In the heart of the private Timbavati Reserve, which is teeming with Big Five game and other wildlife, Tanda Tula Safari Camp is a true gem. There are many luxury bush lodges that tick all the boxes in terms of service, food and rooms, but lack attention to detail, hands-on service and an intimate feel; Tanda Tula is the exception. Tanda Tula’s owners, Don and Nina Scott, live on the property and manage the camp, which makes all the difference – you almost feel like you’re staying with friends rather than in a hotel. There are only 12 rooms at the camp – spacious canvas tents – and while it feels low-key, Tanda Tula is certainly not rustic. Each tented room, decorated in a stylish contemporary minimalist look, has an en suite bathroom with a Victorian bathtub, outdoor shower and big outdoor decks overlooking a riverbed, so you can spot wildlife without having to go anywhere.

In between game drives with excellent, highly knowledgeable guides, you’ll be relaxing back at the lodge – swimming in the infinity pool (which offers better game viewing opportunities than the National Geographic channel), curling up on the couch with a book from the library, and tucking into delicious food (save space for the afternoon high tea).

Tanda Tula also has a small field camp on a 6500-hectare private concession that takes luxury wild camping to the next level. You spend nights sleeping in kitted out explorer tents, with comfortable beds, rugs and hot water bucket showers, and your days either on game drives or on walks in the bush tracking the Big Five with highly trained trackers and guides. If you’re after a unique and truly memorable African safari experience – this is it.