Luxury in a treehouse

Although similar to Legends Lodge, Tinga Narina Lodge has a distinctly more African feel. "Like the bird it was named after (the narina trogon), the lodge is unobtrusive, yet undeniably beautiful, blending perfectly with the riverine forest vegetation," an apt description from their website. The Lodge blends rustic African natural woods, thatch and fibres with sophisticated and understated decor and furniture styles. The main area is linked via raised wooden walkways to the nine private suites. It is elevated and built on stilts with a stunning view of the Sabie River. Facilities include a main deck overlooking the river, a library, wine cellar, lounge, bar and boutique.

 We are greeted by the general manager Grant and invited to freshen up before dinner. The thatched chalets are quite an experience. They are fitted with every convenience from heated towel rails to under floor heating in the bathroom, a fully stocked mini-bar and outside shower, plus your very own splash pool. The chalets are also completely private and you feel like you own – for a short time – a piece of isolated heaven.

While lying in your spacious bath by candlelight, during the last flickers of sunset, you can survey the river beneath with the buffalo and elephants sauntering to the river for a drink.

Dinner, prepared by local staff, under the watchful eye of head chef Cecelia, is a delight. From exquisite venison pies to hearty and exotic breakfasts, the food tickles every last tastebud. I have a wonderful lie-in the next morning, while my photographer goes on the morning drive. I kick myself afterwards, because not only did they spot many buck species, a heard of buffalo, elephants and giraffes, but also a lazy pride of lion. We spend the rest of the day relaxing, before the afternoon game drive.

Tree house 

The bush is very quiet after the rain, but Omega, our game ranger, says some rhinos were spotted earlier. After some skilful tracking, we come across two beautiful and highly endangered white rhinos. Watching these magnificent, ancient beasts in their natural habitat is an incomparable experience and again I find it unfathomable that anyone could harm or kill these creatures for their horns. We also spot some Bushbuck, Eland, and the rare Honey Badger.

After sundowner drinks by the river – we are dropped off at our living quarters for the evening, namelyTinyeleti Tree house.The weather is perfect and the first stars are already making a shy appearance as Omega and German, our tracker, familiarise us with our home in the open bush. We had a tree house when I was little and this is a more luxurious version. It's complete with a four poster bed with mosquito netting. Instead of plastic mugs with hot chocolate, we have a set table with real linen, a "picnic" feast of penne arabiata, olive and camembert cheese tartlets, venison kebabs, superb De Waal wine, a selection of soft drinks, crackers and cheese and home made chocolate brownies – all accompanied by the finest crockery and cutlery. Entirely made of wood and overlooking the river on stilts and with a double basin vanity and toilet beneath, the tree house is heaven on earth, replete with a powerful telescope. There is a two-way radio for emergencies. As night falls fast and with hardly any moon, the stars come out and twinkle like a million diamonds. We hear the hippos in the river below us and catch a glimpse of them with the spotlight. I wake up twice during the night; once to the roar of lions in the distance and once because of the call of a hyena right underneath me. In the morning, watching dawn break all around from a bed in a tree, is a sensation I simply cannot describe. Omega collects us at about 7 am to have breakfast back at the Lodge and then, sadly, it's home time. 

Narina Lodge will always have a special place in my heart. It seems to touch the soul, heart and mind and will forever stay there.

Thank you to Monica, Melanie, Grant, Omega, German and all the wonderful staff at Narina who made our stay a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Go tohttp://www.lionsands.com/narinalodge.aspfor more information and reservations.