1 – Singita Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Situated in the Mpumalanga province alongside the Kruger National Park, Singita provides the perfect location for an African vacation. Teeming with wildlife, from the Big Five to countless other animals, the reserve offers unparalleled game viewing. No expense has been spared in the luxurious accommodation at any of the Singita lodges – Boulders, Castelton and Ebony. Open land rovers, not restricted to the roads, afford great photographic opportunities – day and night. The absence of fences between Sabi and the Kruger means the animals are free to roam wherever they please.

2 - Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

This 60-star reserve in Northern Botswana consists of luxury bush camps on the Okavango Delta. Situated on a secret island beneath huge trees, Moremi is placed on the edge of a broad floodplain, with 12 stylish camps offering every conceivable comfort to the discerning traveler.

Excellent game viewing is available – some of the best on the planet. You can see elephant, buffalo, white rhino, lion, leopard, and cheetah here.

Mombo accommodation is in traditional tented rooms, each elevated for great views. There are en-suite showers with hot running water, and a pool for those much needed cooling off dips

The rooms are spaced for maximum privacy away from the main dining area.

3 – Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Situated in 65,000 hectares of the southern section of the greater Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi is South Africa's Premier Private Game Reserve, Winner of ASATA/Diner's club award for best game lodge in Southern Africa. Here you can find the ultimate in luxury accommodation within the four air-conditioned lodges, each with their own award-winning selection of suites. Sample the historically charming Selati Camp or the contemporary delights of the Bush Lodge. You may prefer the Little Bush Camp, or the internationally acclaimed Earth Lodge. Specially trained Game Rangers and Trackers offer day and night safaris. You will see much and learn more, deep in the heart of real African bushveld.

4 – Mount Kenya Safari Club, Kenya

Set on the slopes of the second highest mountain in Africa, this resort comprises luxury guest cottages and a selection of graceful buildings inlayed in breathtaking gardens.

Dating back to late 1950’s the Safari Club straddles both sides of the equator. It has attracted the international ‘jet set’ throughout its illustrious history.

The Club is a 2.5 hour drive from Nairobi, although the nearby airstrip at Nanyuki offers alternative access.

Once ensconced in your lodgings, you’ll find a wide range of activities on offer, ensuring that you need never be at a lose end. Golf, trout fishing, swimming, a health and beauty spa – even an art gallery – these are just a sampling of what’s in store for you. A fabulously situated game viewing platform offers hard to beat wild life watching.

5 – MalaMala Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

The legendary MalaMala Game Reserve is set on the banks of the Sand River. Building with thatch roofs and ochre-coloured walls are scattered under the inviting shade of trees, in this truly beautiful natural setting.

However do not be fooled into thinking you’ll need to rough it! ‘His and Hers’ bathrooms, air-con, telephone access and mini bars are included among the comforts you’ll find, while the authenticity of the ‘safari camp’ feel is never compromised.

The food is divine ‘haute bush cuisine’ served with the finest in SA wines in the boma under bamboo and the African night sky. From the wooden deck you can marvel at the animals taking a drink from the Sand River flowing by.

For an authentic African experience, which combines great wildlife viewing, a genuine atmospheric experience and the ultimate in luxury, you can’t go wrong with any of these five top accommodation recommendations.