Kapama Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa

Visiting Kapama Lodge, travel author Carrie Hampton wished she had known about the safari sleepout platform, because the four-poster bed on an elevated platform in the wilderness seemed like the ultimate romantic safari experience. Read this adaptation from her book, ‘‘Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa’ full of stunning wildlife photographs by Gerald Hoberman.

The rambling natural vegetation surrounding the reed-fringed lake contrasts with the tended gardens and lawns of Kapama Lodge, built right at the water’s edge.

Some of the viewing decks even have their supporting poles in the water, and if a piece of bread is accidentally dropped from the overhanging balcony the water comes alive with catfish. There are bream, too, and rods are supplied to anyone who wishes to while away some time doing a spot of catch-and-release fishing.

This lakeside setting instills a certain serenity, and sipping cocktails on a balmy evening under the thatched waterside gazebo will seduce you into a blissful state.

This is also where afternoon tea occurs, with a range of cakes, meringues and other finger food, which you do not really need because the chef has already filled you up with a slap-up English and continental breakfast.

Then there is the buffet lunch with a choice of starters, salad and hot dishes, usually featuring one of the speciality soups made fresh each day. À la carte evening meals include local and international dishes with dishes like tender rack of lamb or gentle curries.

These are served in different locations chosen according to whim and weather. You may be eating by lantern light in the outdoor boma, under the moon and stars at a hidden location deep in the bush or in Kapama Lodge’s subtly lit main dining room.

Gentle lighting extends to the stone pathways leading through gardens of aloes and fever trees to the twenty thatched cottages. The decor is as eclectic as nature itself, with colours and shapes mirroring the natural world: whole-log door frames, lamps with twisted stems, coir mats and twirly metal-framed furniture. But it is the bed that catches the eye. Fresh white bedding, plump cushions and soft drapes of mosquito netting create a fairy-tale four-poster effect.

Honeymooners who want the occasion to be out of this world, can opt for one of Kapama’s Honeymoon Specials; a two day special with romantic private dining or a three-night package with a night of romance on the Kapama Sleepout Platform.

The giant bed is swathed in fine mosquito netting and all lit up with lanterns for a night of complete privacy and romance in the heart of the African wilderness.

You are quite safe, as the platform and luxury bathroom underneath (complete with flush toilet, rose-head shower and his ‘n hers basins) are animal-proof. You are nevertheless, supplied with a radio and cellphone for peace of mind, but all you need do is relax and absorb the sights and sounds of wild Africa before sinking into a slumber punctuated by the roar of lions.

But all these comforts mean nothing without the genuine smiling faces of Kapama Lodge staff. From the waiters to the rangers and trackers, it is they who make the difference between a good vacation and a great holiday.