Motse, Tswalu | Tswalu
Motse lies in the west of the vast Tswalu private reserve where the ancient Korannaberg mountains give way to grassy plains and red dunes dotted with natural pans attracting varied wildlife. In design, the camp echoes the southern Kalahari’s dramatic beauty with earthy materials, organic shapes, richly textured interiors and nature-inspired tones. There are nine guest suites, or legae (a Setswana word meaning ‘home’), each a private sanctuary set in gardens landscaped with indigenous southern Kalahari trees and plants. Motse welcomes children of all ages, and families are accommodated in three family legae, or suites, with two en suite bedrooms sharing a central living area and verandah. Amenities include indoor-outdoor dining, a spa, gym, boutique and photographic studio.
Between game drives, walks, horse riding, meerkat encounters, and more, the camp’s nine spacious legae (a Setswana word meaning ‘home’) are private sanctuaries to retreat to, offering every imaginable creature comfort. Dining is a highlight, from picnic breakfasts, poolside lunches and lantern-lit dune dinners under the stars to Boscia House Pop-up, an exclusive, provenance-led culinary journey included in stays of two nights or more.
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A ‘village’ of just nine houses (three of which feature a second bedroom for children), The Motse captures the soul of the Kalahari in its design and materials. Private spaces flow effortlessly into waterhole views and beyond to the savannah.
The architecture of The Motse aligns beautifully with Nature to create moments of warmth and coolness, seclusion and shared memories. Bedrooms are illuminated by the sun rising over the ridge behind The Motse, and indigenous trees create pools of shadow. Each space at The Motse invites you in, just as Tswalu beckons you to explore and investigate your surroundings.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Telephone, Verandah, Wardrobe
Luxury is a given when you are on safari at Tswalu. At The Motse, just 18 adults are accommodated in nine individual legae (suites) made from desert sand, rock and thatch, with every comfort imaginable – open fireplaces, outdoor showers, private sun decks, spacious living areas, separate dressing and study areas and wireless internet.
We have three family legae (suites) which have 2 en-suite bedrooms separated by a large lounge and deck.
At the main lodge elevated decks around the freeform pool, allow panoramic views of the surrounding Kalahari landscapes, and a waterhole popular with wildlife. A spacious lounge and dining area, library, spa, fully-equipped gym, impressive wine cellar and traditional boma complete the luxury facilities.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, External Shower, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Telephone, Twin Bed, Verandah, Wardrobe
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Baby Sitting, Bar, Children Friendly, Credit Card Facilities, Eco Friendly, Gym / Fitness Centre, Gym on property, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service, Library, Malaria Free, Meal On Request, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Pool, Power Generator , Restaurant, Room Service, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Lounge, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Disability, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Helicopter Scenic Flights, High Tea, Horse Riding, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Horse Riding, Safaris
Game drives are tailored to each guest and led by highly skilled guides and trackers trained in the ecology of the southern Kalahari. Exclusive access to the reserve ensures sightings are quiet and unrushed, with no competition from other vehicles. Guests are free to spend as much time as they wish observing animal behaviour, tracking movements, or simply absorbing the vastness of the landscape.
Immersive bush walks offer a slower, more intimate way to experience the Kalahari. Led by expert field guides, these walks focus on observation and interpretation — what guides describe as “reading the newspaper” of the reserve. Tracks in the sand, the scent of a tree in seasonal change, and subtle changes in the land reveal stories of movement, interaction, and survival. These walks invite guests to engage with the environment through all the senses, discovering how much life and meaning is held in every detail. For safety reasons, immersive bush walks are available to guests aged 16 years and older. Younger guests are invited to participate in specially designed, age-appropriate nature experiences as part of the Junior Ranger Programme. These include guided children’s walks, spoor identification, track casting and hands-on learning activities — offering a safe and engaging introduction to bush skills and wildlife interpretation.
Tswalu’s vast semi-arid landscape supports a remarkable diversity of birdlife, with more than 260 species recorded across the reserve. Guided birding experiences — from early-morning walks to focused drives — reveal iconic Kalahari species such as sandgrouse, bee-eaters, sociable weavers, and a variety of raptors and desert specialists. Birding at Tswalu offers both rewarding sightings and a deeper understanding of the southern Kalahari’s unique ecosystems, making it a compelling addition to the safari experience.
Tswalu is home to three habituated meerkat colonies, offering exceptional opportunities to observe these charismatic animals at close range. Early-morning visits to their burrows allow guests to watch daily routines unfold naturally without disrupting their behaviour.
Exploring Tswalu on horseback offers a rare sense of freedom and connection with the landscape, allowing riders to move quietly through the Kalahari and experience the reserve from a different perspective. Horseback riding at Tswalu is offered to intermediate and advanced riders only. Each ride is led by an experienced horse guide and supported by a backup rider, both equipped with a radio and a comprehensive first aid kit. Riders must be comfortable at trot and canter and able to control a horse independently. The weight limit is 100 kg. Trail saddles are used as standard, with a limited number of English saddles available on request.
With minimal light pollution and dry, crystalline air, the southern Kalahari offers some of South Africa’s clearest night skies. Stargazing may take place from a private deck, during an evening pause on a game drive, or from a chosen lookout in the dunes. Guides help identify constellations and share stories linked to the stars, from Southern Hemisphere astronomy to cultural interpretations rooted in local Kalahari tradition.
