We saw our first wild elephants at the Ark, which had the best location (right on a salt lick and water hole that attracted elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, waterbuck, and, reportedly, 2 leopards) and the smallest hotel rooms. We literally had to transfer stuff to an overnight bag and leave our regular luggage at another hotel because the rooms were just big enough for the beds and a tiny night stand.

But with views like this, who cares what the room was like? This picture was taken from the "Bunker", which was on the ground floor and had thick stone walls with small rectangular windows. We were 10 yards away from this elephant and yet still safe (and out of his way). It was inspiring.