Rare Earth Blogs | Boutique Properties in South Africa
13.11.2023

EMBRACING THE TRANQUIL BEAUTY OF A REMOTE & UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS

Sitting off the beaten path in the best possible way, The Outpost offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, or indeed the busier parts of the Kruger further south. But it’s also much easier to access than it might sound…

05.02.2024

Each of the handpicked properties in our portfolio of family-owned retreats celebrates its own distinctive spirit and showcases the beauty and diversity of South Africa. Each of these remarkable place

13.11.2023

Sitting off the beaten path in the best possible way, The Outpost offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, or indeed the busier parts of the Kruger further south. But it’s al

10.10.2023

Our lodges at Welgevonden Game Reserve have been extremely busy this year, keeping Sindy and her extremely hard-working team on their toes! In addition to a soft refurb of

10.10.2023

We’re still coming down off the high of our first major international award – a place in the Top 10 of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2023 – although

10.10.2023

Things are heating up in the northern Kruger and we don’t just mean the springtime temperatures! It has been an extremely busy season at The Outpost and Pel’s Post, with exciti

19.08.2023

The history of The Old Rectory dates back to 1777, when it was first built to house troops supervising the storage and shipment of timber by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). It is the o

03.07.2023

One of the things they say about having children is that it allows you to see the world through their eyes; to experience the wonders of nature as if for the first time. This is abundantly

03.07.2023

Introducing your children to the wonders of the animal kingdom is not only an enriching experience for all involved but also a wonderfully immersive way to teach empathy, respect and emoti

01.07.2023

Set in the lush rolling hills of The Crags in the heart of the Plett Wine Route – South Africa’s smallest “Wine of Origin” production area – Kay and Monty Vineyards is a small, family-owne

12.05.2023

Once the home of man’s earliest ancestors – Stone Age hunter-gatherers whose handcrafted tools and weaponry quite literally litter the hills and valleys of the Pafuri Triangle – and more r

23.03.2023

There is no question that a safari during the South African winter offers the best game-viewing opportunities – days are cool but sunny and the bush is dry and sparse, making it much easie

17.02.2023

Autumn is the crossover point as the fierce heat of the summer months begins to wane but days remain bright and clear. It’s the perfect weather for enjoying the great outdoors, whether hik

15.02.2023

A few months ago we were privileged to welcome Thomas Vousden as an intern field guide here at The Outpost. Thomas was so taken by this area of pristine wilderness that he has shared a ‘vi

07.02.2023

Henry Jones, Commissioning Editor for the UK’s Daily Mail, recently visited the northern corner of the Kruger National Park and stayed with us at The Outpost. His experience included sensa

21.07.2022

Winter in South Africa is a wonderful time of year to visit the bush. The weather is dry, the vegetation opens up allowing for easy game-viewing, the resident

23.06.2022

If you’re a bird enthusiast, then we highly recommend you add The Outpost to your bucket list. The region is well known for its abundant, year-roun

16.02.2022

The Widdows family set out in 2021 to travel across our nine beautiful provinces to see as many bird species as possible within the borders of South Africa – they dubbed it their ‘Birding

04.02.2022

Your accommodation is booked, your trip is all mapped out and it’s almost time to head off on safari. First thing on the to-do list – get your packing sorted! It can be a daunting task for the f

28.09.2021

Each town along the Garden Route has something unique to offer – from extreme outdoor activities and pristine beaches to incomparable views and an abundance of natural

13.09.2021

The Outpost and Pel’s Post lie in the Makuleke Contractual Park, a vast and remote wilderness of approximately 26 500 hectares in the north of the Kruger Nati

01.07.2021

A place where your first greeting of the day comes from loitering dassies and lively spurfowls; where the sun sluggishly creeps above the Luvuvhu river, painting the horizon as it ascends.

