Deception Valley Lodge, Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Deception Valley Lodge is a traditional, owner-run safari lodge on a private concession on the northern edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). Info-Botswana puts the concession at about 43,000 hectares, and the private reserve is linked to an ancient river system. Most guests arrive by light aircraft from Maun, and you can also drive yourself.

The lodge has eight thatched suites raised on stilts and joined by wooden walkways. Standard suites have a bedroom, a separate lounge, a Victorian-style en-suite bath, an outdoor shower and a veranda. There are also two family suites; the deluxe one adds a plunge pool, a deck and a fireplace. Stays are fully inclusive. Meals are shared in the main dining area, with dinner in an outdoor boma, and a game-viewing deck looks over the waterhole.

The San cultural walks set it apart. Guests go into the bush with Naro trackers, and Expert Africa calls this one of the best Bushmen experiences in Botswana. You can also go on morning, afternoon and night game drives looking for lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, kudu and brown hyena, as well as guided birding, sundowners, stargazing and sleep-outs. Full-day trips into the CKGR itself cost extra.