Showing posts with label Outpost Safari Lodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outpost Safari Lodge. Show all posts

Monday, 24 August 2026

Outpost Safari Lodge – Four Days of Peace, Luxury and Adventure in the Kalahari

 

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

Breakfast, Kalahari Lion Hunt and Kalahari truffles!

 

"Lion hunting" at Outpost Safari Lodge
Kalahari, Namibia 2026


While staying at Outpost Safari Lodge, we can choose a daily activity — typically a guided walk, a morning game drive or an afternoon drive or the traditional sundowner from a beautiful viewpoint.

This morning we have chosen the morning game drive.

We are going "lion hunting"!


Breakfast at Seven


Breakfast at dining table
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


 Breakfast is served at 07:00 around the enormous dining table.

Our attentive hostess, Elize and her two assistents, have prepared Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit and muesli, followed shortly afterwards by freshly made omelettes filled with delicious spinach and other greens.

A very welcome change after the many substantial breakfasts we have enjoyed at some of the other wonderful places on this trip.

After breakfast, our ranger Thomaz arrives with his assistant, who will accompany us as guide and tracker.


Blogger and wife, heading for morning drive
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


We take our seats high up on the back of the Toyota, while Elize brings a cooler box with cold drinks, should we feel the need for refreshments during the drive.

There are also warm blankets waiting on our seats to protect us from the chilly Kalahari morning.

Nothing has been left to chance.


Following the Lion

We head out into the Kalahari, which is particularly green this year after good rains.

In places we follow tracks in the sand; elsewhere we simply make our own track through the bush.

There are animals everywhere.

Kudu, springbook, eland, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, giraffe and, of course, plenty of oryx.


Our ranger Tomaz shows us sorted ostrich eggs
Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026


We also pass an ostrich sitting on a nest.

And what a nest!

There are eggs everywhere — enough for some seriously large omelettes. ;-)

The ostrich has apparently sorted the eggs into different groups, sitting on those considered viable while the others have been pushed aside.

It is remarkable that she can apparently keep track of the whole arrangement.


Ostrich runs away, we leave her in peace
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


She gets up and runs away as we suddenly appear "around the corner".

We take a few photographs and then leave her in peace.


We see lion tracks
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


A little later, Thomaz spots lion tracks in the sand along the fence bordering Botswana.

This is what we have been looking for.

He suggests that we get down from the elevated back of the vehicle and sit inside the Land Cruiser, as we are now following fresh tracks and could encounter the young male lion at any moment.

That sounds perfectly sensible to us.

We have experienced lions right outside our tent in 2012 in Central Kalahari Game Reserve with our children in a roof top tent — a rather terrifying experience (link). Read the scary story! I also had the same experience with my son in 2015, but at a slightly safer distance (link). 


Along the Botswana Border


We drive slowly along the fence
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


We drive slowly along the fence while Thomaz leans out of the window, carefully following the tracks.

Eventually, we reach a hole underneath the fence leading towards Botswana.

According to Thomaz, this is where the lion has crossed through.

He believes the lion is still somewhere inside the area, but despite searching carefully, we cannot find him.

So we climb back, now onto the elevated seats again and continue our drive.

For the next couple of hours we travel through the beautiful Kalahari landscape, constantly encountering large groups of animals.


Giraffes running away 
Outlook Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


What an extraordinary abundance of life.

Eventually we reach the place where the lion killed the zebra.

There are tracks everywhere.

But no lion.

He has clearly moved on.


Back to Our Little Oasis


Our little oasis
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


After three hours in the bush, we return to our little oasis at Outpost Safari Lodge.

Elize is waiting for us in the sun lounge with a freshly baked apple pie.

It is difficult to imagine a better welcome after a morning in the bush.

Then it is time to relax beside the plunge pool.


Wife relaxing in (cool) plunge pool
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


What a life.

We feel extremely fortunate to be able to experience this.

Later that day, Elize tells us that Thomaz has returned to the site where the lion killed the zebra. He followed the tracks all the way through the bush to the same hole in the fence that we discovered — and closed — earlier that morning.

According to Thomaz, the lion is now back outside the property.

Good for us.

But probably good for the lion as well.

It is clearly dangerous to be an uninvited lion killing animals inside a private wildlife area — particularly one where hunting also takes place.


A Kalahari Delicacy


!nabas, Kalahari truffles
Photo Benutzer Chtrede, wiki (link)
Outpost Safari Lodge, Namibia 2026


And then there is lunch.

We are served warm, breaded pork with fried potatoes and a very special local delicacy: freshly harvested Kalahari truffles, known locally by their Nama name: !nabas.

These unusual desert fungi appear in the Kalahari after good rains and are a highly prized seasonal food. Unlike European truffles, they grow underground in the sandy soil and have a more subtle, earthy, nutty-mushroom flavour.

We have never tried them before.