01.07.2021

We couldn’t be more grateful for our team of expert field guides here at The Outpost Lodge, including Kevan Dobbie, a new member of our team who manages to capture our special part o

08.06.2021

Breathtaking views, fine wine, delicious food and a magnificent space ready to be filled with your closest family and friends await all those who choose Kay and Monty

26.02.2021

Keen to enjoy some sun, sand and special family time? The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s top family-friendly holiday destinations. From beautiful beach

15.12.2020

Plettenberg Bay is often referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Garden Route’ and it only takes one visit to our special part of the world to understand why. From sparkling pools, su

01.09.2020

During lockdown in South Africa, two of our field guides, Nicole Mathesie and Dean Oelofse, spent their time at The Outpost. While all was very quiet, slowly but surely a hidden parallel w

13.08.2020

We’re delighted to introduce our all-inclusive Country House Wedding Package in collaboration with Confeti Events. Host your dream wedding with up to 30 guests at our Country House,

23.07.2020

You’ll find two of our beautiful lodges, The Outpost and Pel’s Post, in the far north of the Kruger National Park and winter is one of the best times of year to visit us here. The da

06.04.2020

We may all be homebound but we’re still dreaming of days spent in the African bush. We asked expert field guide and photographer, Nicole Mathesie, to share some of her favourite phot

20.02.2020

Leanne and Kyle were surrounded by rolling vineyards and majestic polo ponies as they welcomed their nearest and dearest to witness their love and commitment at Kay and Monty Vineyards, ju

20.02.2020

There is so much to look forward to when exploring the lush bushveld during a summer visit to The Outpost or Pel’s Post, in the far north of Kruger National Park. Accompanied by our expert

04.02.2020

We’re excited to announce that all properties across our entire Rare Earth Retreats portfolio of luxury game lodges and coastal hotels have bee

01.01.2020

What will you tick off your travel bucket list in 2020? Whether it’s sipping sundowners overlooking the remarkable Cape coastline, dining under the starlit Af

31.12.2019

With over 16 wine farms stretching from Harkerville to the Crags, we are lucky to call the Plett Winelands home to our boutique wine farm, Kay and Monty. Ther

11.12.2019

The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa in Plettenberg Bay is delighted to be hosting a NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER! Gather your family and friends for an evening of

09.12.2019

At Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, we work hard to offer our guests the very best service every single day. This is all ma

04.12.2019

If you are in the Plettenberg Bay area or planning a holiday here this festive season, make your way to Kay and Monty and enjoy an afternoon of good food, gre

04.12.2019

Visit us in Plettenberg Bay this summer– the beaches are at their best, the weather is glorious and there is plenty to see and do. Stay with us at The Old Rec

01.12.2019

With luxury suites, starlit skies and abundant wildlife, Tshwene Lodge is a magical place to enjoy a safari holiday. Plus, with at least two game drives every

01.12.2019

The Old Rectory Spa in Plettenberg Bay has been designed to revitalise and restore body, mind and soul. It’s a place of absolute tranquillity and relaxa

28.11.2019

Take advantage of our not-to-be-missed Black Friday offers across our entire Rare Earth portfolio – from boutique beach hideaways in both Plettenberg Bay and

27.11.2019

We are lucky to have Executive Chef Justin Kotze overseeing every single detail at Restaurant 1777 at The Old Rectory. With the likes of springbok steak, pan-

25.11.2019

The summer months in Kruger bring soaring temperatures, full waterholes and river beds, as well as newborn life. The first rains have officially fallen and we

08.11.2019

Conrad is one of our incredible Field Guides at The Outpost, as well as our Lodge Manager. He’s been in the guiding industry for over five years and his

06.11.2019

We’re excited to introduce our brand new Kay and Monty 2016 MCC Blanc de Blanc Champu. The name Champu comes from our namesakes at Kay and Monty – on ba

23.10.2019

Situated in the far north of the Kruger National Park, you will find two of our lodges – The Outpost and Pel’s Post. The diversity of wildlife, veg

22.10.2019

Natasha and Bryce’s wedding at Kay and Monty Vineyards was a perfect celebration of love. They held their ceremony overlooking our glassy dam, surrounded by t

25.09.2019

From local fashion and bespoke gifts to fresh produce and delicious eats, Cape Town’s markets have it all. They’re one of the best ways for visitors to experi

05.09.2019

Nikki and James recently tied the knot at Kay and Monty surrounded by their closest family and friends. With the most stunning white roses, peonies and tulips

04.09.2019

Sitting down to share the stories of the day’s adventures over a glass of wine or cocktail is always a holiday highlight and golden hour in Cape Town is

01.09.2019

There’s never a dull moment in the far north of the Kruger National Park, where you’ll find two of our beautiful lodges, The Outpost and Pel

29.08.2019

A day spent poolside is just what’s needed for that holiday feeling and we have a wonderful selection of properties in our portfolio with the most incre

