Kavinga Safari Camp

Set on a cliff above a well-visited waterhole, overlooking a section of the river below to mountains on the horizon, the main area has captivating views. The highlight here is the large deck, which juts five metres beyond the cliff's edge, perching you on the edge of infinity. Indoors, the design is simple but clever, with open, airy spaces enhanced by cool concrete floors and minimalist decor. It's nothing fancy, but comfortably cushioned seating nooks encourage you to linger.

Five canvas chalets raised on platforms are adequately spaced so you're not peering on to your neighbour's deck (which, like yours, is an ample two-metre space). Nevertheless, the chalets are within easy walking distance of the main area. Each has an en-suite bathroom and sleeps two in a double or twin beds. Rooms are sparsely decorated with a few splashes of colour, but they're extremely light and breezy thanks to sliding glass doors in the front and mesh-screened sides.

Kavinga is just a short drive from the incredibly productive Chitake Springs, where great herds of buffalo and antelope congregate during the dry season, attended by ever-watchful predators (lion, leopard, hyena). Zimbabwean guides are rated as being among the best in their field, so be sure to make the most of their depth of knowledge by fitting a walking trail into your safari schedule. Night drives, stargazing outings and birding-focused excursions also add to this well-rounded but sufficiently focused safari.