Karkloof Wellness and Wildlife Retreat Natal Midlands

The exclusive Karkloof Wellness and Wildlife Retreat is beautifully situated surrounded by towering cliffs just 24 kilometers from Pietermartizburg, in KwaZulu Natal's magnificent Midlands, South Africa. The luxurious Karkloof Boutique Hotel provides exclusivity and personalized service. The Karkloof Health & Beauty Spa is a rejuvenating retreat blending signature treatments with a uniquely African sensibility.

The 3500 hectares (8648 acres) of the Karkloof Reserve are stocked with white and black rhino, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, waterbuck, nyala, Red hartebeest, bush buck, eland, common reedbuck, blesbuck, Grey duiker, Blue duiker, warthog, bushpig, Samango and Vervet monkeys, hundreds of species of indigenous birds and plants. The Karkloof Wildlife Retreat is also home to five magnificent waterfalls including the 105 m Karkloof Falls.

The Villas at the Karkloof Boutique Hotel

At the exclusive Karkloof Boutique Hotel & Spa, the sixteen separate and individually decorated Villas each feature their own hiding place amongst the verdant trees. Four of the Villas are interconnected which is suitable for families and small groups. Guests are invited to relax and get comfortable in the luxury where under floor heating takes the coolness of the night, sunsets rival satellite television and chattering birds outdo internet connectivity.

The following amenities are available to guests: a well stocked bar fridge, air conditioning, heated towel rails, laundry service, bath with view, work area and large private viewing deck. Streams trickle gently around the villas at the Karkloof Boutique Hotel while linked wooden walkways connect the individual Villa's to the Health & Beauty Spa, the Main Lodge and the dining area.

The Tented Safari Lodge / Karkloof Luxury Tented Camp

A second smaller lodge nestles high on the hill against the red cliffs of the plateau which features eight luxury tents. Private outdoor showers provide hot water while breathtaking views from perimeter decks can be enjoyed. Satellite television, bar fridges, under-floor heating and luxury amenities compliment a contemporary elegant style at the Karkloof Luxury Tented Camp.

Facilities and services of the Karkloof Lodge

• 24 hour access to the Spa and Wellness area
• 24 hour room service
• Wireless internet access
• Assisted disabled rooms and facilities
• Complimentary game drive and activities
• Laundry
• Gift shop
• Transfers to visit sites and attractions in the surrounding area can be arranged

Central Lodge Facilities at Karkloof

The Main Lodge at the Karkloof Boutique Hotel & Wildlife Retreat reflects an old world colonial atmosphere. Swarovski crystal chandeliers, oversized blown-glass vessels and hand painted aloes on canvas make for a unique and comfortable interior. A well-stocked wine cellar is available, premium spirits and cigars are also on offer, an adjoining library welcomes guests for relaxation and selected handcrafted treasures are available in the boutique shop of Karkloof. Whether you settle into the deck overlooking the valley or lounge at the heated pool the pervading feeling is oneness with nature. Meals are freshly prepared and set to satisfy the discerning gourmand in search of health, indulgence or simplicity. Local farms bordering the area of the Karkloof Boutique Hotel & Luxury Tented Camp are a source of many of the ingredients like organic avocados and game meat.

Cuisine and dining at the Karkloof Retreat, KwaZulu-Natal

The gourmet meals served at Karkloof are freshly prepared and organic by nature, with every meal a delectable celebration of flavours can be enjoyed. If guests wish to spend a day relaxing by the rock pools and would like to have a picnic basket and refreshments prepared, this can certainly be arranged.

Activities at the Karkloof Wellness & Wildlife Retreat

Wooden walkways, paths and trails weave through thorn thickets over dolerite rocks, into the mist-belt forest or across the savannah, allowing guests to wander. Mountain bikes are available for guests to explore the cinematic splendour of the Karkloof Valley. Alternatively, guests can make use the heated swimming pool, the library, the lounges or the private bar areas to relax and read. The Green' & Tea's Café at the Spa is a calming reflection space for deeper meditation or prayer.

Game viewing:

Game viewing at the Karkloof Reserve is an exciting adventure and includes species of black and white Rhino, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest and a multitude of Antelope, warthog and monkeys including the Samango monkey, unique to the area, as well as over 300 species of birds. Wine Tasting: The cellar features a hand-picked collection of estate wines and fine champagnes. Wine tastings at the Karkloof Retreat can be arranged upon prior request.

Reading:

The boutique getaway offers a wonderful collection of books and selected publications in the library for leisure reading.

Shopping:

The Boutique Shop at the Karkloof Estate provides a carefully selected range of hats, clothing, gold and silver fashioned jewellery, carvings and local crafts. Wildlife prints and artworks are also available.

