Epako Safari Lodge

The entire lodge focuses on the waterhole, so you can watch the activity from its lovely interiors (the comfortable lounge, dining room, bar area and media room), as well as the terrace and wraparound verandas, furnished with quirky canvas seating. The decor throughout is clean and stylish, with natural colours, gorgeous artwork and cool stone floors. Dine on Namibian/French cuisine indoors or on the terrace – the waterhole is lit at night so you can watch the cavalcade of animals.

The rooms, which accommodate a total of just 20 guests, are decorated in contemporary yet classic African-style, with modern neutral shades of whites, browns and light grey. Each room has its own terrace furnished with directors' chairs and loungers perfectly positioned to view the game, and the gardens or the bushveld. All are air-conditioned, with en-suite bathrooms, minibars, satellite TV and safes. The river- and waterhole-side suites are larger in size and have additional lounge areas.

The reserve is home to two of the Big Five, namely white rhino and leopard, but you can also expect some great sightings of spotted hyena, cheetah, zebra and bat-eared fox, along with 170 recorded bird species. 4x4 safaris are available day or night, and it's worth taking a guided bush walk. See the views from a mountain top, explore the rock art sites and witness scheduled cheetah feedings at the local sanctuary.