About four hour's drive from Windhoek, Lapa Lange makes for an ideal first night. Especially after a long-haul flight and what will no doubt be a strong urge to get out into the African bush, under the enormous blue skies and to heave a happy sigh. Lapa Lange is that place.

Part of a large private game reserve, the action begins immediately with some of Namibia - and Africa's - more rare wildlife species including rhino, cheetah, giraffe, eland and sable swinging past the waterhole that is the focal point of the lodge.

The rooms are refreshingly modern and well-furnished with large comfortable beds, crispy-clean linen, air conditioning and large en suite bathrooms. All open onto the lawn and face the floodlit waterhole so, while it's perfectly safe, you're never far from a wild animal or two.

Dinner is a venison bonanza often cooked campfire-style and served al fresco beneath the mesmerising Kalahari night sky. Piet's slow-cooked venison pot is legendary. The lodge has a large, cool swimming pool that is just heaven on a hot Kalahari day and you'll need after your game walk or drive.