Wildlife may be prowling the perimeter of this luxury lodge set on private land in Madikwe Game Reserve, but inside, the habitat, a tonal symphony of wood, stone and thatch, is as smart as it comes. A busy day of game drives (watch for sightings of the elusive black rhino) melts into sundowners on the deck, followed by gourmet fireside dinners (kudu, impala or warthog?). Later, drift off to sleep listening to the not-so-distant roar of lions. Sue Wallace