Venue name: The Outpost
Location: Pafuri Region, Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa,
Price per night: £210
Venue type: Lodge
Area type: Countryside

Contact Details Phone: +27 11 245 5704 Fax: +27 11 086 636 5364 Website: www.rare-earthretreats.co.za

The Outpost lies in a vast wilderness area in the northernmost part of Kruger National Park. This region, called the Makuleke Region, is bordered to the north by the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe and to the east by Crooks Corner and Mozambique.

The region measures some 28 000 hectares and is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo. The mountainous terrain is attractive to leopard and the region has resident prides of lion. Rhino were recently reintroduced and guests visiting The Outpost are likely to see Nyala and Tsessebe antelope which are not easily found elsewhere in the Park. The diverse terrain of the region includes Mopane woodlands, fever tree forests, acacia thickets, riverine forest and some of the largest and oldest Baobab trees.

The Lodge

Italian born architect Enrico Daffonchio designed The Outpost. Using simple, clean lines and combining elements of steel, concrete and open space, the unashamedly contemporary design of The Outpost emphasizes its beautiful surrounds but blends and preserves the wilderness that is its home.

The Outpost comprises one large main building and twelve stand-alone living spaces set on the side of a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River, all connected by a half kilometer long walkway made of Zimbabwean teak. The Main Building and Spaces are cooled effectively by an environmentally friendly evaporative cooling system.

On arrival guests are welcomed into the Main Building and are treated to the openness and extensive views that embody The Outpost. The modern bar is a focal point and defines the lounge and dining areas. The lounge is flanked by a large book case with an extensive and varied selection of books. This area leads off to the swimming pool deck with large lap pool.

The Spaces

The contemporary design of each Space makes use of concrete and steel with remote controlled screens which open to afford a 180 degree view of the Luvuvhu River valley. The living area of each Space comprises an outdoor terrace with daybed, indoor lounge and bedroom with king size bed under mosquito netting. The canvas walls of the en-suite bathroom with award winning bath and shower may be opened to afford a full view of the valley below or closed for privacy at the guest requires.

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.

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, Scops Owl and the Giant Eagle Owl.

Cuisine

Despite its remote location, The Outpost strives to provide excellent cuisine. Our style of food draws from its African surroundings and care is taken to source the best produce.

The Outpost offers a variety of places to dine. Breakfast is served under cover in the dining area in the main building with views of the Luvuvhu River Valley. Lunch is either served in the dining area or, time permitting, a picnic lunch is prepared and served out on safari at the riverside or under the Baobabs. Dinner is either eaten in the enclosed courtyard under the stars or on the deck next to the pool.

Weddings

The Outpost provides an ideal location for your intimate wedding in our African Wilderness. There are a number of beautiful areas within the concession from which you can choose your perfect location.

Please contact us to discuss your personal requirements for your special day.

The Community

The Makuleke Region was occupied by the Makuleke Community for some 140 years prior to their forced removal in 1969 under the apartheid policies of the previous government. After South Africa returned to democracy in the 1990's, the Makuleke's lodged a successful land claim resulting in the return of their land. This return was conditional on the land being used only for ecotourism and subject to the environmental management of Kruger National Park.

The Makuleke Community then awarded a 30 year concession to The Outpost. A true community lodge, the Outpost was built with a labour force provided by the Community. The Outpost now operates with staff drawn almost entirely from the Community. At the end of the 30 year period, the entire lodge is returned to the Community, the objective being for community members to have obtained the necessary skills to operate The Outpost for their own benefit.

This arrangement represents one of the most advanced integrated conservation and sustainable development models in the world and provides real ownership and control to the Makuleke Community.