THE FACTS ABOUT SINGITA LEBOMBO

South_Africa

This stunning steel, wood and glass structure overlooking the Nwanetsi and Sweni rivers in the Kruger National Park has taken contemporary game-lodge luxury to heady new heights. Architects Andrew Makin and Joy Brassler and decorator Boyd Ferguson designed the 15 suites as elevated lofts, each with a private sun-deck and plunge pool, with unimpeded views of the Lebombo mountains and surrounding bush. The decor is sleek and eclectic, with woven grass stools shaped like hourglasses and ornamental anklets converted to light fittings. Overlooking the confluence of the rivers is a state-of-the-art spa, where three full-time beauty therapists pamper guests with massage, hot-stone therapy, mineral-salt scrubs and seaweed wraps. The extraordinary, 12,000-bottle wine cellar would rival any in the Cape winelands. Food is local, fresh and sophisticated: start the day with smoked springbok on a muffin with a poached egg and tarragon sauce; and lighten up at lunch with chilled melon-and-lavender soup. Lebombo's more recently opened sister camp, Sweni, has the same woven-branch ceilings and airy spaces, but it is moodier, with lots of leather, khaki and dark wood; and with only six suites, it is more intimate. Both camps boast an excellent game-to-guest ratio on the 15,000 hectare concession, which is on the migration route of many species. Sightings of lion, leopard, cheetah and Burchell's zebra are frequent, and the rare sable antelope has also been sighted in the northern reaches of the reserve. WHEN TO GO The dry winter months (April-August) are best for game-viewing. ROOM TO BOOK Suite 5 has the best views of the river, where game gathers. Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park, South Africa (00 27 21 683 3424; fax: 683 3502; www.singita.com). From R13,600 (about £1,120) double occupancy, full board