Freshly dug from the Kalahari and now served with our lunch, they are a rather extraordinary addition to the meal.

What a privilege.

We enjoy every bite.

Saturday, 22 August 2026

Outpost Safari Lodge – Our Own Luxury Hideaway in the Kalahari

 

Outpost Safari Lodge, On top of sand dune
Kalahari Desert, Namibia 2026


An Unexpected Detour


Five hours of driving south-east
through the Kalahari Desert
Namibai 2026


After five hours of driving south-east through the Kalahari Desert, repeatedly crossing the enormous north–south dune ridges, we are getting close to Outpost Safari Lodge.

We are going to stay here for four nights, but we have absolutely no idea what awaits us.

We have never been here before.

The lodge is situated in the far south-eastern part of Namibia, close to the area where Namibia, Botswana and South Africa meet, in the heart of the Kalahari. Outpost itself lies on more than around 16,000 hectares of Kalahari wilderness.

Our original plan was actually to drive directly to neigbouring Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, where my then 15-year-old son and I had an unforgettable father-and-son trip in 2015. We stayed in the remote Wilderness Cabins in the desert (link).

Kgalagadi is also where my wife and I had one of our most memorable 4x4 adventures in 2024, driving 214 kilometres of sandy tracks through the Kalahari dunes with a wonderful group of South Africans and an excellent guide on the Nossob 4x4 Eco Trail (link).

This time, however, everything in Kgalagadi was booked.

Even though I was online the very morning bookings opened.

Clearly, some people have better connections to SANParks than we do.


The Search for an Alternative

So I started looking for an alternative in the same area.

After quite a bit of searching, I came across the website of Outpost Safaris (link). It looked beautiful, it was in exactly the right area — but I had never heard of the place before.

Outpost describes itself as being located on more than 40,000 acres where Namibia, Botswana and South Africa meet, in the heart of the Kalahari Desert. The family behind the lodge has generations of roots in the Kalahari and describes its philosophy as making guests feel less like customers and more like part of the family.

It sounded promising.

Now we are about to find out.


Into the Unknown


Entrance gate, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


We arrive at the entrance gate in the afternoon.

There is nobody there to meet us, presumably because our exact arrival time was uncertain.

In a way, this gives us an opportunity for a first little adventure.

We have received instructions from Outpost: engage four-wheel drive and “keep to the left of the track” towards the lodge.

It soon becomes obvious that we are entering what appears to be completely deserted territory.

The track is a narrow, wonderfully adventurous sandy trail, with the surrounding grass constantly trying to reclaim it. A surprisingly high ridge of sand runs down the middle, but fortunately it is soft enough not to cause any damage underneath the Hilux.

So off we go.

We don't meet a soul.

Well, almost.

A large group of sable antelope stands out in the open grassland, watching us carefully as we pass. We also see the occasional impala and springbok.


A large group of sable antelope
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


There is an extraordinary sense of solitude.

And, inevitably, I start thinking about what our strategy would be if we happened to take the wrong track.

There are occasional side tracks, and some are not particularly obvious.

Fortunately, we have GPS reception everywhere, Tracks4Africa downloaded on the phone and, as a final safety net, a satellite phone.

So even if we get completely lost, we know exactly where the blue dot is.

Which is reassuring.


Our track, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


A Slightly Embarrassing Start

The Hilux is struggling a little in the soft sand.

This surprises me.

Then I realise why.

We haven't actually engaged four-wheel drive.

A small but rather important detail.

The difference is immediate.

It is slightly amusing that we have started this new little Kalahari adventure in two-wheel drive, with tyre pressures still at around 1.8 bar — perfectly reasonable for gravel roads, but not ideal for soft sand.

Our plan B is to reduce the pressure to around 1.3 bar if things become more difficult. We know from previous experience that this makes an enormous difference in really soft sand.

And if that doesn't work, we have the high-lift jack and sandboards mounted on the vehicle.

So we are reasonably well prepared.

At least theoretically.


Wrong Track


Tracks in Kalahari,
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


After perhaps five kilometres, we reach a lonely steel-sheeted shed or outbuilding.

There is a vehicle parked outside, but not a single person in sight.

We decide to continue.

Keep left.

A little further on, we reach a small house where two African women are sitting outside.

This is clearly not Outpost Safari Lodge.

I ask:

“Outpost?”

One of the women kindly explains that we have to drive back to the shed and take the other track.

Exactly what she means by “the other track” is not entirely clear to me.

But it is obvious that we are in the wrong place.

As so often in Namibia, however, the people we encounter are friendly and helpful, and we turn around.

Back at the shed, we find what we now hope is the correct track.

And then, suddenly, we see buildings on top of a small dune to our right.

There is a sign: Dune House.


Dune House near Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


It turns out to be another accommodation option operated by Outpost Safaris. It is spectacularly situated, completely isolated and overlooking the Kalahari.

