Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

At the main area, you'll find the Red Cliff Restaurant, where tables are laid with white and burgundy table cloths and vases of local red, orange and yellow roses. Meals are fresh and range from Kenyan to more international cuisine, and always accompanied by a selection of fine wines. When the sun is shining, you can also dine alfresco on the large terrace overlooking the gardens. In a quiet corner, you'll find the swimming pool, which is rather inviting after a day spent on safari.

Across the grounds, there are 29 stone cottages, which have two bedrooms each. Each is furnished with a four-poster bed draped in netted curtains, funky, patterned rugs and a large closet. The en-suite bathrooms are super spacious with pretty green fittings and fixtures. The cottages share a dining room and lounge with a TV and wifi. There are also three luxury cottages, which boast a veranda overlooking Lake Oloiden, an indoor jacuzzi and private plunge pool. Not a bad place for an intimate dinner under the stars either...

It's very easy to take it easy at Kongoni Lodge whether on meandering walks or birdwatching in the garden, but there's also plenty of active options. Enjoy scenic boat rides on the lake, cycle (safely) into the surrounds, or search for zebra, wildebeest, impala and giraffe on foot. Make a day trip into Hell's Gate, a steamy and mysterious destination, which offers epic hikes. For something a little different, visit the nearby Aquila Flower Farm for a very fragrant tour.