 |
| Breakfast outside on the large terrace Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
We are thoroughly enjoying our days at Outpost Safari Lodge. What a fabulous place!
On our second morning, Elize and her team have set up breakfast outside on the large terrace, with an uninterrupted view across the Kalahari. To make sure we do not freeze in the cool morning air, they have also lit a fire in the small fireplace.
We enjoy yet another wonderful breakfast, taking in the peace and quiet, the extraordinary view and the beautiful terrace perched on top of the dune. It is difficult to imagine a better place to start the day.
 |
| Breakfast outside on the terrace Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
A little self-drive adventure
Later in the morning, we decide to take the car for a short drive, partly to recharge the vehicle's battery and, not least, the battery of our fridge. I mention to our host that I am thinking of driving to the main gate and back again. By now, we know the area a little better.
This would also give us the opportunity to have a closer look at Dune House, which seems like a perfect option if you are travelling to Outpost Safari Lodge as a larger group. We have already seen the two bungalows attached to the main house, and it would be an obvious place to bring friends or family for three to five days.
Elize suggests that, instead of simply driving to the gate and back, we could make a little circular tour. What a great idea!
We can drive out through the main gate and then enter through another gate into the southern part of the reserve, about three kilometres farther south. From there, we can drive north through the area and stop at the hunting tower for a cold drink. Elize naturally offers to send us off with a cooler bag containing the drinks.
It sounds like a wonderful little adventure: driving around on our own in a large private game reserve.
Not that we had exactly covered ourselves in glory when it came to finding our way around the reserve the previous day, but we had eventually made it back!
This time, fortunately, we find the main gate without any problems. We even locate the second gate, despite several rather emphatic signs warning “NO ENTRY”.
Fortunately, we are among the invited guests!
We follow our position on the satellite imagery in Google Maps and try to locate the pan where we remember the hunting tower from the previous morning's game drive. A pan is a relatively large, flat, low-lying open area in the landscape.
We end up slightly too far south, but decide not to leave the little track through the desert. After all, we know roughly where the main house is on the map, so we should eventually be able to find our way back.
 |
| Another hunting tower Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
Suddenly, we spot another hunting tower. We get out and take a short break, enjoying the view from the top. Before climbing the tower, however, we carefully scan the surrounding ground for snakes. We are, after all, walking around in the Kalahari!
From the tower, we can see another track farther north, heading in roughly the right compass direction towards the pan and the main house. We decide to follow it.
 |
| View from hunting tower and our car Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
And, sure enough, it takes us to the familiar hunting tower we visited the previous morning.
It is quite enchanting to explore this huge private reserve on our own.
We probably should have fitted the supplied mesh screen in front of the vehicle's air intake, though. The grass is quite high, and seeds and other vegetation can potentially block the radiator airflow. I keep a very close eye on the temperature gauge.
It does not move.
So all is well!
An afternoon of complete relaxation
 |
| Afternoon at the plunge pool Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
We make it safely back to the main house and spend the afternoon at the plunge pool, basking in the sunshine, applying generous amounts of sunscreen and reading our books.
Every now and then, we are interrupted by a friendly enquiry from Elize:
“Is there anything you need?”
Perhaps a glass of white wine on ice in the champagne cooler?
What a life!
 |
| Fireplace Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
Later in the afternoon, Tomaz and his assistant pick us up for a game drive. He takes us towards the southern part of the reserve, where we see Outpost Safari's airstrip – very convenient if you arrive by private aircraft.
It reminds us of our stay at Wolwedans Dune Lodge, where around half of the guests arrived by air. [link]
 |
| Near Outpost Safari's airstrip Namibia 2026 |
We continue towards the southern end of the reserve and also visit the site of the original Union's End – the place where Namibia, Botswana and South Africa meet. Tomaz explains that the actual meeting point has subsequently been moved slightly farther southeast.
 |
| Wife & assistant, original Unions End Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
We do not see quite as many animals this afternoon, but that really does not matter.
There is something wonderfully relaxing about sitting together for two or three hours, slowly driving through the landscape and simply scanning the bush, while a warm afternoon desert breeze blows through the open vehicle.
Sometimes the landscape itself is the attraction.
Sunset, springbok carpaccio and a very attentive chef
 |
| Sunset on the terrace around the fire Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
 |
| Springbok carpaccio Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
We enjoy sunset on the terrace around the fire.
Elize has prepared an absolutely fabulous starter: springbok carpaccio.
We enjoy it with a glass of red wine while taking photographs of the spectacular sunset. At some distance, we are joined by a western barn owl, sitting quietly and watching us from afar.
 |
| western barn owl watching us Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
As darkness gradually takes over, we move inside for another wonderful dinner.
Tonight's main course is homemade stuffed chicken roulade.
 |
| Stuffed chicken roulade Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
Elize has also asked about our favourite desserts. My wife therefore gets crème brûlée one evening, while tonight Elize has experimented with coconut panna cotta after I mentioned that I am rather fond of coconut.
 |
| Coconut panna cotta Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
What thoughtfulness – and what an extraordinary level of culinary enthusiasm!
The coconut dessert may not become a future signature dish, but that is hardly the point. The sheer willingness to experiment and create something especially for us is wonderful.
As we head to bed, Elize tells us that breakfast the following morning will be a surprise.
We simply have to be ready at 8:45.
And we should wear shoes suitable for sand.
“I won't tell you anything else. It has to be a surprise.”
Intriguing!
We have absolutely no idea what is waiting for us.
Breakfast in the bush
 |
| Breakfast in Nama Camp Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
The following morning, Tomaz picks us up and drives us out into the bush to a place called Nama Camp.