Walking and Hiking:

Wooden walkways, paths and trails weave through thorn thickets over dolerite rocks, into the mist-belt forest or across the savannah. The 105m high waterfall overwhelms guests, colourful butterflies are in abundance including the special Karkloof Blue Butterfly.

Birding:

Guests are welcome to make use of one of the bird books at the Lodge. Over 300 species have been counted so far at Karkloof. Ostrich wander in flocks as turacos and robins call to each other from the trees. Eagles and buzzards can be observed high above in the sky. At night, wise-eyed owls can be heared.

Wildlife:

Game viewing at Karkloof is popular and includes species of Black and White Rhino, Giraffe, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest and a multitude of antelope, Warthog and Monkeys. Karkloof is home to a breeding programme for disease-free African Buffalo herds. The retreat is free from most dangerous predators although night eyes could belong to Serval cat and Black-backed Jackal. Due to the abundance of game it isn't necessary to wake up early to go on game drives, guests are assured of great game viewing on each drive. Experienced guides are available to accompany guests but guests are also welcome to go on their own adventures in the area where dangerous animals have been excluded.

The magnificent Karkloof Falls:

There are 4 falls located within the 3500 hectare Game Farm of the Karkloof Wellness & Wildlife Retreat. The Karkloof River flows over beds of hard sandstone and falls approximately 105 m. When visiting the falls, there are a few scenic winding gravel roads through dense forests to explore. Picnic spots are available at the viewpoints .

Spa facilities at the Karkloof Boutique Hotel

The Karkloof Spa offers five signature Spa journeys, which have been uniquely created to uplift, revitalise and recharge. The extensive treatment menu ensures that every guests will find something to their liking.

• Hydro area (Roman bath, Kneipp pools, open air jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, combi steam room/sauna)
• Floatation room
• Moroccan Flavoured Rassoul
• Glass Fronted Pedi & Manicure Lounge
• 17 treatment rooms
• Reflection lounge
• Hair studio
• Authentic Thai Treatments
• Outdoor swimming pool

The Karkloof Spa and Wellness Retreat reflect nature in both its design and therapeutic sentiment favouring organic and natural products. Professional practitioners and the latest technology deliver an unforgettable and rejuvenating wellness experience. Here, guests can unwind their body and mind and enjoy a therapeutic journey.

Conference / meeting venue

The Karkloof retreat offers a luxuriously appointed boardroom seating 12 delegates ( leather reclining chairs ).

Dining facilities

The Main Lodge at Karkloof features the dining room and deck areas. Greens and Teas ( Spa Café ) offers meals as well.

Child policy

Children under the age of 12 cannot be accommodated.

Closest Airport

Oribi Air field - 30 minutes drive from the Karkloof Estate
Durban International Airport - 1 hour 20 minutes drive from the Reserve
The Lodge has a heli pad available.

• Early check in at 09h00 and late check out 17h00
• Unlimited spa treatments
• All inclusive stay, no hidden costs
• Timelessness and exclusivity, with no need to pre-book spa treatments, game drives, or meals. Everything is at the guests’ pace and at their leisure. 
• Approximately 90minutes from King Shaka International Airport in Durban, and 20minutes from Pietermaritzburg’s Oribi Airport.
• Located in the heart of the lush KZN Midlands Karkloof valley.
• The Retreat can cater for any need or desire – tailor-made and personalized experiences for guests to make their stay unique and unforgettable. With a very own personal room attendant, guests are always treated as VIP’s
• 16 individual and secluded luxury Villa’s, each with their own breathtaking view over the Karkloof Valley or cocooned in the lush forest.
• Karkloof Spa offers the only access to the base of the iconic 106m Karkloof Falls, where one can stand on the deck and feel the refreshing spray of this wonder of nature.
• Private game drives into the magnificent Karkloof Valley, abundant with wildlife and over 350 bird species. Guests will experience close encounters to Rhino’s, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, antelope, warthogs and so much more.
• A range of relaxation area’s and 17 treatment rooms at the spa where highly qualified, handpicked international Thai therapists will help you unwind from the busy life and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
• The spa offers guests to take part in traditional Tai Chi, Bamboo dancing and Yoga
• De-stress and recharge with one of our wellness packages, namely a Detox retreat or Weight-loss retreat
• A 16 seater state of the art, private conference room for high-end power business meetings for CEO’s, CFO’s .  Creativity and flexibility in business approach comes with the ability to relax. Also an ideal opportunity for spouses and partners to relax and indulge, whilst the business brains are hard at work.