About Pel's Post
CLOSED CURRENTLY DUE TO FLOOD DAMAGE. With frankly jaw-dropping views from its 4 gorgeously contemporary-style open bedrooms perched high above the Luvuvhu river in the far north of the Kruger, Pel’s Post may just be THE most spectacularly located game lodge in the country!
We’ve always loved The Outpost lodge in the far northern reaches of the Kruger Park which boasts one of the most stunning locations of any game lodge in the entire country, but its new flagship sister lodge known as Pel’s Post has succeeded in raising the bar in spectacular fashion! Whereas The Outpost has superb but comparatively set-back views over the Luvuvhu river and the dusty landscape beyond, the nearby Pel’s Post is perched on a bluff literally just above the river which makes its views even more dramatic and immediate! Add in the more stylish luxurious rooms and that Pel’s is also smaller, more intimate and exclusive and you can see just why Pel’s Post is such an attractive option!
Given the superb vistas on offer, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the lodge’s architecture is similarly striking and takes full advantage of the great location. The 4 spacious bedrooms (or “spaces” as the lodge refers to them) as well the lodge’s main deck and adjacent lounge areas are pretty much fully open in the front, allowing unobstructed views over the Luvuvhu river below and the baobab studded plains beyond! The styling boasts unashamedly modern and clean lines, yet the extensive use of wood and canvas avoids any danger of the lodge feeling cold or clinical. Quite frankly, Pel’s Post is simply one of THE most attractive lodges in Southern Africa!
The initial concept with Pel’s Post was to make it bookable only on an exclusive-use basis which obviously severely limited its potential market – however, this has now changed to allow single rooms (sorry, “spaces”!) to be booked on an individual basis, which we’re frankly delighted by as Pel’s is a really superb option for couples wanting to stay in an upmarket and wonderfully stylish lodge in one of the country’s most unique and special game areas.
The extensive use of wood for floors and ceilings marks Pel’s Post out as different from the largely cement finishes which feature at sister lodge The Outpost – and they combine superbly with the carbon-grey walls to create a very attractive and contemporary colour palette. As you can see from the photos, the lodge’s 4 bedrooms are hugely spacious and open, courtesy of the use of the electronic sliding blinds on the front and sides of the rooms that replace conventional walls and windows. It means that you can raise them all during the day to enjoy literally 180-degree views (as well as any passing breezes) and then lower them at night if you want to make things a bit cosier! The rooms are also generously spaced apart from each other along raised wooden walkways, so you really enjoy great privacy.
The bathrooms are similarly open to the fantastic views, so you can bath in the gorgeous standalone tubs or enjoy a piping hot shower, perhaps whilst looking over ellies splashing in the river below! Of course all of this openness does have one drawback in that it makes air-conditioning impossible, so you’ll have to rely on natural air flow and the use of ceiling fans to keep you cool – please bear this in mind if you’re sensitive to the heat, especially during the peak summer months when this area can be pretty darn hot!
During the heat of summer you’ll no doubt make extensive use of the swimming pool, again boasting magnificent views out over the river (as do the adjacent bar and dining/lounge area) – it’s clear that the layout of the lodge was largely determined by the architects wanting to make the absolute best of the jaw-dropping views the site offers and they have succeeded beyond even their wildest imagination!
If you can bring yourself to tear yourself away from the myriad attractions of the lodge, the good news is that the Pafuri area of the Kruger is in our view the most wonderfully scenic part of the entire Kruger park! Being located on the western side of the Makuleke concession, Pel’s Post provides convenient access to a couple of stunning gorges nearby – the famous Lanner Gorge and the less well known but no less spectacular Mutale Gorge. Venture further east in the concession towards Pafuri Camp and there is the magnificent fever tree forest including some stunning pans which are a birder’s delight, not to mention the infamous Crook’s Corner where 3 countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique) meet on the Limpopo river.
But it really is the presence of the Luvuvhu river which will dominate your stay at Pel’s Post. From the amazing views down on the river from the lodge, the spectacular Lanner gorge the river has carved, to the game drives and walks through its gorgeous riverine forest, the Luvuvhu serves as the main artery whose waters attract much of the game found in this otherwise usually pretty dry area. It’s true to say that the Pafuri area doesn’t boast the concentration of plains game and predators found in the southern part of the park – however you’re pretty certain to get to see fantastic elephant as well as good herds of buffalo, especially along the river. Then there’s the also the stunning tree life (the baobabs and fever tree forest are simply spectacular) and the superb birding, commonly recognised as being perhaps the best in the country, especially during the summer months when the migrants from the northern hemisphere arrive en-masse. Who knows – perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to spot one of the famous fishing owls that lend their name to this wonderfully stylish new lodge!
