Londolozi

The 56,000-hectare Sabi Sand reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park, is among the best in South Africa, with all of the Big Five present.

The leopard population in this area is one of the healthiest in Africa, so sightings are almost guaranteed – colourful but rare wild dogs are also a possibility.

Varty Camp and Founders Camp allow children over 4 years, and are traditionally very welcoming of families. The others – Pioneer Camp and Tree Camp – have a minimum age of 16.

Only children aged 6 years and up are permitted on game drives. The Londolozi Cubs Club, for kids aged 4-12, offers activities including bug catching, candle making, baking, spoor identification, fishing, African dancing and bird watching.

The Varty family has been at the heart of conservation and the local community for generations; their passion is contagious.

Guests come not just to learn about the bush, but to visit the local village, to learn about Shangaan customs, and understand how man and wildlife have to work together.

Staff are all local, and proceeds filter back into the local village for education, health and conservation projects.

Sabi Sand is a 2.5-hour transfer from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, or a five-hour drive from Johannesburg.

Londolozi is also a stand-out for its famous ‘bush spa’, one of Africa’s most progressive spas. The ‘Healing House’ is built on an ancient healing pathway, but also harnesses cutting-edge neuroscience technology. A marble-stone massage is a decadent way to cool down, or opt for a CBD treatment that finishes under the ebony tree, to stimulate all your senses.

The biophony treatment cannot be missed. This neuroscience technology uses specific sound frequencies from nature to bolster your nervous system and balance your body’s natural electromagnetic field. It woos you into the deepest state of relaxation and guarantees your best night’s sleep ever (even despite the occasional roar of lion).