SOUTH AFRICA
Nov 10-17, 2026
$3800
RETREAT
Seven nights in our home in the wild—where the only neighbors are giraffes and monkeys who don’t care about your morning hair.
7 SPOTS AVAILABLE
South Africa $3800 - what’s included?
This Is What You’ll Call Home
Kiaat House sits inside a private game reserve, which is just a fancy way of saying: the wild comes right to your backyard. Giraffe, zebra, kudu, duiker, mongoose, and warthogs stroll through like nosy neighbors. Birds supply the playlist, monkeys drop in unannounced, and you’ll start to wonder if the animals think you’re the entertainment.
This isn’t a retreat center. It’s our actual home—and for a week, it gets to be yours too. Shoes off, fridge open, make yourself at home… just watch out for the monkeys.
Sleeps up to 7 in two shared rooms, each with a private bath.
Shared outdoor shower + soaking tub under wide South African skies.
Bringing a friend and sharing a queen? Take $250 off your rate (up to two per room).
What You’ll Be Eating
We love food too much to skimp:
6 home-cooked dinners (think lamb tajine, Durban curry, ostrich risotto, traditional South African braais).
6 comforting breakfasts and 4 laid-back lunches.
Wine + beer at home included—because hydration is important
A special night with our dear friend and chef: a curated 5-course meal with wine pairings, celebrating the flavors of this country in a way you’ll never forget.
Daily Flow = Flexibility + Magic
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
Two safaris led by the most charismatic guide we know—her local knowledge and charm make the bush come alive (park meals not included).
Elephant experience (done right): learn about elephants, their handlers, and what real conservation looks like. It’s connection, not tourism.
Cultural exchange with our Swati friends: a morning of conversation, questions, and laughter—guests consistently call this one of their favorite parts.
Sunset drive & Sundowners by the Crocodile River in our friend’s retired safari vehicle—spotting lions, hyena, or maybe even walking the fence line with elephants.
Massage day at home: 90 minutes of pure bliss. You sip champagne, eat tapas, and wait your turn. Zero effort required, except maybe rolling over
Backyard animal ambushes: zebras, giraffes, warthogs, waterbuck—you never know who’ll show up.
Late-night fire chats under South African stars.
What’s Not Included
Flights
Travel insurance
Tips
Car rental (airport pickup available on request)
All meals outside of the home (this doesn’t happen a lot maybe 2-3 times)
Optional Deep Dive Add-Ons
Want even more? We’ve got you.
Local village visits
ATV treks
Birding trails
Rhino walks
Extra restaurant hops
MOMENTS THAT WAIT FOR YOU
Kiaat House —
Where the Wild Awaits at Your Doorstep
Nestled in a private game reserve, Kiaat House brings the bush to your backyard. Imagine waking up to giraffes, zebras, kudu, bushbuck, duiker, mongooses, warthogs—and yes, cheeky monkeys—wandering freely through your home space. Birds become your alarm clock, and each morning offers a brand-new wildlife encounter. (Most of the photos you see up top? They’re shot right here.)
We’re talking about a 2,500 sq ft home that sleeps up to 7 people across two large shared rooms—each with its own private bathroom. Beds include 2 queens and 3 singles. Thomas and I stay upstairs, so the entire house truly feels like the family we’d invite you into.
You’ll also have full access to an outdoor shower and an oversized soaking tub, perfect for unwinding OR making out with your partner.
Bringing a friend and sharing a queen? Let us know — we’ll take $250 off per person (with a limit of 4 guests per room).
Want to see more? Head over to our Instagram, @thekiaathouse, where the zebras in our yard are practically famous.
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…
-
![]()
Sadie | South Africa 2024
“My fiance and I recently attended an incredible journey with Karst Retreats, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Christina and Thomas Karst are not just hosts; they're like old friends you've known forever. But what made this journey truly special was how it made us feel. It was a chance to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of life in its simplest moments. Thank you, Christina and Thomas, for sharing your home, stories, and hearts. We'll cherish the memories of our time with you forever, and start counting down the days to our next retreat.”
View Sadie’s full review here.
-
![]()
Erica | South Africa 2021
“A friend was telling me about a retreat she was going on to Morocco and I was so intrigued. Of course, as soon as I saw that they also went to South Africa and had wild animals roaming in their backyard I was sold on that retreat instead. Everything was easy peasy as far as booking the trip and talking through the details with them. They are very charismatic and I felt so welcomed into their home. I arrived a few days before the rest of the girls and was lucky enough to join them on a gin tasting. When the rest of the girls arrived it was so lively and we all got on so well. This was truly a spectacular time and I can't recommend it enough!!!”
-
![]()
Stef | South Africa 2019 + Morocco 2021
“I’ve been on two Karst Retreats and I fully trust that Christina and Thomas only choose the best of the best for attendees. One o my avorite things about their retreats is knowing that the trip will be curated beatifully while also providing an amazing cultural perspective specific to that area of travel.”
