Kruger National Park is surrounded by the most private luxury safari lodges in Africa - because sightings of all the Big 5 are almost guaranteed, and it's easy to get there. I've spent a lot of time at a friend's camp in the Sabi Sand, which is the best - animals allow you to get real close, and you can drive off-road to them. Pricier camps are not only more luxurious - a/c, private pools, butlers etc - but also have larger traversing areas. South Africa.
Best time: Best game viewing when dry and cooler from April to October, but popular year-round.
Access: Fly from Joburg (1 hour), Cape Town (2 hrs), Victoria Falls (2 hrs) plus quick transfer or charter flight into your camp. Driving from Joburg via the scenic Panorama Route takes about 6 hrs