Impodimo Game Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province, South Africa

Elephants in the swimming pool, is just one experience that safari writer Carrie Hampton had at Impodimo Game Lodge in Madikwe.

Like a flash of abstract artworks in black, white and brown, a pack of wild dogs makes an excited entrance in the precincts of Impodimo Game Lodge. It is a rare pleasure to be able to see this endangered species here in the Madikwe Game Reserve in a corner of North West province right on the Botswana border. On dark, moonless nights the lights of Gaborone – Botswana’s capital city – can be seen flickering in the distance.

In addition to the wild dogs, Impodimo reports regular sightings of elephants. You do not necessarily need to go on a game drive to observe them as they are sometimes seen taking a mudbath at the lodge’s waterhole. They do, however, prefer to drink out of something a little cleaner.

They boldly stroll up to the exposed retaining wall of the rim-flow swimming pool and squeeze around it four at a time so that they can reach their trunks into the clear water. Impatience gets the better of those waiting behind, who vent their frustration with a few ear-piercing trumpets. Guests make a quick exit to the safety of the lodge and watch the spectacle.

With nature adding its helping hand, Impodimo manages to succeed in its intention to create a never-to-be-forgotten experience. But this cannot simply be ascribed to the willing wildlife. The staff play an essential supporting role, with visitors declaring in the guestbook how ‘wonderful’ they are. As dedicated and professional, are the highly skilled Shangaan trackers, who have the ability to find whatever animal you are looking for.

Guests also rave about the food and the surprise bush braai, which is a lantern-lit barbecue dinner in the middle of a clearing far from the lodge. Unbeknown to you, you are led to a feast containing dishes like marmalade-and-sage barbecued pork, stuffed chicken roasted over coals and ostrich potjie (casserole cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire). This could make a stunning spot for a honeymoon in Africa.

Returning to the lodge, you will find that the bed in your glass-fronted suite has been turned down and that on cold nights, the fire has been lit. The warm African decor, with fabrics in nature’s own colours, complements the design of the lodge.

Eye-catching features in this multilevel thatched space, are floors inlaid with stone and a screen created from branches that separates the mezzanine lounge and dining area below. Read more in her extract from ‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’, with stunning wildlife and lodge photographs by Gerald Hoberman.