The Farmstead at Royal Malewane

The central farmhouse is a U-shaped structure reminiscent of converted stables, complete with brushed clay walls and a tin roof. Set around an interior courtyard, it's a flowing space with plenty of windows, and interiors that are furnished in shades of rich royal blue and indigo. The wraparound veranda is ideal for gazing at the bush and the nearby waterhole,. There's a double spa-treatment room, a small gym and a fire pit where guests gather in the evenings.

At 182 square metres each, the trio of well-appointed farm suites are generous spaces for couples. Each has a living room and a large en-suite bathroom with a deep tub, secluded front and back verandas and a pool overlooking the bush. The farmhouse has three bedrooms with king-sized beds, and a smaller children's room. It also has two verandas and a large pool jutting into the bush – plus a private guide and professional chef. Bliss out, bush style.

Because Thornybush merges with neighbouring Kruger, the number and variety of free-roaming animals is superb. The Big Five are here, of course, but look out for cheetah, wild dog, hyena, giraffe, antelope, and birds too. The advantage of staying on a private reserve is the flexibility of game drives (they aren't limited to daylight hours) and the exclusivity of your sightings (no more than two vehicles are permitted at a time). The guides here are true-blue veterans of the bush.