Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Architect and designer have obviously worked closely here. The lodge is lovely. Its main seating area is vast and beautiful, with modern decor highlighted with bright splashes of colour, and extraordinary views. Spanning the back wall is a dramatic mural of local wildlife, and behind the indoor fireplace is the bar. Meals are served on the deck, beneath starlit skies in the boma or in the glass-fronted dining area. The day spa offers views and treatments simultaneously.

Rhino Ridge has four types of accommodation: two honeymoon bush villas with private plunge pools; eight luxury bush villas with huge open-plan bedrooms, a lounge area, fireplace, minibar, full bathroom and large viewing deck; four safari rooms with a private shower room leading on to a deck area; and two safari family suites ideal for families travelling with children. All rooms are carefully positioned to take advantage of those sensational views.

Take a morning and evening safari drive (preferably both) in a specially adapted open Landcruiser, with a professional guide. Walk with the animals both inside and outside the Big Five area on a guided hike lasting three to four hours. Visit the local Mpembeni Community, explore Zululand and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and scuba dive at Sodwana Bay. Birdlovers rejoice – Hluhluwe–iMfolozi is known to support more than 400 bird species