-
![]()
Kirsten | Marrakech 2022 , Morocco Roadtrip 2023 + South Africa 2024
“I recently went on a retreat to Marrakesh, Morocco with Christina Karst. I've done quite a bit of traveling in my life and I can say hands down, this was the most EPIC trip of my life. On every level, it was so personal and rejuvenating. The Airbnb she selected was exceptional, with each room being unique and representative of the location. Each night and sometimes during the afternoon we would relax by the pool and get to know each other. Christina is a real pro at this and it will be hard for me not to want to go on every trip she has planned.”
View Kirsten’s full review here.
Now is
your time
What are you waiting for? The perfect timing? More money? Someone else’s permission? We all know how good we are at making a million excuses to put ourselves last.
TRUE STORY: 2 out of 3 of our guests come back for a second retreat. That’s not an accident.
We’ve seen it over and over—the shift in energy, the rush of emotions, the spark to refocus. At the very least, that’s what everyone walks away with.
We want to see you LIVE your best life. Because spoiler alert: nobody looks back and says ‘thank god I skipped that safari.
JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
$3800
STARTING AT
GETTING TO US…
BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Arrival Timing: Most U.S. flights land in the evening, and we don’t recommend driving unfamiliar roads at night. Please plan to arrive the day before the retreat. Two on-airport hotels (City Lodge and Intercontinental) make it easy to rest before traveling on. The next morning, you can either drive from Johannesburg (4.5–5 hours) or take a short connecting flight to Nelspruit (MQP), where car rentals and pickups are available.
Departure Timing: Book flights leaving after 1:00 p.m. (later if possible) to allow plenty of time for the return trip.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended—life happens, and this protects your investment.
Airport Choice:
Johannesburg (JNB): Best for international arrivals, car rentals, or extending your trip in South Africa.
Nelspruit (MQP): Best for speed—just 75 minutes from us.
Extra Days: Many guests choose to arrive early to adjust to the time zone and begin the retreat rested.
Visas: U.S. and many other passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival. Check your country’s requirements before booking.
AIRPORTS
Most guests fly into Johannesburg (JNB) or Nelspruit (MQP). From there, you’ve got options—none of them complicated, we promise.
From Johannesburg (JNB):
It’s about a 4.5–5 hour drive to Kiaat House. Many guests rent a car and enjoy the road trip—it’s safe, easy to navigate, and a great way to start soaking in the scenery.From Nelspruit (MQP):
A much shorter option—just 75 minutes by car. There are daily flights from Johannesburg to MQP, so you can be off your long-haul flight and into the bush before you know it.
CAR RENTAL
Renting a car is the simplest option—it gives you flexibility for exploring. We’ll happily send recommendations on where to book and what kind of vehicle works best.
Airport Pickup:
If driving isn’t your thing, we can arrange a private pickup from MQP for an additional cost. That way you can just land, sit back, and let someone else do the driving while you take in the views. Be sure to consider this is limiting for your free days and exploring.
Add-Ons Available
PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE
A bonus of traveling with Karst Retreats is having a professional photographer as one of your hosts. Christina will be documenting the entire journey you take together.
Do you want access to all of the edited photos she takes of the people, places, food, and animals that you see while on this journey of a lifetime? Add it on below
BOUDOIR SESSION
We can’t think of a better way to treat yourself than a private boudoir session with an award-winning photographer in a badass place.
This is not required, but is an add-on option if you’d like to take advantage of a self-empowering experience on your journey of a lifetime.
FAQs
Who is this retreat for?
Adventurous souls who are curious, open-minded, and craving something deeper than a typical vacation.
Anyone who wants to come home changed—not just with memories, but with a reset.
Anyone who’s tired of being the last thing on their own to-do list.
Who might this not be for?
Folks who prefer large groups or private hotel-style retreats.
Travelers who aren’t comfortable with shared living, rustic charm, or the unexpected (because the bush has its own agenda).
And yeah—if you definitely don’t want a teenager around, let us know. Our (awesome) teen may join — especially for South Africa.
Can I come solo?
Absolutely. Many of our guests do! Retreats are built for connection, so you’ll never feel out of place. (And some of our strongest friendships started here.)
Will I get close to the animals?
Absolutely. On safari and from the backyard, you’ll get up close — sometimes too close! My Nikon 200–600mm lens has had a field day. If you're a photographer or just a fan of wild moments, you're in for genuine Nat Geo-level experiences.
Can I book this retreat for just my group?
Heck yes. Whether it's a birthday, bachelorette, book club—bring your people, your vibe, and your energy. We’ll tailor something just for you.
What’s the group size?
We keep things intimate — max of 7 guests. Enough for community, small enough to feel like family.
Is a boudoir session an option here?
Totally. Unless it's culturally inappropriate in a given country—that's the only time we'll say no. Otherwise, yes—self-empowering photos are absolutely an option. (It’s a powerful retreat souvenir.)
Do you recommend travel insurance?
YES. Yes yes yes. All payments are non-refundable, and you don’t want illness, flights, or natural events to derail this adventure. We’d require it if we could. Because life happens, and ain’t nobody got time to fight airlines over lost luggage.
Is it safe?
Yes. We’re in a private game reserve, and while wild animals wander through, safety always comes first. We’ll guide you on what’s safe and what’s not (spoiler: don’t hand-feed the warthogs).
IT’S TIME. STOP WAITING