2 Best Hotels in Londolozi Game Reserve, Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park

This friendly camp has 10 stone-and-thatch individual chalets set amid thick riverine bush; some chalets are linked by interconnecting skywalks, which is great for families or groups traveling together (children six years and older are welcome). Decorated in warm, comforting earth tones, each chalet has its own wooden viewing deck and plunge pool. Old family photographs decorate the walls and tables in the public areas, reminding you of Londolozi's decades-old history. Relax on the huge thatched dining and viewing deck that juts out over a quiet backwater of the Sand River, and watch the mammals and birds go by. Or join a group yoga class under the African sky.

Londolozi's largest camp, centered on a thatched A-frame lodge that houses a dining room, sitting areas, and a lounge, has been around for decades and is the very soul and center of Londolozi. Meals are served on a broad wooden deck that juts over the riverbed and under an ancient jackalberry tree. The thatch rondavels, which were the Varty family's original hunting camp, now do duty as a library, a wine cellar, and an interpretive center, where you can listen to history and ecotourism talks—don't miss the Londolozi leopard presentation. If you're looking for romance, have a private dinner on your veranda and go for a moonlight dip in your own plunge pool. In suites, the pool leads right to the riverbed. All rooms are decorated in African ethnic chic—in creams and browns and with the ubiquitous historic family photographs and documents—and have great bushveld views. Families are welcome (children must be over six), and the fascinating kids' programs should turn any couch potato into an instant wannabe ranger. Then there's the unique Healing House wellness center on-site. This is no typical spa massage parlor, but a holistic all-in-one retreat including wilderness walking and ancient forms of sound therapy.