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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.

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Highlights:

  • Swimming Pool Swimming Pool
  • Waterhole & Bush Views Waterhole & Bush Views
  • Daily Game Drives Daily Game Drives

Collections

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

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Rates

1 Mar 2024 - 31 May 2024ZAR 295,000 per night
1 Jun 2024 - 31 Aug 2024ZAR 325,000 per night
1 Sep 2024 - 9 Dec 2024ZAR 295,000 per night
10 Dec 2024 - 10 Jan 2025ZAR 360,000 per night
11 Jan 2025 - 31 May 2025ZAR 357,000 per night
1 Jun 2025 - 31 Aug 2025ZAR 405,000 per night
1 Sep 2025 - 9 Dec 2025ZAR 357,000 per night
10 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026ZAR 438,000 per night

Price per night based on 8 guests. Prices for fewer guests, including children, available on request. Conservation and Reserve entrance fees not included.

Indoor Features

  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • Bar
  • Wine gallery
  • Minibars
  • Coffee machines
  • Fireplaces
  • TVs
  • Netflix
  • Board games
  • Original artworks
  • In-room safes
  • Baby cots & high chairs (on request)
  • Solar power
  • Ceiling fans
  • Air conditioning
  • Wi-Fi
  • Fully-equipped gym (shared)

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Outdoor Features

  • Bush views
  • Swimming pool
  • Landscaped gardens
  • Terraces
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor lounge areas
  • Outdoor dining
  • Barbecue
  • Day beds
  • Sun loungers
  • Outdoor shower
  • Parking
  • Gated entrance
  • Helipad (shared)

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Services

  • Full staff
  • Villa host
  • Private chef
  • Sommelier
  • Spa therapist
  • Private guide & tracker
  • Night watchmen
  • Childcare service
  • Full board
  • Selection of fine wines, beers & spirits
  • Selected spa treatments
  • Electric safari vehicles
  • Twice-daily game drives
  • Guided bush walks
  • Children’s activities
  • Wine, whisky or gin tastings
  • Selected activities & excursions
  • Use of 2 x iPhones pre-loaded with safari apps
  • Use of Use of a Nikon D500 camera & lenses
  • Laundry service (excluding dry cleaning)
  • Luxury toiletries

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Extra Services

  • Mandatory Conservation Levy & Reserve entrances fees
  • Airport transfers
  • Sabi Sand Reserve entrance fees
  • Helicopter flights
  • Private charter flights
  • Additional activities & excursions

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Location

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 (approx.):
Arathusa Airstrip – 20 minutes’ drive

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Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.


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