Romantically reached by a suspension bridge over a croc-infested river, this extraordinary lodge is a fusion of African tradition and boutique chic. The eight chalets are artfully blended with the bush, with grass roofs, step-in rain showers and windows offering widescreen views of the Shire River as you flop in a sunken, candlelit bath.
Then there's the main lodge, its high thatched ceiling strung with contemporary lights and ballasted by columns of leadwood trunks, driftwood art installations, and a kidney-shaped pool outside – not that you'll be doing much swimming, given the friendliness of the local elephants who wander into the lodge. Dinner is eaten communally, and glorious it is too.
Run with warmth and efficiency, the camp offers morning walks to a hide close to the river (well situated for spotting black rhinos coming for a dawn drink), riverboat safaris, cultural village visits, and of course wildlife drives to spot hippos, civets, bushbucks, abundant elephants, crocs and more. Rates include drinks, all wildlife-watching activities, and transfers to/from the reserve airstrip. Mkulumadzi is 11km north of the gate via Mkulumadzi Rd.