offers spectacular views. There's a multi-day Trans-Kalahari Walk for keen hikers. Or explore the surroundings on bikes or sundowner drives.