Okonjima Villa

Up to eight guests can enjoy this grand private residence. The villa is sole-use so you'll have it to yourselves - except for your personal chef and hostess, who runs the villa. Sink into the leather sofas in the main lounge with its open fireplace; sprawl next to the pool on the extensive verandah overlooking a waterhole. Sit beneath the thatched sala at the edge of the garden. You'll enjoy many atmospheric fine-dining meals (created to suit your palate) outside at the large dining table.

The villa can comfortably sleep eight adults and four children in its two luxury rooms and two separate private suites. The luxury rooms in the main house have ensuite bathrooms, each with indoor and outdoor showers, and a bath with a spectacular view of the reserve. The two separate thatched private suites are just a 50meter walk to either side of the main house. They also enjoy indoor and outdoor showers and ensuite bathrooms. There are large glass-panelled fold-away doors and each room has a mini-bar, air-conditioning, and wireless internet. Three of the rooms have king sized beds that can be wheeled out on the verandah for a thrilling sleep out under the African sky.

The main draw to Okonjima is the rare chance to get up close to large African carnivores. Use radio-tracking to follow cheetah, wild dog and hyena on foot and leopard in a vehicle. Guides here do an especially great job of getting you involved in the chase, as well as explaining all you need to know about conserving African carnivores. Visit the informative AfriCat centre for a thorough education on their work. One of the benefits of this relatively tame reserve is the chance to get out on foot on your own - enjoy the solitude of the 8km self-guided walking trail.