Tswalu’s photographic safaris offer a highly tailored way to capture the wildlife, landscapes and light of the southern Kalahari. Each booking includes a purpose-adapted photographic safari vehicle and a specialist photographic guide providing practical field assistance and tuition, supported by a tracker. Two hours of informal, classroom-style tuition and assistance with post editing in Adobe Lightroom in Motse’s Photographic Studio. This experience caters to photographers of all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals, and offers a rare opportunity to refine skills in an exceptional wilderness setting.
- Available at an additional cost per day
- Advance booking is essential
- Minimum commitment of two days required
- Best suited for 1-2 guests per vehicle
Guests may visit ancient San engraving sites protected within the reserve. Tswalu provides protection for many valuable rock art sites, featuring rock engravings (petroglyphs), cupules and paintings of people, animals, birds, and abstract shapes that document the culture and history of the San and other early inhabitants of Tswalu. Guided visits reveal the cultural and spiritual significance of this landscape, offering a powerful reminder of the deep human history embedded in the Kalahari.
One of Tswalu’s unique experiences is starlit dune dining, set atop one of the reserve’s quiet red sand dunes. As the sun sinks behind the Korannaberg mountains, guests gather for an open air dinner shaped by seasonal ingredients, local flavours and the warmth of a wood-fired barbecue. Lantern light, star-studded Kalahari skies and the surrounding silence create an atmosphere found nowhere else, making each dune dinner an intimate celebration of place.
The Spa and Gym at The Motse provide both relaxation and stimulation for body and mind, with inspiration coming from the savannah views and the use of organic materials both in the construction of this space, and in the spa treatments.
The Tswalu Foundation exists primarily to support ecological research at Tswalu. Through accumulating a growing body of quality output on the fauna, flora and the unique habitat of the southern Kalahari we have been able to make informed conservation management decisions to better support our shared vision.
This information has been made freely available to our neighbours and other interested parties so that, as we seek to add to our shared understanding of this rich and diverse landscape, they too can care for their land in the best long-term interests of the wildlife and people of the Kalahari.
During your stay at Tswalu, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with researchers studying both iconic and more obscure species and witness scientific conservation in progress.
A balmy summer night is a perfect time to sleep under the stars in the middle of the Kalahari. The Malori is Tswalu’s under canvas experience with comfortable beds, an open-air bathroom and a spacious deck area for dining, dreaming and stargazing.
Whether reserved for romance or for family bonding time, a Malori sleep-out is about tuning out so that you can soak up the solitude, tune into the silence and count shooting stars. With comfortable beds, an open-air bathroom and a spacious deck area for dining, dreaming and stargazing, the tent is perfect for two but spacious enough to invite the family. The Malori sleep-out is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will never forget.
A night at Malori needs to be booked in advance, carries an additional cost, and is offered subject to availability and prevailing weather conditions.
Children are welcome at Tswalu and the reserve is well equipped to cater for them. Tswalu believes that they too can be part of the conservation vision.
The youngsters will be introduced to the Junior Ranger programme and given a backpack with guides and tools to help them learn about the Kalahari. During their stay they will make their own bow and arrow for archery, learn how to identify spoor, and track game on foot.
In between game walks and drives there are activities at The Motse specially designed to occupy the kids while mom and dad relax. Tswalu’s stables will create a special “pony camp” for any child who shares their passion for horses. There is no malaria in this part of the Kalahari and the pool is a big attraction. They can chat to the rangers, decorate cup cakes and even cook their own bush dinner in the special children’s boma. A separate children’s menu caters for their individual tastes.
Babysitters can be arranged for younger children if parents want time alone.
From a late breakfast at the pool, a picnic in the dunes, a feast in the boma, or sundowners and snacks on your private deck... guests will delight in the delicious gourmet meals prepared by Executive Chef Marnus Scholly.
Every moment of every meal at Tswalu reflects the culinary heritage of South Africa and is carefully designed to be as inclusive as possible. Sustainability is key: we forage for Kalahari ingredients and work with local suppliers who share our low-impact ethos.
We believe that luxury is found in contextual, relevant flavours rather than wasteful over-abundance. Our food offering helps tell the story of Tswalu – it’s inspired by and captures the essence of the Kalahari.
Working in partnership with Michelin-starred South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, our chefs look to reinterpret the flavours they find around them and create unique taste touchpoints at every turn. Our choice of ingredients is only half the story; the context from which they come and in which they are served completes the picture.
Tswalu offers a number of dining options for guests who can dine indoors or out, in the dining room or at the pool deck, and can enjoy their meals at times that suit them.
Tswalu's wine list has been carefully selected from the best South African wines available and guests will enjoy the food and wine pairing menus.
All guests now have the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Restaurant Klein JAN.
Boscia House Pop-up is a heritage-inspired dining experience located in a restored early-1900s farmhouse. Interactive and intimate, Boscia House offers a seven-course tasting menu inspired by the surrounding landscape, made using hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and paired with carefully selected wines.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel | Franschhoek
Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Cape Winelands, on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, lies Babylonstoren. In truth, it is neither a farm nor a hotel. It’s an experience in multiple dimensions, offering an authentic stay that’s perfectly attuned to nature.
