Riverside and beachside living? Been there, done that. But there’s another side to holidaying you might not have tried yet, and that’s hillside. Here’s your chance to complete the trio by booking a stay at The Outpost, located on the Northernmost tip of the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Only 12

Feel the excitement of anticipation as you take the teak walkway from the main reception house to your lodge. There are just 12 here, each impressive home on raised stilts sleeping 2 guests in open plan accommodation that affords you views you simply can’t get anywhere else.

Pick your view

Choose to live in a lodge located on the highest point of the ridge, with treetop views that give you maximum privacy and make you feel at one with the canopy of ironwood trees. You can even peer down through them to see the wonders of the valley below.

Located a little further down the hillside you’ll find lodges with views of the Luvuvhu River, while the accommodation on the lowest point of the ridge affords spectacular wilderness views.

The walls come down

Whichever lodge location you choose, the walls of your space won’t restrict what you can see. Made from canvas and mesh, they’re retractable, allowing you to open up three sides of your suite so you can take in the full drama and beauty of a panoramic view even the widest of widescreen TVs can’t match. And if the flora, wildlife and sunsets don’t take your breath away, they’re sure to compel you to take photo after photo of your amazing surroundings.

Turning your attention away from those views will be tricky, but there’s plenty to please inside your accommodation.

Open plan luxury

Each lodge is designed to provide a couple with all that’s needed for romantic privacy and serene relaxation. Everything’s open plan, so be sure you’re comfortable sharing that kind of space. Pride of place is the kingsize bed with a soft goose down duvet for cozy nights – with the mandatory mosquito net ensuring bugs won’t bite.

The lounge area of your lodge blends into your private terrace with daybeds, ideal for relaxing, perhaps with a book in hand, or something bubbly to celebrate the good life.

When it’s time to freshen up, your award-winning bathroom awaits. The stone bath and shower both overlook the bush without being overlooked.

Get birding

Throughout your stay, you’ll have the beautiful wilds of South Africa as your neighbours, with herds of elephant and buffalo among them. Although, it’s worth noting that this area of Kruger isn’t renowned for big cat sightings, so staying here is unlikely to get you ticking off the Big 5 from your bucket list.

Instead, guests at The Outpost look to the skies for their wildlife thrills. With over 350 bird species known to fly in the area, this is the kind of holiday for which you pack binoculars before anything else. Although you won’t need them to enjoy each picturesque sunrise over Lanner Gorge.

Togetherness

When you’re not in your lodge or out on safari, the central guest lodge back along the walkway is a communal space in which you’ll find a lounge area with bar, giving you a chance to meet other guests living the dream. There’s a lap pool here too just in case you need to wind down a little more.

While in the communal area, you’re likely to catch the aroma of the delicious food you’ll enjoy during your stay being prepped. The owners of The Outpost run the popular Sides restaurant in Johannesburg. So you can expect the food you enjoy to be as impressive as your lodge location and those stunning views from the hillside.