I get out and look for someone.

Nobody.

So we continue.

Third time lucky.

And then, in the distance, we finally see it.


Outpost Safari Lodge
Our room right ground floor
Namibia 2026


A large, beautiful building clad in green canvas, majestically perched on top of a sand dune.

Surely this must be it.


Finally – Outpost

We drive towards the top of the dune and park the Toyota Hilux in front of the lodge.

Initially, there is nobody in sight.

But the front door is wide open.

We step inside.

And there we meet Elize, who turns out to be our wonderfully friendly and competent host.


Elize, our friendly & competent host
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


She hadn't heard the car arriving.

But she certainly knew we were coming.

Fresh orange juice is already waiting in champagne glasses, together with a tray filled with homemade snacks and all sorts of delicious treats.

We were expected after all.

And within seconds, we feel completely welcome.

More importantly, we are enormously relieved to have finally found the place.


Our Own Luxury Lodge


Our room from the terrasse
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


Elize shows us to our room.

When we open the door, it exceeds our wildest expectations.

It is enormous.

The room is raised on stilts above the Kalahari, with two huge beds pushed together in the middle, covered with an almost absurd number of cushions.

From the bed there is a magnificent view across the Kalahari and out onto our private terrace.

And there, waiting for us, are wine glasses and an ice bucket.

Naturally.


Two huge beds in our room
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


Next to the bed is a beautiful masonry fireplace, meaning that we can lie under the duvet at night and watch the flames while the temperature drops outside.

Behind the sleeping area is an enormous classic English-style bathtub.

And next to it, naturally, a bottle of champagne waiting on ice.


Champagne waiting on ice
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


There are bath salts and herbs for the tub, a beautiful glass shower enclosure and double washbasins — allowing us, in theory, to brush our teeth at the same time.

The whole room is beautifully designed, luxurious without being flashy, and filled with small details that show how much thought has gone into the place.

Bravo.


A Lodge in the Wilderness


Inside Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026

It quickly becomes apparent that we have, for all practical purposes, our own large luxury lodge in the middle of the Kalahari.

Nothing seems to be missing.

The main lodge has only four rooms, and its elevated position on the top of a sand dune provides sweeping views across the Kalahari and towards the waterhole below.

All our meals are prepared by Elize and her two assistants in the kitchen.

And they are extraordinary.

Three-course dinners appear every evening, accompanied by homemade cakes and other treats during the day.

In front of the main building is a large terrace with a fire pit and plunge pool, overlooking the waterhole below the dune, where animals come to drink.

Inside, there are large, heavy and beautiful wooden pieces of furniture with enormous cushions.



Huge chimney structure
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


Two masonry fireplaces merge into a huge chimney structure rising perhaps 10–12 metres above us.

There is also a help-yourself bar, with a fine selection of water, wine and spirits.

Next to the main lodge is a large sun lounge built on stilts, furnished with comfortable chairs and an assortment of international magazines.


sun lounge built on stilts, sunset
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


We are the only guests sitting at the dining table.

It is designed for around 20 people.

Fortunately, we don't have to sit at opposite ends!


We are only guests at dining table!
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


There Is a Snake in Paradise

But, as they say, there are always snakes in paradise.

Here, however, the snake turns out to be a lion.

After our recent leopard encounter with my brother and sister-in-law (link), I had actually resigned myself to the idea that we probably wouldn't see any more of Africa's big cats on this trip.

I had forgotten one rather important detail.

We are now living next door to Kgalagadi.

It turns out that one of the park's young male lions has recently decided to go on an excursion.


Lion, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


He has dug his way underneath the fence into Outpost's enormous property.

And, if you think about it, this is perfectly understandable.

What could possibly be more tempting for a young lion than a self-service buffet, moving into a large wildlife-rich area where he is apparently the only big cat?


Our Unexpected House Lion


Wife staying close to Lodge
Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


Elize advises us not to wander around outside the lodge too much.

She has just seen the lion before our arrival.

It has killed a large zebra.

And she has seen its tracks around next door Dune House.

Which, of course, happens to be precisely where I was wandering around looking for staff a short while earlier. ;-)

So it turns out that we have, somewhat unexpectedly, moved into a house with our very own lion.

We decide that we would prefer him to maintain a reasonable distance.

Very reasonable, actually.


Four Nights in the Kalahari


Plungepool at sunset, Outpost Safari Lodge
Namibia 2026


What an extraordinary place we have moved into.

Outpost has completely exceeded our expectations.

We came here as an alternative because we couldn't get into Kgalagadi.

Instead, we have somehow ended up in our own private luxury hideaway in the middle of the Kalahari, surrounded by competent and kind staff, dunes, wildlife and complete silence.

And apparently, one wandering young male lion.

We are looking forward to four nights of peace, luxury and adventure.

Although perhaps with slightly less wandering around outside than we had originally planned.