The Farm Hotel's Farmhouse, Manor House, Garden Cottages, Fynbos Cottages and family-focused Fynbos Family House are all rooted in modern farm luxury with every indulgence considered – the perfect base from which to explore the garden, spa, farm-to-fork restaurants, Tasting Room, Farm Shops and natural surrounds.
Hotel guests can join daily guided farm walks up the Babylonstoren koppie and through the orchards. They can cycle through the vineyards, enjoy bass fishing or canoeing, bake alongside the bakers, and join on a water buffalo tour or a guided drive up the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain to In the Clouds. At this special lookout with its glorious views of the valley and beautiful Table Mountain in the distance, guests can savour the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.
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360 Degrees virtual tour
360 Degrees virtual tour
The pristine Cape Dutch style of our two-bedroom cottages emulate a farm stay experience with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. A contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to the 18th-century structure to house a dining and kitchen area. The interiors continue this contemporary pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Each bedroom also has a luxurious en-suite bathroom. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Our cottages are either garden or vineyard facing. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our two-bedroom cottages are serviced daily and come with a king-size bed, and a king or two single beds in the second bedroom.
4 Cottages available
Each of the slightly larger open-plan cottages has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. Into this pristine Cape Dutch style, a contemporary glass cube has been seamlessly added to house a kitchen area. The interiors continue this pairing with modern four-poster beds and furniture from international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves filled with carefully selected books, underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. Suites are either garden or vineyard facing, with access to the garden and the farm. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom cottages come with a king-size bed and are serviced daily.
3 Cottages available
Each open-plan suite has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and lounge area with thick walls, elegant gables and a hearty fireplace. The interiors take on an altogether contemporary feel when paired with the modern lines of furniture by international design brands such as Kartell, Magis, Philippe Starck and the Bouroullec Bros. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books while underfloor heating and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our one-bedroom suites come with a king-size bed or twin beds and are serviced daily.
6 Suites available
Comfort is key in the one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories such as extra-length MDF Italia sofas. In addition to the underfloor heating, each room is fitted with a cast-iron stove. Bookshelves filled with a wonderful selection of books and free Wi-Fi are just a few of the things that await you. A well-stocked personalised bar fridge, as well as breakfast, are included in the room rate. All our suites are serviced daily.
9 Suites available
At Fynbos Cottages guests can fully immerge themselves in the beauty of the natural plant habitat of the Western Cape’s mountains. The cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch style and adjoin vineyards and orchards – ideal for our more adventurous guest
Our Cape Dutch Manor House dates back to 1777. This exclusive house has five bedrooms accommodating ten guests. All rooms have a king-size bed, with two of the rooms having the option of twin beds. Rooms are serviced daily and breakfast is included in the room rate, as well as a well-stocked personalised bar fridge. The interior has been beautifully restored to its former glory, but with a definite contemporary touch. Bookshelves are filled with a wonderful selection of books and the traditional farm kitchen boasts a roaring old wood-burning stove. Guests have access to the garden at all times, with games set up on the private lawn. Curl up in front of the hearty fireplace and admire the architecture, or enjoy refreshments in the garden whilst savouring the exquisite views.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge, private pool and courtyard
Up to ten guests are accommodated in five individual bedrooms, each comprising a fireplace and spacious en-suite with marbled tile floors and luxurious freestanding baths to soak away your worries. Leading off the spacious lounge is a contemporary glass cube, seamlessly encompassing a fully equipped kitchen. The heart of the house is the private central courtyard, offering a gathering space for friends and family to share. A crystal pool in the center of the courtyard is fed by a shallow channel, emulating the streams on the rest of the property and providing the tranquil sound of gently trickling water.
5 Rooms, 10 guest. Exclusive use
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Underfloor Heating
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Garden Tours, Kayaking, Massages, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Quad Biking, Shark Cage Diving, Sky Diving, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wine Tasting
The days are intentionally unscripted at Babylonstoren, and for our hotel guests, there’s much to do. In addition to exploring our 200 hectares of farm, in season, you can take part in the harvesting of fruit in the orchards or the pruning of our vines. Whatever the season, our garden is an ever-changing tapestry of fruit and vegetable plantings. Hotel guests are invited to join in the harvesting, pruning, planting or picking of our many fruits, herbs, nuts, spices and vegetables. We have maps for five different walks on the farm (available from Reception) and if you’re interested to learn more about the provenance of the garden, do join one of our garden tours that starts daily at 10h00. Booking is essential, so please enquire in advance at Reception.
Our daily guided garden tour starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00. One of our experienced gardeners will be your guide on this tour, during which we encourage guests to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through our garden. Each of the 300 plant varieties is edible or has medicinal value. The beautiful garden is not only pleasing to the eye, but also provides the restaurants with fresh produce, harvested daily. Our enthusiastic guides will share some of the garden’s special stories with you and give practical gardening tips. We hope you will enjoy our garden and be inspired when you leave to plant your own!
Booking is essential for the garden tour.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in summer and wellies plus an umbrella in winter. A famous Swedish proverb holds: There ain’t no bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
Entrance fees payable at the gate go to the Babylonstoren Trust for the education of our local children.
Regrettably, no dogs are allowed, as this is a working farm with lots of feathery friends.
Kindly note that all pathways in the garden are gravel and in some areas covered with peach pips.
You can walk or cycle to the dam – it is about 1,5 km. The view from the dam is spectacular and you will be amazed by the abundant bird life. Get a backpack from Reception (see Walk or Run). We have three canoes and life jackets for your rowing expedition – make sure you wear a life jacket. Please note that children have to be accompanied by an adult.
