Extraordinary Africa>South Africa>Kruger, Sabi Sands and around>The Outpost
Perched high on a ridge in the remote northern reaches of the Kruger, The Outpost is something of an architectural gem floating above the Luvuvhu River Valley – a mirage of canvas and steel.
What’s The Outpost really like?
The Outpost has just 12 open-plan luxury suites. The 5 Bush View Spaces are on a lower level and look out into the trees, almost as if you’re part of the bush. Up on the ridge are the 6 River View Spaces (we would generally recommend these for the views alone if availability allows and it doesn’t blow the budget), and at the highest point on the ridge is the lovely Honeymoon Space.
Cantilevered to maximise the sweeping 180˚ views into or over the bush – the design of the rooms is strikingly modern, yet utterly in tune with its surroundings: retractable screens dissolve the boundaries between inside and out, and private decks with day beds make it almost impossible not to sit and stay a while with just the wilderness for company. With this real sense of connection between the bush and the room comes a lack of air conditioning and we thoroughly approve. There are fans of course, but it’s worth being aware of this if you happen to visit in high summer (Kruger’s rainy season) when it can get hot up here.
As you might expect from a lodge of this calibre, there’s a good restaurant, bar and wine cellar as well as a swimming pool, massage treatments and a viewing deck that feels like the edge of the world.
What can I do at The Outpost?
This all said – it’s the setting that truly steals the show. The Outpost lies within the 26,500-hectare Makuleke Concession – an ecological treasure trove that harbours huge herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as nearly 80% of the Kruger’s biodiversity. It is a true wilderness experience, away from cell phone reception and the crowds ticking off animal checklists further south. While guests do go out on- often rewarding- game drives, being here is equally about revelling in the excellent birding, bush walks (must be pre-booked), looking out for the Little Five, and immersing yourself in this gorgeous landscape. As a particular treat, you might ask the lodge to take you on a “sound safari” where a long range microphone amplifies the sound, life and hidden communications of the animals.
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