12.08.2019

Dean Oelofse is our Head Guide at The Outpost, in the far north of the Kruger National Park. Whether he’s getting up close and personal with an elephant

12.08.2019

Midweek dinners under the stars, Friday nights with friends, special occasions celebrated in style, and Sunday sharing platters for all the family… join us fo

25.07.2019

Pel’s Post is our award-winning eco-luxe property here at Rare Earth Retreats. With just four suites, you can stay with a group of friends or your famil

20.06.2019

Two of our luxury lodges, The Outpost and Pel’s Post, are situated in the untouched far north of the Kruger National Park. Each seas

18.06.2019

Harvest season has been in full swing at Kay and Monty . We have a total of five hectares under grape with an array of varietals, namely chardonnay, sauvignon

11.04.2019

Fly directly to The Outpost Lodge and Pel’s Post with Echo Skies and make  your transition from city to safari an easy one. Simply choose your departure

27.02.2019

From live music, delicious food and informal seating to a fun-filled, eclectic ceremony that broke all the rules – Jade and Greg’s festival-inspired wedding at K

04.02.2019

It’s our vision, here at Rare Earth, to bring you truly unique experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular places. Our guests often capture the mag

01.02.2019

On the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find the Robberg Peninsula – one of the most popular and scenic hiking destinations along the Garden Route. It offers

21.01.2019

You’ll find two of our bush properties, Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge, situated in the heart of the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve – just a three hour

14.01.2019

In just a few minutes from us here at Cape View Clifton, you can be at the water’s edge with some of the most spectacular beaches on earth to explore. Take a mom

08.01.2019

Cape View Clifton is delighted that for the sixth consecutive year, Cape Town has been voted the Best City in the World according to the 2018 Telegraph Travel Awards.

03.01.2019

We are delighted to launch our brand new summer menu here at Kay and Monty Vineyards. Inspired by South Africa’s heritage and showcasing the best in locally-sour

16.11.2018

We were honoured to host Lea Crafford, an incredibly talented lifestyle photographer, a few weeks ago at Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge. We love how she

16.11.2018

We couldn’t be more grateful for our team of expert field guides here at The Outpost Lodge, including Donavin de Jager, who not only generously shares his remar

12.11.2018

Cape Town and its surrounds are home to some of the world’s most renowned wine regions and boast a multitude of internationally acclaimed wines. Here are a few

08.11.2018

A dream destination for any foodie, Cape Town boasts some of the best up-and-coming chefs serving everything from fusion to fine dining as well as more relaxed cuisin

29.10.2018

Embarking on a safari is incredibly exciting – being up close and personal with wildlife that you may have seen only on nature programmes or in books is truly an expe

25.10.2018

We recently hosted talented lifestyle and travel blogger, Jared Ruttenberg (of @JaredinCPT) at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa and Kay and Monty. We chatted

21.10.2018

Plettenberg Bay is often referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Garden Route’ and it only takes one visit to our special part of the world to understand why. We are incredibly privileged to call

11.09.2018

Each year, we are honoured to host a number of out-of-this-world weddings at The Outpost Lodge in the far north of the Kruger National Park. Dreaming of getting marri

04.09.2018

We couldn’t be more grateful for our team of expert field guides at The Outpost Lodge, including Dean Oelofse who recently came face-to-face with an elephant wh

26.07.2018

The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is just three hours drive from Johannesburg and we’re lucky to call it home to our two lodges, Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge

12.07.2018

Next time you visit us at either Tshwene Lodge or Ekuthuleni Lodge in the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, you’ll be able to unwind at our new spa. Restorative,

03.07.2018

If you’ve visited Tshwene Lodge or  Ekuthuleni Lodge before, you may have met Kgadile Molekoa, one of our incredibly talented chefs. Those who kn

11.06.2018

We’ve had the privilege of hosting many incredible weddings at Kay and Monty Vineyards, just outside Plettenberg Bay. From the laid-back elegance of Raine and C

07.06.2018

Winter in Cape Town is something to behold. The weather may be cool, but the scenery is green and there are bright, wind-free beach days to enjoy. Whether you want to

30.05.2018

Home to three of our properties in the Rare Earth Retreats portfolio, The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa, Country House and Kay and Monty, the Garden Rout

28.05.2018

Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Chloé and Nikolai’s dream wedding came to life at Kay and Monty, just outside Plettenberg Bay. We chatted to them about the h

