Tinga Narina Lodge, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Tinga Narina Lodge is one of several luxury private safari lodges given the right to operate within South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park. Guests of Tinga Narina and its sister lodge, Tinga Legends, may traverse any roads within the park, but only they have access to Tinga’s exclusive concession which runs either side of the Sabi River. This mean, that unlike public visitors to Kruger, night drives can be done, and with that comes the added chance of seeing predators like lion on the move.

Similar yet different to Tinga Legends, Tinga Narina has a strong African décor feel, created by overriding colours and textures of browns and beige and wood. Persian carpets and simple chandeliers add a touch of elegance.

There are huge fireplaces and high beamed ceilings open to the thatch. Artefacts from all over Africa are displayed or put to more functional uses, such as the masterly carved coffee tables. Even the fruit in the bowl look like a work of art.

You come to expect treats at Narina, and the luxury safari accommodation offers more than you could ever want, including Internet connection and satellite television. Resist the urge to go online or watch television and you will be treated to entertainment African style: hippos grunting their intention to emerge from the Sabi River and munch their way through the night on grasses.

They walk a kilometre or more away from the river in their search for sweet grass, before returning at first light to once again retreat into the water.