The gym, open from 6h00 to 21h00, is for the exclusive use of adults. We have a great selection of machines to keep you fit. Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
The Tasting Room sits adjacent to the Wine Cellar, offering views of the conical Babylonstoren hill, Simonsberg and the Banghoek Mountains. The eye-catching steel-and-glass creation is a modern link between the two Cape Dutch-style wings of the wine cellar and a perfect reflection of Babylonstoren’s philosophy of embracing both heritage and innovation. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards towards the small rocky koppie from which the farm derives its name, while indoors the striking central bar bedecked in vivid green tiles mirrors the lush vineyards beyond. A range of tantalising snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer. The platters are an ideal light bite while tasting the Babylonstoren range of wines.
The Tasting Room is accessed via a maturation cellar revamped into a retail space, with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings and a statuesque curving wall – a display of antique farming implements and packing crates creating a gentle farm motif in the triple-volume space. For guests with a little more time to spare, informative cellar tours offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at how the estate’s wines are crafted. The tour includes a walk through the vineyards and a visit to the olive oil production plant.
Come and unwind with us in this perfect spot for wine sipping and cheese nibbling.
The Tasting Room is open daily – from 10h00 to 17h00 in winter and 10h00 to 18h00 in summer.
Daily cellar tours start at the Tasting Room, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00.
Booking is advised for groups of 11 to 24 people.
Our wines are best exemplified by the Babylonstoren logo, which consists of the pipe (representing the farmer), the flower (representing the garden) and the bird (representing nature). It is a combination of the very essence of Babylonstoren – keeping things simple and as true to the earth as possible. "It is this that we strive to achieve in our wine," says Charl Coetzee. "Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of Simonsberg, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible."
You may come across our resident tortises tortoises, our donkeys, the chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and squirrels that all roam happily, or maybe even a wild steenbok. Keep your eyes and ears open – you may be lucky enough to see or hear the fish eagle. We have spotted 58 bird species on Babylonstoren. Guests are welcome to use the bird book in the Butterfly Room for reference.
For a closer look, we also have binoculars available at Reception.
As we are passionate about our garden at Babylonstoren, we welcome fellow gardeners, horticulturists, botanists or those who are interested in learning more about gardening. If you’re happy to get your hands dirty (you'll be planting, harvesting, pruning and mulching) and eager to learn and/or share your knowledge, we'd love to welcome you as a volunteer at Babylonstoren. You’ll work with our gardeners in every aspect of the garden but most importantly get a chance to contribute to the garden in a real way.
The farm is a paradise for children! Our beloved donkeys, Meisiekind and Lulu, live
opposite the Farm Shop. We invite our young guests to help feed the donkeys, to collect eggs and to help harvest fruit and vegetables from our garden, especially for the breakfast table. Kids are also welcome to help our bakers knead and bake delicious farm breads. And don’t forget to go on the scavenger hunt. Please arrange these activities at Reception.
Our outdoor pool is not just another infinity pool! Take a plunge or relax afloat the tractor tube. Diving is not permitted and children must be supervised at all times.
Enjoy bass fishing at the farm dam. Fishing rods are available from Reception.
We have bicycles available for adults as well as children to explore the farm. Bottled still water and helmets are available from Reception, and in your room you’ll find a map.
The map in your room suggests six trails for walking or running. These vary in length, the shortest being a mere 5-minute walk. A backpack with water, sun lotion and a small first-aid kit is available from Reception. Please ask if you need anything else, and then go out and enjoy the abundance of fresh air and country views!
The Tasting Room overlooks our beautiful vineyards and the iconic Babylonstoren conical hill.
We offer five cellar tours a day, every hour on the hour, from 11h00 to 15h00. Let us know if you wish to join the tour – we prefer to keep the tours small and intimate, therefore limited space is available. We depart from the Tasting Room and our first stop is the vineyard, after which the tour moves to the olive production plant where we show you how extra virgin olive oil is made. Next is a visit to the wine production cellar where the details of the winemaking process are explained. We proceed to our underground barrel maturation cellar. Last but not least is an informative yet relaxed wine tasting with your guide. The Tasting Room is nice and cool in summer, with cosy fireplaces for chilly winter days. A choice of four delicious snack platters can be ordered while you taste your way through our range of wines.
Open seven days a week 10h00–18h00 (summer) or 10h00–17h00 (winter). Cellar tours start at the Tasting Room at 11h00, 12h00, 13h00, 14h00 & 15h00 and last approximately one hour. Booking at Reception is advised.
Our two signature treatments are the hammam water ritual and our bamboo massage. In addition, we have a wonderful selection of classic treatments.
To book a treatment with one of our qualified therapists, please contact reception. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your booked treatment time. Late arrivals will be able to enjoy the time remaining on their treatment but will be charged for the full treatment. Lockers are provided for your valuables.
The Garden Spa has a garden-inspired food menu to replenish, revive and delight you. Please note that no glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed at the pool. Although we do not serve food or drinks at the pool, we can offer you chilled still or sparkling water from the gym should you be thirsty. If you would like to enjoy other eats or drinks, you can do so at the Greenhouse, which is right next to the pool.
Booking is essential for spa treatments. Open Monday to Sunday 8h00–17h00.
