Kapama Buffalo Camp

The thatch and stone guest lounge and bar is beautifully positioned on a raised timber deck overlooking the river, with high ceilings to catch the breeze, and a huge open fireplace for winter warmth. The interior has a contemporary feel, with warm earthy colours blending in naturally with the surrounding bush, and an open-plan design flowing onto the outdoor dining terrace and swimming pool deck. Dinners are usually served under the expansive night sky in the traditional African boma.

10 vast, tented double or twin suites overlook the river from stilted wooden decks, linked to the main lodge by raised timber walkways. Bathrooms are en-suite, with a shower and a deep standalone tub separated from the bedroom by folding screens. Décor is elegant and low-key: crisp, white linen, chic African throws, and dark wood and leather finishes hark back to a bygone safari era, with welcome modern luxuries like air-conditioning, heated blankets, coffee machines and mini bars.

Early morning and afternoon game drives offer the chance to view large herds of buffalo, elephant, prides of lion, cheetah and rhino, and a wide variety of plains game. The freedom of being in a private reserve allows you to stay out after dark and search for nocturnal species such as leopard and spotted hyena. The birdwatching is superb, and guided bush walks provide the opportunity to discover the smaller aspects of this diverse environment at ground level.