Rissington Inn

Everything at Rissington Inn is kept easy-going and low-key. The main building is thatched with whitewashed walls, a well-stocked library and colourful South African prints. You'll have the choice of dining undercover or on the terrace, and there's a table d'hôte menu including favourites like the mother-in-law curry, mushroom and biltong soup, and Gertrude's fruit-filled meringues. The super casual bar is a fun spot to swap stories from the day over a Cape wine or local beer.

Each named after a native tree, the rooms are cosy and decorated with mix-and-match furniture, photographs of the flora and fauna, and colourful rugs. The beds range from queen to super king-sized, all draped in 100% percale sheets, and every room has a private veranda with a view. The rooms are a variety of sizes and some include a clawfoot bathtub in the open-plan living area, while others boast an outdoor shower. The hillside suites accommodate up to five people and share a secluded pool.

The Inn is well-placed for guided or self-driving excursions and most people are there to spot the Kruger's superlative wildlife on game drives or morning bush walks. Then again, the Panorama Route is rather tempting (stop to see the world's third largest canyon), explore on foot, horseback or mountain bike, or take the plunge at the big swing in Graskop Gorge. There are a dozen world-class golf courses within the area if that piques your interest, or stop off at the Sabie Brewing Company for a cold one.