Private yoga sessions are available on request. For more details, please enquire at Reception.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious local cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. This is followed by wood-fired pizza straight from the oven, to be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
The Bakery is open Wednesday and Friday evenings from 19h00 to 21h00.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Nature's medicine chest is an ongoing discovery of old and new herbs tried and tested over centuries by different cultures around the world. Originally collected from the wild, the best plants were selected, cultivated and shared.
Our medicinal garden at Babylonstoren includes a range of beautiful species – some more powerful, aromatic, rare or even dangerous than others but all with an interesting story worth discovering. The central layout of the garden follows the form of a body with herbs to heal from the head, heart, lungs, digestive system, organs, skin, bones and feet. The trees are some of the “giants” in African healing traditions. Herbs along the outer wall follow the seasons, summer to winter, specially selected to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured pleasure of tea.
We invite you to enjoy this healing garden as a quiet space, slowing down and blending herbal teas as guided by our gardener Gundula. Seated on the floor of the shaded bamboo gloriette, a selection of savoury and sweet confections is served to complement the infusions you create. Only fresh, seasonal ingredients are used and great care is taken in the preparation.
For the ultimate tickle, do not go before dipping your toes in the pond to experience the nibbling Garra rufa fish while reflecting on the moment and aiming to balance pleasure and health.
Tea rituals take place at 9h30 on Tuesdays.
Our Healing Garden is a restful place for quiet reflection and tranquillity. Regrettably, children under the age of 10 years are not permitted.
Reservations are weather dependent and booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00. A deposit is required to secure bookings.
Priority will be given to hotel guests for tea ritual bookings.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are roughly surfaced and not intended for high heels.
Housed in an old cow shed, Babel is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture with contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try our tasty yet often unconventional combinations. We have a farm-to-fork philosophy, which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our "pick, clean and serve" approach.
Because our menu is guided by what is available in the garden, our food always reflects the season, and so in summer we may serve you a yellow salad of pineapple, gooseberries, granadillas, yellow tomatoes and apricots while in winter a slow-cooked leg of lamb in red wine is more likely. Dessert subscribes to four flavours, namely salty, bitter, sweet and sour. And while our meals are creative, we don't like to tamper unduly with our food. Our meals are always clear in structure, so that fruit and vegetables gathered daily from the garden is often served with its skin on. Helpings are generous and depending on the weather you can take your meal in the glass-enclosed restaurant or under the plane trees in the courtyard.
Breakfast: Open daily, 8h00–9h30
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 12h00–15h30
Dinner: Open daily from 19h00
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Please enquire about options for groups. For groups of 13 to 18 guests, a set menu will be offered and a 50% deposit is required to secure the booking. Should you wish to bring a larger group, we have private function venues available.
The restrooms at Babel restaurant are wheelchair friendly.
Kindly note that all pathways on the farm are gravel, and covered with peach pips in some areas of the garden.
At the rear of the garden, tucked away between the oak trees, our Greenhouse offers guests the perfect place to rest and enjoy delicious home-baked cakes, coffee, tea and fresh garden juices. We also offer more substantial meals of artisanal breads with handcrafted cheeses and dressed meats, served with our homemade herb oils, chutneys, preserves and relishes, as well as delicious, fresh garden salads.
The 26 metre vintage conservatory in dark green steel was custom built for Babylonstoren in France by Serres et Ferronneries d'Antan. Paired with a collection of brick-red tables and colourful green Luxembourg chairs (the classic park chair design), the Greenhouse is a surprising but thoroughly logical refreshment station for guests who have completed the garden tour.
The Greenhouse menu subscribes to the self-same "pick, clean and serve" philosophy as Babel, with a strong emphasis on honest food with little to no fuss. All our food is served picnic-style in wooden crates with the preserves, jams and salads packaged in weck jars, while fresh bread from our wood-fired oven come wrapped in the iconic blue-and-white Babylonstoren paper.
Despite its obvious aesthetic appeal and its function as a refreshment station, the Greenhouse also performs a vital role in the garden. It is here where plants or varieties are brought when they struggle to make it in the formal garden due to the Western Cape’s winter rainfall or the lack of humidity in summer. And so you'll find that exotic granadillas, ginger, cardamom, pineapples, dragonfruit, vanilla and even a baobab all reside here.
The Greenhouse is open Monday to Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00.
Bookings
There is no need to make a reservation for the Greenhouse. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. We may have a waiting list during very busy times.
Should you wish to bring a group of 13 to 25 guests, kindly make a reservation. These reservations open two months in advance. For even larger groups, we have private function venues available.
Our Bakery offers scrumptious Italian-inspired evening meals on Wednesday & Friday, but also supplies our shop with freshly baked bread to be enjoyed with delicious cheeses from our Cheese Room. We grow our own wheat on the farm which is stoneground after harvest. This flour is sold in the Farm Shop, but is also used by our own bakers who, under the guidance of our head baker Ernie Beck, make sure we have freshly baked bread early every morning for our restaurants and the Tasting Room. We have a variety of breads, including sourdough, rye, white and whole wheat.
At dinners in the Bakery, we serve our food family style – guests dish up for themselves from wooden boards placed on their table. Our Italian-inspired set menu starts with an antipasti and salad offering. Main course may be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We round off the meal with a delicious dolce and our famous coffee.
