For a gin and tonic lover, there is nothing quite as wonderful as that first sip from a freshly-made cocktail; that initial hit of bitterness, the dance of bubbles across the tongue and the clink of ice blocks against the glass. And those who have experienced it on the edge of a waterhole in the gathering dusk will tell you that the most delicious gin and tonic is one served off the back of a game vehicle.

These days, gin is gaining in popularity as a "trendy" spirit, spawning a variety of artisanal producers who distill the liquor using traditional methods and creating interesting new flavour profiles. The bars at Singita are stocked with a variety of well-known brands as well as a few bottles of handcrafted gin, like the Amber variety from Inverroche, a small batch distiller in Still Bay, South Africa. The well balanced and full bodied flavour combines the fresh floral botanicals of Africa with spices and berries from India and Europe.

A classic gin and tonic can be spiced up with all sorts of interesting ingredients, like lavender flowers, grapefruit zest, slices of cucumber, a twist of black pepper or a sprig of rosemary. Purists would no doubt prefer the simplicity of the original, so here is the recipe for a traditional gin and tonic, best enjoyed with a view and preferably a Big 5 sighting!

How to make the perfect gin and tonic:

Ingredients - what you'll need: 2 oz. (60ml) of gin 3 oz. (90ml) tonic water A handful of ice cubes 2 lime wedges

Method - what to do: 1. Squeeze one of the lime wedges into the bottom of a highball glass then drop in the wedge 2. Pour in the gin 3. Fill the glass most of the way with ice then stir for a few seconds 4. Top with tonic water and the second lime wedge (not squeezed)

These photographs were taken on a recent game drive in Singita Kruger National Park, a 33,000-acre concession on the South African border with Mozambique. The lodges in this reserve, Singita Lebombo Lodge and Singita Sweni Lodge, were built to "touch the earth lightly", as part of Singita's mission is to create and maintain a balance between conservation, community development and ecotourism. You can find out more about this philosophy on our website.