Choose Outlook Lodge and Safari

I am so happy about our safari tour operator in South Africa, Outlook Lodge and Safaris. First, the staff in Johannesburg and in Kruger are nice and sooooo accommodating. The food in both places is wonderful. I was hoping to lose weight in Africa but I think I am gaining. The Lodge in Johannesburg is located in a very safe suburb of Johannesburg. The lodge would be considered a mansion by American standards surrounded by other mansions with tons of outdoor seating areas and birds (it's near a bird sanctuary). It's very clean and the beds are comfortable. The drive to Kruger is long but our driver, Willie, was so sweet and gregarious and knowledgeable. The drive was really like a tour instead of a transfer. We stayed inside the park at the Skakuza Restcamp.  We wanted to tent but they also have chalets with bathrooms for those less inclined to roughing-it. There is a good restaurant and huge gift shop/grocery and even a pool (we didn't see it though). Our tent was along the fence and every night a hyena was just on the other side of the fence. I tried to get a picture but it was too dark.

                                                            warthog beside our tent at Skakuza Restcamp, Kruger National Park
                                                               Photo Credit: Rachael Costello

One night I got up at 12:30 to go to the bathroom and I could hear him start vocalizing and run up to my tent... Maybe 5 feet away.

The food served was so good, you can't imagine it could be produced in a tent kitchen. Micah's favorite was the chocolate cake with caramel filling and second was the ice cream with caramel sauce. I had to be rolled back to my tent every night. However, the main reason to go to is Debbie, the safari guide. She was amazingly knowledgeable. She volunteered to take us on a half day safari when we were only expecting a morning and evening game drive. That turned into a full day 6:00 am- 4:30pm. That's the day we saw most of the animals. The feature that puts Outlook Safaris above others is the insulated ponchos and hot water bottles that they provide for the morning game drives. Remember its only 30-40 degrees in the mornings and you sit up high in the safari vehicle with the wind blowing on you. Those two little luxuries made our safari perfect.

                           hot water bottle and insulated poncho                       

                             Photo Credit: Rachael Costello