Booking is essential. Reservations open two months in advance and can be made between the hours of 8h00 and 17h00 on +27 (0)21 863 3852 or enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
Hotel guests enjoy priority for restaurant bookings.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 33
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Wine
De Zeekoe Guest Farm & Reserve | Oudtshoorn
Solar powered working farm.
Only 7km outside Oudtshoorn, in the Garden Route, surrounded by the famous Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, is one of the world’s 17 "hot spots" with 3 overlapping flower zones. This owner managed, 2000 hectare working lusern farm, is malaria free and child friendly.
De Zeekoe offers a unique in the world opportunity to walk with Wild Meerkats (Five shy Meerkats) and to be part of the shy 5 experience!
De Zeekoe offers the following:
•Wild Meerkat tours, home to the “shy five” - Original Tours
•Accommodation: 3 x Standard, 5 x luxury Rooms, 5 x Superior rooms, 2 x Superior Honeymoon Rooms; 5 x deluxe rooms, 3 x Private Cottages with pool
Self-catering wooden cabins available
Wheelchair friendly Rooms
•Restaurant with fresh farm produce and free range meat, gluten free available ; Bar available and pizza oven ( de Windpomp Restaurant)
•FREE WI-FI & Welcoming drinks
•Hiking
•Biking-bikes to rent
•Jungle gym
•Star Gazing
•Birding ( 162 species )-private bird tours in season
•Canoeing ( in season only)
•Self guided walks
•Swimming pool – salt water
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Superior room with Mountain view
These rooms are spacious with views of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Shower & bath & outside showers
Inside fireplaces
Can sleep a extra child
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Situated around the main house
Smaller than our other category rooms
Twin beds
Shower only
Garden View
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Our most luxurious units
Inside fireplace.
Outside shower
Bath and shower
Perfect for honeymooners
View over Mountain
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony , Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Private cottages, 3 min drive from the main house via gravel road, build from rock. Private with own fireplace and stunning views.
Private pool
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Luxury rooms situated at the main house
Garden or Mountain views
Showers & bathtubs
Room Facilities
Bath Towels, Bath
Superior room with garden view
Wheelchair friendly.
Spacious with inside fireplace.
Can sleep a extra child
Bath, shower & outside shower
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen
Deluxe Rooms capture the essence of contemporary African luxurious living within its modern aesthetics imbued in both décor and layout.
Mountain View / and or pool views
Situated at main house
Spacious with shower only
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Fridge, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Elephant-back Safaris, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Kayaking / Paddling, Mountain Biking, Museums, Quad Biking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours, Wine Tasting
Five Shy Meerkat tours
Five Shy Meerkat Tours – Original Tours Since 2004
The most popular of our activities we offer are without a doubt the daily wild habituated meerkat tours. These tours that commence only at sunrise are dependent on fair weather, since these little creatures will not venture outside their burrows on cold and rainy days. (No tours on rainy days & Christmas day).
Meerkats are part of the so-called Shy 5 which also includes the bat-eared fox, the aardvark, porcupine and aardwolf.
The meerkat tours last between 2-3 hours and booking is essential. Upon arrival at the meerkat burrows, guests are treated to a hot cup of coffee, after which they are issued with a lightweight aluminium chair to sit in while observing the meerkats as they come out of the burrow into the sunshine and then go about their daily routine of foraging and frolicking. These habituated wild animals are never fed or handled by humans.
Tours are presented by JD Glinister, and his team. It is a fantastic experience & unique privilege to get this close to these little creatures in the wild.
Tours starts at sun rise.
Meeting point 9km outside Oudtshoorn on the R62 - entrance to the right.
De Windpomp Restaurant
De Zeekoe has all the “ingredients” for a great restaurant: a beautiful setting with great views; skirted by an expanse of lawn and views of the Outeniqua mountains.
At De Zeekoe our food philosophy is using fresh, local ingredients and preparing them simply delicious and deliciously simple. Fresh herbs are picked daily from our garden and used in most of the dishes we serve. We prepare and produce our own olives and honey (when in season).
In the kitchen we prefer homemade products as far as possible. We make our own olive paste, bake bread and prepare our own sauces. The produce we can’t make or grow ourselves, we source locally. Since the area is known for its ostriches, we try and do our best to introduce this very healthy and delicious meat to our guests.
On this menu we strive to provide a balanced variety of meals, taking into account the dietary needs of all our guests. Included are gluten free vegetarian options made with superfood, that can replace any type of meat, even on a meat lovers plate! We continually test new recipes and new ideas to keep our menu fresh.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rooms
1x Superior Mountain View
Fast Facts
4 Stars
Guest House
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 21
Special Interests: Birding, Cycling, Hiking, Nature
The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa | Knysna
The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a boutique 5-star hotel which offers luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine, and a range of world-class facilities. This unique hotel is situated on the picturesque Thesen Islands, within the scenic Knysna estuary and occupies an old power station building. Some of the machinery which was used in this power station forms an integral part of the hotel’s aesthetics. The hotel features seventeen standard rooms, six luxury rooms, a honeymoon suite and 2 suites which are situated adjacent to the main building. Each of the rooms provide luxurious amenities such as a flat screen TV, WiFi, a fully-stocked mini bar, and a tea and coffee station. Other facilities include two onsite restaurants, a spa and easy access to a number of activities.