It is a kind of small traditional kraal, surrounded by sheets of corrugated metal decorated with old rusty cars. Apparently, fires can be lit inside some of the vehicles in the evening, creating quite a spectacular effect.
This morning, however, the camp has been transformed into a very special outdoor breakfast venue.
Elize and her two assistants – together with her daughter, who is helping out – have lit a fire and prepared our breakfast over the flames.
 |
| Eggs on fire pan Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
In the centre of the enclosure, a table for two has been beautifully set with a white tablecloth.
We are given the place of honour.
Freshly baked rolls are served straight from the fire. They remind us of freshly baked Danish snobrød – bread cooked on a stick over an open fire.
Eggs and bacon are also cooked over the flames on a large fire pan and brought to our table.
And, of course, there is delicious biltong on the table – air-dried meat that we have gradually become very fond of during our travels in southern Africa.
We feel rather like "Jeppe på Bjerget in the Baron's bed" (Danish story) – suddenly finding ourselves treated like royalty!
It is another wonderfully memorable experience.
 |
| Freshly baked rolls straight from the fire Remind us of Danish snobrød Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026 |
A surprise encounter with sable antelope
The afternoon is once again devoted to relaxation by the plunge pool, accompanied by our books and the now familiar question of whether we need anything.
Honestly, I simply cannot think of anything we could possibly need.
This is such a wonderful way to completely disconnect from everyday life.
Suddenly, Elize comes running towards us.
“Tomaz has just seen a herd of sable antelope near the shed. Hurry and drive down there if you want to see them!”
Elize knows that we would very much like to see sable antelope again. They are such impressive animals.
By now, we know the reserve well enough to drive straight along the familiar track to the shed.
And there they are.
 |
| Herd of sable antelope Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
An impressive herd of sable antelope stands in the afternoon sunlight, their magnificent curved horns clearly visible. There are even several young calves among them.
Sable antelope are among Africa's most striking antelopes. They are large, powerful animals, easily recognised by their dark coats, white facial markings and impressive, backward-curving horns. The calves are born reddish-brown and gradually develop the characteristic dark adult colouring as they mature.
Watching the herd moving calmly through the golden Kalahari grass is a wonderful experience.
 |
| Sable antelope Outpost Safari Lodge among Africa's most striking antelopes Namibia 2026 |
Sundowner on the dunes
 |
| Sundowner, Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
That evening, the staff have arranged another sundowner – this time on top of a nearby sand dune.
Tomaz picks us up and drives us through the bush in the soft light of the setting sun.
When we reach the top of the dune, we find – well, by now you have probably already guessed it – a beautifully prepared table for two.
White tablecloth.
Two wine glasses.
Chilled white wine.
And an ice bucket, just in case.
There is also a large platter filled with cheese, sausage, olives, crackers and vegetable sticks.
 |
| Sundowner, Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
We enjoy the appetisers while watching one more of the most beautiful sunsets of the entire trip unfold across the bush and the red dunes.
And once again, the lovely staff seem to be enjoying themselves almost as much as we are.
 |
| Lovely staff, Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
It is difficult not to feel incredibly privileged.
When we return to the lodge, another dinner is waiting for us.
Tonight's main course is delicious, slow-cooked pork, somewhat reminiscent of osso buco in its rich, tender texture, followed by cheesecake for dessert.
After four days of this, a fairly serious diet may be required when we get home!
 |
| Slow-cooked pork Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
Saying goodbye to Outpost Safari Lodge
 |
| It is time to say goodbye after four extraordinary days! Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
And then, all too soon, it is time to say goodbye.
What an extraordinary four days we have had at Outpost Safari Lodge.
The combination of peace and solitude, superb food, extraordinary attention to detail, beautiful surroundings, wildlife and the simply breathtaking views makes this a very special place.
But perhaps what makes the stay particularly memorable is the people.
Elize and her team seem to have mastered the art of being attentive without ever being intrusive. They somehow manage to anticipate what you might want before you even realise that you want it. Whether it is breakfast around a fire in the bush, a cold drink at a hunting tower, wine at sunset or simply a quiet afternoon by the plunge pool, everything feels personal and carefully thought through.
 |
| View from terrasse Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
And then there is the landscape.
The enormous open spaces of the Kalahari, the dunes, the changing light, the silence and the wildlife create a sense of isolation that is becoming increasingly rare.
We can warmly recommend Outpost Safari Lodge to anyone looking to spoil themselves with several days of peace and complete privacy in the Kalahari.
It is also particularly well suited to a group of friends or family. We would absolutely love to return in this way.
The main house can accommodate around eight guests in four bedrooms, including two separate bungalows on stilts in the desert, just a short walk from the main house – provided, of course, that there isn't a lion paying a visit!
 |
| One of two separate bungalows on stilts Outpost Safari Lodge Namibia 2026 |
If you also rent the nearby Dune House, at least another eight guests can be accommodated.
This would make an ideal setting for a group of friends, a family gathering, a special celebration or even a company retreat.
If you are interested in hunting, this is also possible, or you can choose to rent the property outside the hunting season – or even take over the entire place exclusively.
It is certainly not inexpensive.
But in our opinion, Outpost Safari Lodge offers exceptionally good value for money for this level of privacy, service, food, surroundings and personal attention.
Four days of peace, adventure, excellent food, spectacular sunsets and wonderful people.
We leave with very fond memories – and with a strong feeling that we may well return one day.
 |
| Sunpavillion, Outpost Safari Lodge, sunset Namibia 2026 |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment, I return as soon as we have internet again