Exclusivity is the watchword at Eagles Crag as the string of presidents, leaders and famous individuals who have stayed here will testify. The huge suites are separated from each other by dense bush, but your sprawling private deck with a private plunge pool enjoys views to nearby cliff faces where eagles soar on thermals. Furnishings are contemporary with a distinctive African edge, service is discreet and superb, and the food is plentiful and gorgeous. For our money, this is the best lodge on the reserve and where we’d always stay if we could!

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is not far off the size of the Isle of Wight, a huge area of land with the sole aim of restoring and preserving the original landscape, flora and fauna of the region. Game concentrations are excellent, and this is definitely the best place in the Eastern Cape to see the Big Five of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard in the wild.