Singita Sweni

With just six rooms, this is a small but intimate property. Care has also been taken in the design to make the lodge feel homely and welcoming, there’s an abundance of dark woods throughout. At the centre of the communal lounge area is a bar (which guests are encouraged to enter and use as their own, though service is always close at hand if they prefer). This helps to create a more relaxed convivial atmosphere, making it a particularly friendly lodge to stay in.

The six rooms here are stunning, a design masterpiece. Natural African woods merge seamlessly with the modern floor to ceiling windows. Step out onto the deck and you can observe the river below (where one may often spy hippos wallowing the river or climbing the banks on the far side). Though there are large windows guests can expect total privacy and can thus enjoy the view from the large bathtub and showers set next to the windows out across Singita’s Kruger Concession.

Rooms come with all the modern comforts one would expect in a luxury hotel (though set in the bush) with the exception of television. There’s a shared pool area to cool off in during the afternoon and guests can also enjoy the ample spa (set between here and Lebombo).