Our favourite Homestead style properties - Part 1

Homesteads offer a very different safari experience. Often, these properties can only booked for exclusive use and are an ideal option for a group or a family. Converted building or purposefully built to feel like a private home, homesteads are something special. Here is The Game Lodge Index selection of favourite homesteads (Part 1) in no particular order.....

The Homestead - Kariega


Colonial Elegance

The Homestead is a newly renovated 100 year old farmhouse in the malaria free Kariega River Valley in the Eastern Cape. The house acts as a private lodge and comes with its own hostess, chef, guide and game viewing vehicle. One has to book out the entire Homestead and this allows for a private and exclusive stay which caters for the guests every whim. The lodge consists of a well equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining area, bar with satellite television and a refreshing pool. There are five comfortable, en suite rooms where the lodge sleeps up to ten guests and there are staff on hand to assist in cleaning and changing bedding.

Shamwari - Bushman's River Lodge 


Homestead living

Bushman’s River Lodge offers 4 rooms inside a renovated farmhouse. The building has retained most of the old farmhouse charm which is reflected in the classic décor. Delicious meals are served around a communal table either in the old dining area or outside on the porch. On alternate nights, guests can enjoy a meal in the outdoor boma that overlooks the Bushman’s River below. Satellite TV, an honesty bar (tabs are settled at the end of one’s stay) and internet access are available in the two lounge areas of the lodge. The lawn and swimming pool are protected by the building and gardens allowing guests privacy from any passing vehicles or animals.

Djuma - Galago Camp

Self-catering in the Sabi Sands

Galago is the perfect retreat for small groups looking for an exclusive safari experience in the Sabi sand Game Reserve. As the lodge is self-catering guests are expected to bring their own food and to cook for themselves in a basic kitchen, but a chef from the other Djuma camps can be hired at an additional charge. The lodge has five spacious and en-suite bedrooms, two of which have both showers and baths while the remaining three have only a shower. There is an additional room for a guide. The lodge is an old homestead and looks up on to a small waterhole in an open area. There is a small plunge pool and ample outdoor cooking space around the camp fire. The lodge is serviced daily by four maids, one game viewing vehicle is provided along with a personal guide and tracker. Game drives are flexible and can be scheduled around the guest’s time preferences.

Singita - Castleton Camp


A Family Affair

Castleton was the original homestead of the Bailes family – the original owners of Singita – and as such is steeped in historical significance. The homestead overlooks a vibrant dam and the camp itself is surrounded by shady and serene lawns, having lost none of its traditional charm since becoming a commercial operation. Although it is not as extravagant or lavish as its more renowned sibling Singita lodges, it is a fine lodge in its own right, being open plan in design and extremely spacious. The six en-suite bedrooms are basic yet tastefully furnished. Meals and activities are flexible and scheduled around each group’s needs. There is an impressive selection of activities at the lodge to keep even the most restless guests entertained. These include a recently refurbished tennis court (racquets and balls provided), a trampoline and a pool table

Shamwari - Lobengula 


Elegant Opulence

Lobengula is a prestigious lodge situated in a thickly vegetated hill side in the northern sector of the Shamwari Game Reserve. The main lodge and six independent suites are nestled around a pool, entertainment and garden area. The bedrooms are spacious and lavishly decorated. There is an alluring poolside bar to enjoy a cocktail during the heat of the day and a quaint wine cellar which is open for wine tasting. For those who smoke there is an excellent smoking lounge with a dining and entertainment area that is separate from other common areas in the camp. Health facilities at Lobengula include an adequate gym, steam room, sauna and a small health spa offering a variety of beauty treatments and massages. In addition there is a short nature trail around the camp where guests can stretch their legs and take a gander at some of the smaller fauna and flora.

Manor at Samara

Modern chic in the ancient Karoo

The Manor at Samara in the Samara Private Game reserve is an exclusive use camp catering for private groups or families of 1 – 8 guests. The design and décor is modern and the interiors have an urban living feel. It is in stark contrast to the rugged terrain that surrounds the lodge. There are various lounge and relaxation areas. Guests can spend the day between game drives and other activities lazing by the inviting pool or on green lawns. The food and staff are great and your hostess will ensure your stay is as perfect as possible. Four rooms within the main homestead are all en suite and generously spacious

For more information on these properties or to find your ideal destination, please visit 

The Game Lodge Index