Rattray’s hosts sixteen guests in eight luxury “khayas” (the Zulu word for “home”). Each acting as an exclusive home with hand-selected furnishings, crystal and leather, Rattray’s is a treat of the finer things in life. Khaya’s boast a private verandah with grand river views and a private heated plunge pool, a private indigenous garden, en-suite bathrooms with double vanity, ball-and-claw bath and double indoor shower and outdoor shower; outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, heating, overhead fans, hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee facilities. Satellite television, DVD player and laptop with wireless connectivity are available on request. The guest areas include an elegant African-themed air-conditioned dining room, a historic bar featuring photographs of the early days and its pioneers, a large wooden safari deck for outdoor dining and game viewing, a large infinity pool with river views, fully-stocked wine cellar, small fitness facility and well-appointed safari boutique.

From sundowners in the bush to three-course meals and refreshments-on-request, food and drink is included. Bush breakfast after an early game drive is a particular pleasure with eggs, sausage and bacon cooked by the rangers over an open fire, combined with the buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, smoked salmon and croissants. Dinner is often taken on the verandah or in the boma – an atmospheric traditional round fenced enclosure with open fire where the meal is served beneath a sausage tree favoured by bush baby. Food is African-International and the springbok carpaccio is particularly tasty.

Everything at Rattrays is guest-centred; the experience tailor-made. A ranger and vehicle are allocated to every four guests (or larger single group). Game drives, food and drink, time to relax in the gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the riverbed, and perhaps a massage, are all arranged around the guests’ needs and desires. Crucially, rangers are extremely knowledgeable (as well as personable) with a real understanding and concern for the animals. A maximum of three vehicles at a time is allowed at a sighting and, unlike in the public Kruger park, vehicles can also go off-road. This can hugely improve sightings, and you may even be lucky enough to see a majestic leopard from just feet away. Relax by the infinity pool or in the library, indigenous garden full of birds or historic bar featuring photographs of safari pioneers, located at the main lodge.