Mfangano Island Camp

Lush lawns, tropical gardens and giant boulders hug the waterline; a narrow jetty extends into the lake. The setting is idyllic, and the camp's design detracts in no way from the real reason you're here: the lake-island's wild beauty. At the heart of camp are open-air thatch structures with plenty of sofas, and tables for dining. Although Mfangano's crew keep you on your toes, with ever-changing dinner settings – the best of which is on the edge of the jetty.

Nine large chalets perch on the lakeshore, each built in the local Luo people's style, with banana thatch and natural clay. Four-poster beds draped with opulent blue-trimmed netting are fit for royalty, and offer near-360 degree panoramas of the lake. Outside, each has a spacious patio with two day beds for breezy lounging. The family cottage sleeps four in two adjoining rooms. The apex of luxury, the honeymoon suite, is the most tucked away of them all.

There's no shortage of activities, although lazing in the sunshine is perfectly acceptable too. Fishing is good here and the sizable Nile perch presents a good sporting challenge – and great lunch too! Take a guided bird-watching expedition on the island, and take in the sounds and sense of the forest. Meet the friendly local villagers, skim across the lake in a dhow, dip in the horizon pool, and, of course, always make time to toast the sunset.