Last Word Makanyane Safari Lodge, South Africa

Your stylish bush refuge is one of just eight spacious secluded suites, hidden in the forest, each with a fabulous bathroom with free-standing bath, indoor and outdoor shower and wraparound glass walls which embrace the natural beauty of their surroundings. The entire front of the ensuite can be opened to the bush. Watch out for passing elephants!

Throw away your diet - Makanyane's food is too good to resist! Meals are imaginatively prepared by the chef and his team who create unique menus, blending European and African flavours, using only the freshest local produce. The exceptional dining experience is complemented by fine wines from the award-winning wine cellar. What's more - you can dine in a variety of locations - by candlelight on the deck of your suite, by the pool, on the main deck under a canopy of stars or in the open-air boma next to a blazing fire. You can even enjoy a 'bush braai' out in the reserve surrounded only by flickering lanterns. Breakfasts are typically taken with your guide and any other guests sharing your game-drive vehicle so that you can discuss your safari adventure for the day ahead. All meals, afternoon tea, house wines, local beers and spirits are included, along with complimentary bottled water in your suite and on the game drives.

This is Big Five territory - lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and leopard - so you can be assured of superb wildlife viewing. The reserve is also home to the rare African wild dog (the lodge's namesake) as well as cheetah, giraffe, hyena and over 360 bird species. Game drives are operated in Makanyane's custom-made 4x4 Land Cruisers - roofless all-terrain vehicles, designed to maximise your game-viewing experience. One of the most striking aspects of this beautiful African wilderness area is its diverse and varied terrain, from rocky peaks and open grasslands to verdant valleys. There are two daily game drives - one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon. These are timed to coincide with the periods when the wildlife is at its most active. The afternoon drive includes a stop to enjoy sundowners - that quintessential African experience - and often continues into the night with a shielded spotlight revealing the nocturnal wildlife of the bush.

Game walks with an armed and experienced guide are a 'must' at Makanyane as they offer the opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of the bush. A highly educational and enlightening experience, your guide will lead you along game paths in the footsteps of the animals, enabling you to feel the thrill of walking through this wild environment. Away from the noise of the game drive vehicle, your heightened senses will become more aware of the subtle nuances of the bush - the sounds, smells and textures of the unique surroundings. Unfortunately, guests under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walks.

Last Word Makanyane Safari Lodge also has a gym and a Bush Spa where you can relax and be pampered after an exhilarating day on safari. Treatments can also be enjoyed on the deck of your suite or at the look-out point where you can savour the views as your body unwinds. Above all else, privacy and a personalised service are paramount at Makanyane.

Children aged 12 years and over are welcome. A maximum of two children aged 12-17 years can share a suite with their parents, staying on extra sleeper-beds.

Makanyane's wonderful mix of privacy, space, romance and tranquillity make it an ideal choice for a honeymoon. The secluded suites (just 8 of them, so a maximum of 16 guests) have floor-to-ceiling glass windows - perfect for watching passing elephants. At breakfast, discuss the exciting day ahead with your guide whilst at night, relax and reflect on your safari adventure over a private romantic dinner. After a memorable day of wildlife spotting, you will return to your suite to find a cosy fire lit and sumptuous fine linens on your bed.