Ok, so we like being honest. We like giving people the cold hard truth. We want to tell you how fancy Nancy something actually is, not just because the website told you so,  but in this case, let’s just say it. This place is fancy Nancy and dressed with luxury.

Welcome to Epako Safari Lodge, surrounded by mountains, midway between Swakopmund, Windhoek and Etosha National Park. It’s far enough out for you to have a genuine safari experience, but with its modern luxury, will make you feel like you are chilling in the Hamptons. But with giraffes.

Everywhere you go you will have a view out into the bush, even from the gym. Imagine running on the treadmill looking out on an open field and water hole. I guess you could even say it would feel like running with the herd. Finally some gym motivation if you find yourself in the gym in the first place.

The accommodation is divided into rooms and suites with king-sized beds, an en-suite shower and bathtub and as if that was not enough, an outdoor shower. The rooms and suites all have WiFi, a tea and coffee station and a TV.  Regardless of which one you choose, you will be impressed. All of the rooms lead out to a veranda with a lounge, a great place to admire the Namibian bush and all that thrives beyond.

The restaurant leads into a lounge and a swimming pool area, so you can eat French and traditional cuisines inside or outside, again, anywhere with a view.  You can even request to have your meal on the terrace further out to soak up the experience at the watering hole and under the stars.

While the views of the watering hole might be great, you don’t need to feel thirsty and left out. Order yourself a glass of bubbly by the pool or go out to the sundowner terrace with a private bar and a firepit. Both will do just fine.

Lounging is fun, but so is a good adventure. Enjoy a safari game drive or a bushwalk to witness the wildlife, birds, stories and history of the area. If you are lucky you might even spot the Big Five. The bushman paintings are very prominent here, some are at least 1000 years old. Allow the guides to tell you tales of them all.

On a different note, Cheetahs that have been captured on farms are handed over to Epako for rehabilitation before they are sent back to the wild. It’s definitely an experience to witness the world's fastest animal right in front of you. Stop by at feeding time to see them up close.

As you can see, you don’t need to give up any luxuries to experience this side of the safari. The staff will treat you like royalty and the views will make you forget about the TV’s. This place will definitely make all the family and friends back at home jealous.