Many guests at Mhondoro comment on how this location in the Welgevonden Game Reserve gives them a chance to get up close with all kinds of animals.

There’s a photo of an elephant peering over the edge of the plunge pool at Mhondoro, which illustrates the point. There’s also a cunningly located hide that lets you view animals at the waterhole from such close quarters, you have to mind out you don’t get splashed.

And this being Big Five country means that if you want some of the most exhilarating animal interactions imaginable, here’s a good place to book a stay.

Things to do

As well as animals visiting you in camp, you can head out to see them too. Two daily guided game drives plus bush walks give you the opportunity to explore the local area, benefiting from the expertise of pro rangers and guides as you go. You’ll venture into savannah and desert landscapes looking for the wildlife that lives and hunts there, including the Big Five, but also crocodile, giraffe, cheetah, and the largest number of white rhino in any privately owned reserve on the planet.

Younger adventurers always seem to enjoy the junior ranger program laid on by the team, so if you’re visiting with kids, you can rest assured there are activities specifically designed for this demanding audience.

Places to relax

Food is a big and important part of the Mhondoro experience, with gourmet meals prepared in camp using fresh, local ingredients to give dishes an unmistakable African flair and flavour. The lounge restaurant offers up great views of the watering hole that tends to be busy most of the day all year round. You can also see it from the lounge, bar and swimming pool.

But for an ultra close-up experience of the wildlife that’ll enliven all your senses, see where the underground tunnel leads you. Spoiler alert: it’s straight into a purpose-built hide that’ll let you get so close to the animals drinking at the waterhole you won’t believe your luck. Being within a few metres of an elephant refreshing itself in the water is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

The accommodation

All suites are elevated above ground on stilts, something that improves the views no end. There’s a classic African feel to all ten of them, thanks to thatched roofs, exposed beams and an array of artefacts that sit alongside modern furnishings to ensure your comfort.

Luxury Pool Suites

Your four poster bed overlooks the veranda, pool and landscape beyond. The veranda has a dining table, chairs and recliners, and leads down to a private plunge pool. A few steps up is an elevated treehouse with day bed overlooking the landscape, ideal for sleeping outside under the stars if you’re that way inclined.

Either way, the outdoor shower surrounded by a hand built stone wall gives you somewhere to freshen up, although you may prefer to use the inside bathroom with its twin wash basins, free standing bath with shower attachment and separate walk-in shower.

Executive Suite

Highlights include a living area with sofa and armchair arranged either side of a coffee table and fireplace. There’s a plunge pool outside, together with a long veranda with recliners. The bedroom has a real fire and armchairs for cosy evenings in, while the bathroom features twin wash basins and a free-standing bath overlooking the treetops.

Family Deluxe Suite

Enjoy open plan living, with your own kitchen and dining area, as well as a veranda with seating and treetop views. The main bedroom has a four poster bed with ensuite shower and bathtub, while the second bedroom is home to twin beds.

Family Suite

A similar offering to the deluxe, just delivered with a little less flair, not that you’d notice, as it’s still beautifully presented accommodation.

The Honeymoon Suite

Built into the hillside, there’s a kingsize bed in a room with a real fireplace overlooking the veranda which has recliners and a sheltered double day bed with plunge pool below. The bathroom has separate shower cubicle and bathtub together with twin wash basins.

Mhondoro Villa

This features a large viewing terrace with private pool plus recliners. The living room has a sofa and armchairs, with an adjacent kitchen and dining area where there’s a table seating 8. There’s another seating area that’s open at the sides to allow for panoramic views of the landscape, and it’s all sheltered by a thatched roof and warmed by an integrated fireplace.