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Kariega Homestead, Eastern Cape | Timbuktu Travel
Eastern Cape

Kariega Homestead

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
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Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Kariega Homestead

An exclusive-use villa in the Eastern Cape’s Big Five Kariega Reserve
The astounding variety of landscapes and things to see and do in South Africa’s Eastern Cape make this region a good choice for an easy-to-reach safari destination – and a malaria-free one at that. Kariega Game Reserve, wedged between the winding Bushman’s and Kariega rivers, is private piece of wilderness. Here you'll find the Big Five alongside bat-eared fox, brown hyena and abundant birdlife. The Homestead, a comfortable, sole-use villa, is ideal if you're travelling with family or friends (it sleeps up to 14 guests), and have a real desire for a laid-back bush experience in a home-from-home setting.
Kariega Game Reserve , Eastern Cape , South Africa
From $390 per person/per night
Safari
7 Rooms
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Property details

The property

The homestead is built around a huge pool and sundeck, surrounded by lush gardens. There's a slightly old-fashioned farm-style feel to the place, with its huge kitchen, lounge and open fireplace, and spacious dining room. Children will enjoy the playroom, and the furnishings in general are family-friendly. Sliding doors open on to the sheltered terrace, and at the edge of the grounds is a traditional boma where dinners are often served around the campfire by your private chef.

The rooms

The homestead has five vast en-suite double or twin bedrooms overlooking the gardens, and a further two rooms with a shared bathroom – great for a family with younger children. Décor is unfussy and designed with comfort and practicality in mind, with charming cane chairs and tables, rough natural textures, and earthy African colours throughout. All have ceiling fans, and most open out onto the veranda along the edge of the house.

Activities

The flexibility of having the entire homestead and its staff at your disposal means that the traditional safari routine doesn’t have to be followed – stay out all day if you feel like it, enjoy night drives, and explore on foot. Take a boat cruise or a canoe trip along the Kariega and Bushman’s rivers and look out for resident fish-eagles in the dense riverine woodland. There’s also a spa and wellness centre a short drive from the homestead.
Trips

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How to book Kariega Homestead

How do I book Kariega Homestead?

Kariega Homestead can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Kariega Homestead or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Kariega Homestead?

Stays at Kariega Homestead start from around $390 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Kariega Homestead

South Africa

Eastern Cape

A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.