Khwai Leadwood Camp

Crafted from honey-coloured wood with sail canopies stretched overhead, Khwai Leadwood combines the best of a luxury safari with rustic authenticity. Take in views of the river (and its inhabitants) from the dining deck where a hearty meal prepares you for the next adventure. Escape the midday heat with a good book in the open-air lounge or a dip in the pool and in the evenings, swap stories around the sunken firepit while sipping on something chilled from the bar.

With just seven tented rooms, the camp was designed to feel intimate. Expansive windows let in the light and the tranquil river scene before you even hop out of your canopy bed. The look is distinctly local, with beaded and carved wooden decor perfectly complementing the nearby scenery. The bathrooms are simple and tasteful with a dressing table and shower. Your private deck has a hammock for lazy afternoons and outdoor daybed for a little 'armchair safari'.

You couldn't be in a better place to fulfill your safari wishlist. Begin with a classic game drive, where you could spot big cats, giraffe and buffalo or swap sunshine for starlight and enjoy a nighttime drive, where lion and caracal stalk on the hunt and aardwolf romp in the undergrowth. Get your safari legs on a walk through the concession for the unique thrill of an up-close encounter with nature. We couldn't leave out a ride in Africa's gondola, the mokoro, where the smooth Khwai River yields dreamy views.