Not that Goliath Safari Camp is the last word in luxury. In fact, compared with the fine-dining, high pampering luxury safari camps of Botswana and South Africa, Goliath sits firmly on the rustic side and is all the more charming for it. Subjective superlatives aside, if you've had a more memorable, more immersive, more exciting safari adventure in Africa we would very much like to hear from you.

Goliath is a seasonal tented camp, pulled down every summer when heavy rains force the closure of Mana Pools National Park - a World Heritage Site and easily our favourite game reserve in Africa. Yes, we're from Namibia and yes, Etosha is amazing but Mana Pools it's the real deal.

Animals roam freely in and out of camp as do you. Not many game parks allow such freedom and a walking safari is without doubt the best way to experience the African bush. And with Stretch, who has been operating in Mana for 25-plus years and himself looks rather shrub-like, your walking safari acquires a whole new world of engagement while his loyal lieutenants scout for big game during your own safari outings.

With the broad Zambezi and its meandering channels, the ancient albida and mahogany trees and the blue-grey escarpment as the setting, the wildlife at Mana Pools is hair-raisingly amazing. Huge elephants own the place and the opportunity of seeing lion, wild dog, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, hippos, crocs and hyena at very close range on foot can crank up the heartrate several notches. Let's be clear on one thing: Mana is not for the faint-hearted.

Activities revolve around whatever animals are in the area with walking safaris, game drives and canoeing safaris on offer at almost a moment's notice. No schedule, no meals to rush back for, life at Goliath focuses on the wildlife almost to an obsession.

Accommodation is in Meru-style tents with en suite bathrooms that have flushing toilets and water heated by a wood-fired boiler. The tents are tucked under the trees along the river and the main living area has a tented lounge and bar area, an open-air dining area and a campfire at the water's edge. The food is hearty, home-grown fare free from bacon froth or frou-frou reductions and the service at Goliath Safari Camp is genuinely warm and welcoming. As the six, seven, eight-times over repeat visitors will smugly tell you.