The bridge over the dry river bed and into the front door of Amani is subtly symbolic. It’s a ritual passage from the magnificent and game-abundant Klaserie Private Nature Reserve onto an island of sanctuary and calm at Amani. Something like a double escape from the world, cocooned in the peaceful heart of Klaserie – and in the company of family, friends or both.

As an exclusive-use safari villa, Amani feels like your very own private bush retreat. And for the duration of your stay, it’s exactly that. Two bedrooms flank either side of the expansive, double-volume living area so parents and children can be together, or not. Of course, the four bedrooms are en suite and each also opens directly onto the shady gardens outside. It’s an idyllic way to start the day, with a steaming coffee and communing with nature from under a tall tree. Maybe even take an invigorating dip in the cool infinity pool.

With your own private game viewing vehicle, tracker and guide, game drives are when you choose and for as long as you like in the unfenced reserve. So there’s time to savour the great outdoors, to unwind and commune with spectacular surrounding natural life. The Klaserie is a magnificent reserve with identical wildlife and vegetation to better known Timbavati, but with far less human impact and traffic – yet only a road separates the two reserves. 

If you choose the full-catering option at Amani, breakfast or brunch will await you on return and it will be delectable. Enjoy al fresco dining around the pool and under shade. Relax, exhale, swim, nap and repeat. Then after evening game drive, bush sundowners and watching stars stud the night skies, return to Amani and gather around the campfire to reminisce about the day. As you do, and wait for dinner to be served, cast a glace across to the floodlit waterhole and see who arrives to bid you bon appetit. You’ll see wildlife large and small, and quite likely a few unusual customers too. Because both man and beast need a cool drink to keep them going in the evening.

Reviewed by Keri Harvey

What we love

• the use of natural grass and wicker in matting, furniture, light shades and wall decor
• reclaimed raw wooden tables
• such beautiful, shaded outdoor relaxation and dining areas
• the mezzanine level with a library and relaxation area for children to enjoy
• potted succulents as décor throughout
• feeling like you are far, far from the madness of the world – and you are

Need to know

• the villa accommodates 8 and is fenced so children can play safely in the garden and pool
• malaria precautions should be taken
• Getting there: Airlink and Cemair fly daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town to East Gate Airport near Hoedspruit. Federal Air charters are also possible direct to the landing strip in the reserve. Amani is a 6- hour drive from Johannesburg on good roads