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Outpost Camp
Kruger National Park
Outpost Camp
In the most remote part of Kruger National Park, in a wilderness area previously uninhabited by visitors to the Park, lies The Outpost Lodge. This is as a result of a ground-breaking agreement between the Makuleke People and the South African National Parks Board. The Outpost is the first lodge to be built in this vast region – one of the first successful land claims within a national park!
The Makuleke tribe was forcibly removed during the apartheid regime, and after a successful land claim have now returned to their land, but may only use it for eco-tourism projects as it is situated in the Kruger National Park. We are working very closely with the Makuleke tribe with regards to the actual building of the lodge, and they will also be working at The Outpost. They are also involved in a training program at Honeyguide Camp as well as Ten Bompas, our boutique hotel in Johannesburg, thus teaching them about food service management etc.
The Outpost is situated in the far northern area of the Kruger Park, which is still a very undeveloped area and the environment is that of a total wilderness with abundant game and bird species. 12 Suites are built on the edge of a mountain, overlooking the Luvuvhu River, close to the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers, which is the border between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This also places us in the middle of the new Trans Frontier National Park, administrated by the 3 countries of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The main reception area, library and wine cellar as well as the restaurant also boasts spectacular views. The cuisine is first class – we have a Michelin Star chef from London heading our kitchen at The Outpost. Daily activities include game drives, guided walks as well as river safaris, fishing etc. all done by experienced guides and trackers.
Room Descriptions:
The suites are not typical of a safari lodge, but are stylishly different and very minimalist. Materials used in the construction namely aluminium, glass and canvas makes the most of the spectacular views on offer.
Inclusions / Exclusions:
Rates Includes:
Accommodation, all Meals, Beverages, Game Drives, Guided Walks and River Safaris
Rates Excludes:
Entrance Fees and Conservation fees at the Kruger Park Gate.
Extra information
Winter months
(May to September -approximately 3C - 22C / 37F - 72F)
Very warm insulated parkas and scarves for the night safaris.
Light sweaters, jeans and shorts for everyday wear.
Summer months
(October to April - approximately 15C - 38C / 59F - 100F)
Cool cotton clothing, t-shirts and shirts (preferably in neutral colours)
Jeans or trousers for evening wear (temperatures can drop to around 18C / 64F)
Game Drives
Guests will be offered a choice of a long or short game excursion in the morning and again in the late afternoon which may extend into the early evening. Game drives will be conducted by qualified and experienced guides in open-air four wheel-drive vehicles. Game excursions are not restricted to public roads in Kruger National Park and mostly make use of tracks formerly reserved for the use of Park officials.
Hiking and Birding
Guests who would like to experience the bush on foot may do so after breakfast or as an alternative to a game drive in the early mornings and late afternoons. Walks are conducted in parts of the region not accessible to vehicles including the spectacular Lanner Gorge. The Makuleke Region is renowned for its birding and guests may be able to see Scarlet chested sunbirds, Broadbilled rollers, Redheaded weavers, Wattle- eyed flycatchers and owls such as the Pel's Fishing Owl, the Scops, White-faced, Pearl-Spotted and Giant Eagle Owl.
Visit Thulamela
The region's rich historical and cultural heritage can be explored by guided visits to Crooks Corner and the Thulamela archaeological site overlooking the Luvuvhu River. Artifacts dating from 1460 to 1640 have been found tying them to the last phase of the Zimbabwe culture. In the late 19th century, the historic Ivory Route passed alongside the Luvuvhu River to Crooks corner at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers and the border of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. A visit to Thulamela is a half day excursion.
Visit Makuleke Village
The Outpost celebrates its relationship with the Makuleke Community. The creation of the lodge is inextricably linked to the history of the Makuleke people, their forced removal from the region under the Apartheid laws of the old South African government and the subsequent return of title to the Makuleke people. The history of the Makuleke people is best explored by a visit to the Makuleke Village in the capable hands of a Makuleke guide. A visit to the Makuleke Village is a full day's excursion.
