Itaga Luxury Private Game Lodge, Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa

Head for the hills a couple of hours north of Johannesburg and you will cross from Gauteng into the province of Limpopo. It is here, at the foothills of the Waterberg mountains in the greater Mabalingwe Game Reserve, that Itaga Luxury Private Game Lodge is found.

A large thatched roof covers the central safari complex where guests recline in deep leather couches and comfortable armchairs. Grass, wood, pottery and woven textiles, along with zebra skins, ostrich eggs and Zulu baskets, create a distinctly African atmosphere throughout the lodge. The fact that you cannot be anywhere other than in the wilds of Africa is confirmed by a glance at the waterhole, where wild animals, including buffalo, elephant, warthog and a variety of antelope, can be seen slaking their thirst.

Itaga’s eight en-suite, thatched-roof chalets are the perfect home away from home. Each one is individually styled and has its own pergola-covered patio. Air conditioning means you stay snug in winter and cool during the swelter of hot summer afternoons. Most chalets have an outdoor shower as well; when using it, you will be forgiven for imagining you are in your own private African rainforest.

While you are out viewing game or watching birds, the safari lodge staff get on with their job of making your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible. Itaga’s kitchen always seems to be on the go. Mornings are the best time to appreciate the care taken in the preparation of meals, with an enticing display of tropical fruit that greets you like a burst of sunshine. Of course, the breakfast buffet sets the tone for the epicurean masterpieces, complemented by fine wines, that await you at lunch and dinner.