04.05.2018

We are delighted to welcome Cape View Clifton to our Rare Earth Retreats portfolio. Established high on the slopes of Lion’s Head, Cape View Clifton is a beautiful boutique hotel with

28.03.2018

Nick Smith is our Head Guide and resident wildlife photography enthusiast here at The Outpost. Whether he’s getting up close and personal for an animal portrait or panning out on the glorious la

25.03.2018

The beautiful bride, sophisticated decor, endless fairy lights and stunning flowers, made this Kay and Monty wedding absolutely breathtaking from beginning to end. We chatted to Ashleigh and Devan abo

21.03.2018

Harvest season at Kay and Monty is an exciting time of year – filled with lots of hard work and plenty of exhilaration as we reap the rewards of growing season. We chatted to Lloyd Kasimbi, farm

27.02.2018

The Outpost Lodge and Pel’s Post lie in the Makuleke Contractual Park, a vast and remote wilderness in the far north of the Kruger National Park. The region is home to the largest fever tree for

23.02.2018

We are delighted to welcome David Schubach as our Rare Earth Retreats Executive Chef. He is currently based in Plettenberg Bay at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa and proudly launching its brand new me

15.02.2018

We are delighted to welcome Cape View Clifton to our Rare Earth Retreats portfolio. This acquisition sees our portfolio growing to an offering of seven exclusive properties in South Africa, and Rare E

25.01.2018

If you’re planning a holiday in South Africa, consider adding the Garden Route to your travel itinerary. Home to two of our properties, The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa and Country House, the Gar

17.01.2018

If you’re looking to disconnect from life in the fast lane, even if just for a few days, The Outpost Lodge offers an experience of the African bush that is difficult to beat. Expect breathtaking

10.01.2018

If you have visited The Outpost Lodge before, you may have met Dean Oelofse, one of our incredible guides.  Dean fell in love with the bush as a young boy and his passion led him to become a key

30.12.2017

In this ridiculously fast-paced world, where we often live in different continents to our parents, siblings or close friends and where our attention spans are forever challenged by the pinging of a Wh

12.12.2017

What will you tick off your travel bucket list in 2018? Whether it’s sipping sundowners looking down over Lanner Gorge, dipping your toes in the Indian Ocean or seeing your first whale breaching in th

11.12.2017

It has been a truly incredible year for us here at Rare Earth, with the opening of our exclusive-use bush property, Pel’s Post, in the far north of the Kruger National Park and our brand new boutique

13.11.2017

The Outpost Lodge lies in the Makuleke Contractual Park, a vast and remote wilderness of approximately 26 500 hectares in the very north of the Kruger National Park. The region is well known for its a

08.11.2017

Plettenberg Bay, known to locals as ‘Plett’, is famous for its pristine beaches but for anyone new to the area, the amazing choice and seemingly endless miles of glorious coastline ca

30.10.2017

Most people believe birding is an art that takes years to master but in fact you have no need to be intimidated. You can pick up the basics of birdwatching in no time and you certainly don’t nee

30.10.2017

The African bush has long inspired artists who have painted and photographed its wonders, filmed its raw beauty and written books that capture the sights, sounds and feelings of its splendid wildernes

18.10.2017

Samuel Japane is our resident birdwatching expert here at The Outpost and one of the best birding specialists in South Africa. He has been with us since 2014 and his knowledge and passion for bir

29.09.2017

We feel lucky to have Executive Chef Kristine Moodie overseeing the dining experience at  The Old Rectory and Kay and Monty Vineyards. Her cuisine emphasises fresh, organic ingredients and creati

25.09.2017

We are lucky to call the Garden Route home to three of our beautiful Rare Earth Retreats properties – our Country House, Kay and Monty Vineyards and The Old Rectory – and so we were deligh

20.09.2017

We were honoured to host talented lifestyle and travel blogger Natalie Roos, of Tails of a Mermaid, earlier this year at three of our luxury lodges – The Outpost, Pel’s Post and Ekuthuleni

19.09.2017

We are delighted to welcome The Old Rectory to our Rare Earth Retreats portfolio. Located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s best-loved coastal towns on the Garden Route, The

31.08.2017

If you have visited us at The Outpost before, you may have met Matt Plaistowe, one of our amazing field guides. He’s been with us for three years and our guests are constantly singing his praise