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Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station
Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV, these spacious rooms include a lounge area.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave
Sleeper couch - 4 only
Bar and stools
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave and Ice machine
Lounge suite plus bar and stools
Double shower and stand alone bath plus bidet
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave and Ice machine
Lounge suite plus bar and stools
Double shower and stand alone bath plus bidet
This luxurious self-catering apartment has all our standard features plus a full open-plan kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer
Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DVD player with a full DVD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station
Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV, these spacious rooms include a lounge area.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave
Sleeper couch - 4 only
Bar and stools
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave and Ice machine
Lounge suite plus bar and stools
Shower and stand alone bath
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways.
Flat screen 32" TV plus DvD player with a full DvD library
Desk, Telephone plus internet facilities available
Fully stocked mini bar
Full tea and coffee station as well as a microwave and Ice machine
Lounge suite plus bar and stools
Shower and stand alone bath
This luxurious self-catering apartment has all our standard features plus a full open-plan kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, ATM, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Fridge, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
24-hour Security, ATM, Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Meal on Request, Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Kayaking, Massages, Sailing, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Whale Watching
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Art Galleries, Beach, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Bowls, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Kayaking / Paddling, Marine Adventures, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Sailing, Surfing, Walks (Self Guided), Water Skiing, Windsurfing, Wine Tasting
Motorised Pontoon Barges. For luxury cruises up to 10 people.
The areas pristine forests, mountains and coastal routes make it an unforgettable biking destination.
Enjoy the charm and uniqueness of the Knysna lagoon.
Enjoy some of the best light tackle saltwater fishing along this renowned stretch of coastline. The Knysna Lagoon continues to produce extraordinary large number of Garriek, Shade, White Steenbras, Mussel Cracker, Stumpnose, Blacktail, Rock Cod, Rays and Sharks.
Travel through the tranquil waters of this picturesque lagoon and out onto the Indian Ocean in search for whales and dolphins, seals, sharks and bird life. As the official whale watching permit holders, we are allowed to approach whales to within 50m, all other vessels to remain 300 m away.
Kite Surfing
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Mountain Biking
Knysna Forest Tours
Guided Canoe Trips
Combination Walking/Canoeing & Mountain Biking/Canoeing Trips
Island Café – 90-seater restaurant serving fresh and imaginative dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Gastro Pub – A cosy meeting place for locals and visitors alike, with a welcoming atmosphere, delicious gastro pub-style fare, craft beer and cocktails
Your Stay
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 26
Special Interests: Adventure, Beach / Coastal, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Shopping, Sports, Watersports, Wine
Karoo Lodge at Samara | Samara Karoo Reserve
Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in complete serenity within Samara Karoo Reserve's 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness. Combining modern comforts with a quintessentially "Karoo" welcoming feel, this family-friendly lodge is the perfect place to absorb the tranquillity of the reserve and explore its many treasures.
Samara itself is one of South Africa's most diverse safari destinations, comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species including the Big Five and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Guests at Samara are treated to intimate and exceptional safari encounters, enabling them to reconnect with Nature in the context of Samara's ambitious rewilding vision.
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Set within the Karoo Lodge grounds, eight Karoo Suites are standalone units in a traditional Karoo style. Each has a fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath, shower, outdoor shower and two wash basins. Private covered patios with outdoor seating provide the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.
The maximum capacity in each Karoo Suite is 2 adults. One extra bed for a child under the age of 12 may be accommodated in certain Karoo Suites.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Telephone, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Set within the Karoo Lodge grounds, two Karoo Family Suites are standalone units, each consisting of two en-suite bedrooms sharing a living room. Each room has a private wraparound verandah, outdoor shower and magnificent views.
The maximum capacity in each Karoo Family Suite is 4 adults plus one child under the age of 12 on an extra bed in the shared living area.
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fireplace, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Outside Shower, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Telephone, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Air conditioner, Baby Sitting, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Licensed, Malaria Free, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room, Vegetarian, Wine Tasting
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Drinking Water Filtration System, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Outside Shower, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wardrobe
Available Services
Baby Sitting, Credit Card Facilities, Disability, Laundry Service (Available), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Massages, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Art Galleries, Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Historical Tours, Mountain Biking, Museums, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wine Tasting
Family-owned and family-run, Samara offers an adventure for all ages. The Samara Team is passionate about educating the next generation of eco-warriors and opening their eyes to the wonders of the wild.
Samara’s malaria-free Big Five wilderness offers an exciting new world just waiting to be discovered. Upon arrival, kids are enrolled in the Samara Cubs Programme, jam-packed with fun activities and inspiring educational experiences, for all ages from toddlers to teens. Parents can opt to relax and unwind or join in, creating opportunities for the whole family to reconnect – with Nature and with each other.
Experienced staff will engage kids in age-appropriate activities, including track identification, painting like the Khoi-San people, walking stick carving, storytelling, T-shirt painting, Spekboom planting, orienteering and navigating. Using the bush as an outdoor classroom, kids will learn about the multitude of other creatures they share the planet with – from bugs and beetles to the "Funny Five".
Children aged 8 and older are welcome on scheduled game drives at Karoo Lodge, and a private vehicle is provided for families staying in a Karoo Family Suite for a minimum of 3 nights, subject to availability. Other guests may book a private vehicle at additional cost, subject to availability. Shorter "bumble" game drives and/or bush walks can also be organised for little children once the scheduled game drive has returned to the lodge.
