Karula Villa
4 Bedrooms — 8 Guests
Enjoy an eco-friendly safari experience at this luxury villa in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Karula Villa is set within the expansive plains of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa. Named after one of the region’s most famous female leopards – known for her hunting prowess and nurturing over 10 cubs in her lifetime – it offers guests the chance to enjoy a sustainable safari experience without compromising on luxury.
This unique eco-luxe villa operates solely on solar power and boasts sustainable water and waste management. Additionally, guests can embark on twice-daily game drives in state-of-the-art electric vehicles, ensuring a unique and eco-friendly safari experience.
The villa’s award-winning architecture is unique and modern yet blends unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape. Natural materials were used in its construction, and flourishing gardens filled with indigenous plants surround the property.
A stunning infinity pool and expansive terrace offer panoramic views over the bush surroundings. The pool is lined with day beds and sun loungers, offering the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating morning safari and soak up the sunshine. A covered outdoor lounge provides a shady spot to take in the views.
For memorable evenings under the stars, guests can indulge in chef-prepared meals in the boma – with its traditional braai (barbecue) and atmospheric fireplace – or enjoy atmospheric dinner parties under the stars in breathtaking bush settings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors seamlessly blend the outdoor spaces with the chic interiors. Custom furniture and soft furnishings in neutral tones enhance the villa’s connection with nature, whilst statement lighting and crackling fireplaces provide a homely ambience. Beautiful modern art from notable South African painters lines the walls, and stunning bronze sculptures are artfully placed throughout.
The open-plan living room comprises a large lounge area cosied around a feature fireplace and a carved, wooden dining table beneath spectacular statement lighting. A fully-equipped bar is backed by a well-stocked wine gallery, where guests can sip local tipples.
Another cosy living room adjoins the main lounge. It features plush seating and a large flat-screen TV, ideal for family film nights. The villa also features a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen.
Four stunning guest suites are spread across two separate wings, sleeping up to eight guests. Each suite is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring a king-size bed (which can be set up as twins where needed), a private lounge area with a fireplace, a coffee station and minibar, a spacious dressing room, and an impressive en-suite bathroom. The suites also offer private decks with day beds, perfect for moments of solitude and relaxation. Ideal for families with children, two of the suites are interconnecting, whilst two have completely private access away from the main villa.
Guests at Karula Villa will enjoy attentive yet discreet service from a complete hospitality team. The team includes a villa host, a private chef, a sommelier, a spa therapist, and a private guide and tracker, all dedicated to ensuring an exceptional luxury safari experience in captivating South Africa.
NB: For larger groups travelling together, Karula can be booked with the adjacent Mapogo Villa and/or Mvula Villa.
Highlights
Swimming Pool
Waterhole & Bush Views
Daily Game Drives
Services
Included
Available extras
Enhance Your Stay with Personalised Services
After booking, your dedicated concierge will craft the perfect experience — tailored to your preferences. From everyday essentials to exclusive experiences, our curated add-ons elevate every villa stay.
Essential
Signature
Prestige
Features
Indoor
Outdoor
Bedrooms
This property comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests in its 4 bedrooms.
WING A
Bedroom 1 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and waterhole & bush views (interconnects with Bedroom 2)
Bedroom 2 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and waterhole & bush views (interconnects with Bedroom 1)
WING B
Bedroom 3 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and bush views
Bedroom 4 – king-size bed (converted to twins on request), lounge area with fireplace, minibar & coffee station, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with double vanity, bathtub & separate double shower, private deck with day bed, and bush views
Location
Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.
About the area
Karula Villa is part of the Cheetah Plains lodge in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-famous Kruger National Park to the east and another with the Mala Mala Game Reserve.
Cheetah Plains is located in the northeast corner of the reserve, which is perfect for game viewing. The area is particularly well-known for sightings of the iconic “Big Five” – African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros. It is also home to several endangered species, including honey badgers, ground hornbills and African wild dogs.
Guests can embark on twice-daily safari drives with their private guide and tracker, and enjoy guided bush walks with certified, experienced field guides to ensure the most immersive and memorable experiences.
Guests can also indulge in wine, whiskey or gin tastings, savour destination dining, immerse themselves in the local culture through visits to the village and school, and explore sustainable energy at the on-site solar plant that powers the property.
Younger guests are not forgotten with child-friendly game drives, bush walks, scavenger hunts, cooking and baking classes, arts & crafts, and child-friendly conservation activities.
The property is 20 minutes from Aruthsa Airstrip, which can be reached via a 1.5-hour flight from either Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport.
Distances
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions?
Connect with our Villa Experts – we’ll handle the rest.
Why guests love our villas...
Explore similar properties
Karula Villa
Karula Villa