21.08.2017

Kay and Monty is an award-winning, boutique wine farm outside Plettenberg Bay with just five hectares under grape. Our intention is to keep production small, allowing our winemakers to conti

19.08.2017

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is a 38,200ha reserve in the Waterberg District, Limpopo, South Africa. It’s home to two of our lodges, Ekuthuleni Lodge and Tshwene Lodge and it has a warm, sem

18.08.2017

Our two luxury lodges, The Outpost Lodge and Pel’s Post are situated in the northernmost part of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. This region is bisected by the tropic of Capricorn and bo

31.07.2017

Terri and Anton’s elegant wineland celebration had tons of sophisticated touches that paired so well with the charming, rustic barn venue. We loved the hanging greenery and long, candle-lit tabl

27.07.2017

Home to some of the best vineyards, with over 16 wine farms stretching from Harkerville to the Crags, we are lucky to call the Plett Winelands home to our boutique wine farm, Kay and Monty. The Plett

23.07.2017

Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world and with over 350 recorded bird species in the area, Pel’s Post is a birder’s paradise. Situated in the wildest and most remote part of the K

03.07.2017

The Outpost rests high on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River Valley in the wildest and most remote part of the Kruger National Park in the 26 500 ha Big Five Makuleke Contractual Park. This vast and

30.06.2017

We are delighted to introduce the brand new property in Rare Earth’s portfolio, The Old Rectory. Located in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s best-loved coastal towns, The

26.06.2017

It is going to be one long road to recovery for the greater Plettenberg Bay and Knysna community after the fires destroyed so many homes earlier this month. But we will get there, and we need your hel

15.06.2017

If you have visited us before, you may have met April Theledi, one of our incredible guides at Tshwene Lodge. April fell in love with the bush as a young boy while being a shepherd for his family and

12.06.2017

It has been a nightmare week for so many people in Plett and Knysna as the fires have ravaged the area leaving hundreds without a home. We are thankful that

19.05.2017

The number one thing to pack before heading out on safari? Undoubtedly, your camera. Visiting the African bush is a magical experience and there will be countless moments that you will want to capture

30.04.2017

From the simple table settings and unstructured flower arrangements to the groomsmen arriving at the ceremony on their mountain bikes, it was a celebration of  laid back elegance at Kay and Monty

29.04.2017

Jonas is our Head Guide and Lodge Manager at Ekuthuleni Lodge. He’s worked at the lodge for an incredible 18 years and his love for the bush and knowledge of the area is second to none.  We

28.04.2017

Looking for a luxury getaway in the bush? Well, look no further. The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is just three hours drive from Johannesburg and we’re lucky to call it home for our two lodges, Ek

27.04.2017

More and more people are looking for getaways that will not only revive them physically but revitalise them mentally and connect them spiritually too. From healthier menu choices to rejuvenating spa t

30.03.2017

Nick Smith has been one of our incredible field guides at The Outpost Lodge in the north of the Kruger Park for three years. His vast knowledge of the area and amazing wildlife photography make for an

29.03.2017

The Rare Earth Country House is situated on the picturesque Kay and Monty Vineyards, in the heart of the Garden Route. Only 26kms from Plettenberg Bay, the Country House is the perfect place to relax

28.03.2017

Situated on the verdant Garden Route, at the heart of the Plettenberg Bay wine route, you’ll find Kay and Monty Vineyards. With five hectares of land under grape, Kay and Monty is a boutique wine farm

Time to escape

Experience a range of distinct destinations, each with its own story to tell. Whether you seek the untamed beauty of the Kruger, the coastal charm of Plettenberg Bay, or the serene seclusion of a private wilderness, our properties offer an array of extraordinary escapes.

Time to escape

Experience a range of distinct destinations, each with its own story to tell. Whether you seek the untamed beauty of the Kruger, the coastal charm of Plettenberg Bay, or the serene seclusion of a private wilderness, our properties offer an array of extraordinary escapes.

Time to escape

Experience a range of distinct destinations, each with its own story to tell. Whether you seek the untamed beauty of the Kruger, the coastal charm of Plettenberg Bay, or the serene seclusion of a private wilderness, our properties offer an array of extraordinary escapes.

Time to escape

Experience a range of distinct destinations, each with its own story to tell. Whether you seek the untamed beauty of the Kruger, the coastal charm of Plettenberg Bay, or the serene seclusion of a private wilderness, our properties offer an array of extraordinary escapes.