A dedicated children’s menu is available to cater for individual preferences, including firm favourites like spaghetti bolognese and fun options like DIY pizzas. The emphasis is on healthy, nutritious and comfort food lovingly prepared in our Karoo Kitchen. Mealtimes are flexible and high chairs are available.
Samara's star bed offers an unforgettable romantic wilderness experience. Located in total seclusion in a riverside location, the mosquito net covered four-poster bed sits atop a raised platform with panoramic views of mountain and sky, designed for tranquil nights absorbing the serenity of the Great Karoo landscape.
The star bed experience starts just before sunset with a picnic dinner and sundowner. Guests will take in the spectacular view across the mountain landscape and watch as local wildlife descends to the river to drink. As the night sky develops, the star bed is in a prime position to admire the canopy of constellations that gathers overhead.
One of the highlights of a stay at Samara is the opportunity to track wild cheetah on foot. Thanks to a number of habituated individuals, starting with the famous Sibella, Samara has been able to offer unrivalled wild cheetah viewing on foot to many years of Samara guests. Cheetah tracking usually forms part of the morning or afternoon game drive and allows guests to witness the intimate lives of these endangered Big Cats – whether at rest, at play or on the hunt.
Consisting of 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness covering 5 vegetation biomes and a variety of topographies, Samara offers a diverse safari, both from a landscape and wildlife perspective. Home to the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, black rhino, buffalo and leopard), Samara offers twice-daily game drives to spot these charismatic creatures, as well as the multitude of other species that call the reserve home.
These include cheetah, giraffe and white rhino, as well as lesser-known desert-adapted species such as aardvark, bat-eared fox, meerkat, red hartebeest and springbok. The herds of black wildebeest, Cape mountain zebra and eland on the 'Samara Mara' – vast plateau grasslands rivalling the Serengeti for splendour – thrive amidst the spectacular scenery.
Birders are also catered for with over 225 species at Samara, including flocks of up to 200 endangered Blue Cranes in the winter months.
Samara is one of few private game reserves where walking forms an integral part of the safari experience. With fragile ecosystems and a "tread lightly" policy, the preferred form of off-roading is on one's own two feet.
And what a way to explore the bush! Let Samara's experienced guides walk you through the five vegetation biomes, pointing out the signs of the wild invisible from the vehicle. Marvel at busy termites as they go about their daily business, listen out for the call of the Honeyguide leading you to wild honey and feel your senses heighten in every way as you navigate the sort of landscape our prehistoric ancestors dwelled in long ago.
Every tree, every rock and every track has a story to tell. Breathe in the silence and space so foreign to our everyday urban lives and feel yourself reconnecting to Nature. No one can fail to be moved by the sound of trickling water in a stream, the gentle whistling of the wind rustling the leaves, the sense of suspense and awe at walking to within metres of endangered cheetah and rhino.
If the conditions are right, you’ll get the opportunity to track these iconic animals on foot. What a privilege to enter their space and witness these animals living wild and free. An unforgettable and humbling experience awaits.
At Samara, the wealth of stunning landscapes positively begs to be the setting for a delicious meal, whether it be a well-earned breakfast buffet, light lunch in the shade of a shepherd tree or dinner under the stars. Aside from the beautiful locations, gourmet picnic food has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that just epitomises holiday mode.
As well as dining on your lodge verandah or in the outdoors "boma" with a campfire at its centre, there are a myriad other dining options to enjoy at Samara. From a picnic lunch in the riverbed at the height of summer with cool water flowing past your toes, to the iconic mountain picnic experience on the Samara Mara, you’ll struggle to go back to dining in urban eateries.
Samara's fly camping experience is an immersive adventure encompassing a guided afternoon bush walk and a sleep-out in one of Africa's most exquisite landscapes.
In safari days of yore, explorers setting up camp in big game country had to make do with little more than a fly sheet to protect them from the elements and the wildlife. Fly camping takes its name from this tradition, and although today’s camps are typically more substantial, there’s an undeniable thrill to going back to basics. Samara’s fly camping excursion pays homage to these origins and takes full advantage of the reserve’s vastness and diversity, offering an experience that is simple yet spectacular.
Every Samara guest helps the reserve to achieve its conservation vision simply by staying in one of its lodges. For those who want to delve a little deeper, to understand how a game reserve truly operates behind the scenes, Samara offers hands-on conservation sessions and personalised tours of its rewilding projects.
The Conservation Journey is a 5-night experience offering a thoughtfully-crafted itinerary that enables participants to develop a meaningful understanding of Samara’s conservation efforts, without compromising on 5-star comforts.
Activities include daily hands-on conservation sessions, subject to reserve needs at the time. This can include wildlife monitoring, camera trapping, land rehabilitation, Spekboom planting, research assistance, ecosystem management and community projects.
Karoo Kitchen
Food at Samara is served from our Karoo Kitchen, delivering lovingly-prepared fare rustled up by our local chefs. Expect mouthwatering meals using the freshest produce and recipes handed down from generation to generation, evoking that famous Karoo hospitality. Whether dining in the boma under the stars or picnicking overlooking the Plains of Camdeboo, you will savour some of the best fare this special part of South Africa has to offer. Friendly yet unobtrusive service is a Samara hallmark, and the team will welcome you as part of the extended Samara family.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Your Rooms
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
