Muddy Teak

The picture of safari-chic and sprawled beneath ancient teak trees, the lounge and dining space open onto an enormous wooden decking area woven around the existing trunks. Everything centres on that mesmerising waterhole view, from the pool that spills towards it to the fire pit perfectly positioned for dawn coffee and nightcaps under the stars – to the soundtrack of trumpeting elephants and crackling flames. Solar panels keep cameras charged while sandy paths in between the rooms and main areas remind you this is still wild Africa.

Four canvas sanctuaries (including one two-bedroom family setup) are perched on wooden platforms beneath the protective tree canopies. But these aren't just tents; they are 40-square-metre hideaways with roll-up sides that transform your space into an open-air bedroom when the mood strikes. King beds, draped in mosquito nets, face the waterhole, while stylish art deco touches add unexpected sophistication. The real genius? Bathrooms that flow seamlessly from the inside out, complete with both indoor and star-gazing outdoor showers. Private decks come with armchairs, perfectly positioned for maximum elephant-watching potential.

Liberation from rigid safari schedules means following your instincts – and the wildlife. The surrounding landscape shifts from mopane scrub to sandy teak forest, each habitat harbouring (many) different species. Your dedicated and experienced guide (they're the finest in Hwange) might suggest tracking elephants on foot at dawn, then switching to drives to spot the predators prowling.... Walking safaris reveal the smaller dramas of the bush, while the private concession setting allows after-dark adventures that are impossible in the main park.