Fifteen minutes into the drive the first rays of the sun cast a coppery light over the world and leave the entire area in a warm orange glow. We pass some red hartebeest, waterbuck, plains zebra and even a pair of Kori Bustards, Africa’s heaviest flying bird. The two-way radio remains silent, which means the other guide vehicles haven’t seen anything noteworthy either, and so the tension builds. The morning carries too much promise not to deliver and one can almost feel it brewing in the air.

As if preplanned, a pride of 12 lions make their appearance together with the rising sun. The big cats leisurely walk parallel to the jeep track and seem to pay little attention to us. Grevin informs the other guides of our location while simultaneously manoeuvring into position for a beautiful picture of a young lion walking through the grass, perfectly lit by the golden rays of the rising sun. The sudden realisation of tension and the immense beauty of the scene leaves everyone on the game viewer in a sense of awe.

The lions were the highlight of the day, but the rest of the game drive – like all game drives on the property – was no less exciting. The 60 000 ha private nature reserve shares a lengthy border with Etosha National Park and offers an authentic wildlife experience. Game drives guarantee abundant sightings of plains game while lions, giraffes, black and white rhinos and elephants are also spotted regularly.

Safarihoek is perched on top of a hill with majestic vistas of a mopane savannah extending as far as the eye can see. A waterhole, where animals drink throughout the day, is situated around 500 metres below the lodge. A sparkling pool invites guests to cool off in summer, while the friendly staff are on hand to assist with any needs.

Safarihoek has 11 thatched chalets. The interior decorations impart an air of effortless style maintained throughout the entire establishment. Each chalet has its own private balcony from where the almost constant activity of wildlife at the waterhole can be observed in comfort.

A double-storey photographic hide at the waterhole makes for an excellent pastime. The ground floor gives a water-level view, ideal for photographers wanting to get that perfect close-up shot. Even if you are not a photographer, it is easy to spend hours just listening to the sounds of the bush and observing the fascinating behaviour of wildlife around the waterhole.

Whether it is an elephant visiting the waterhole while you are having coffee, or a giraffe showing off its long neck for a silhouetted picture during sundowners – Etosha Heights feels as if you were in the neighbouring national park. Except that you aren’t. Each sighting in Etosha Heights is a unique experience, only shared by those who are with you on the game viewer. This is truly your own private wilderness in the heart of the Namibian bush. TNN