◈ THE LITTLE KAROO ◈

The Little Karoo will leave you feeling in awe of the magic around you, at peace with life as it is and inspired by how precious each moment truly is. 

Cozy up in front of the indoor fireplace. Relax in your own private wood-fired hot tub. Awake to the crisp, clean air of this valley, abundant with spekboom. Sleep under the vast expanse of twinkling starlight. 

Return to the clarity of your purpose.

Tula Retreat is more than just a place; it's a sanctuary of conscious living and sustainable practices. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is woven into every aspect of your experience.

Our mission is to guide you towards a life that harmonises with nature, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally aware society.  

Get ready for transformative experiences, mindfulness, and a deep connection with the world around you.

When you stay with us, you’re not just booking a place to sleep; you’re reserving an experience. The unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility makes Tula a must-visit destination in the heart of South Africa's Little Karoo. 

Tula Retreat offers a unique, secluded experience in the wilderness for fit, adventurous souls. It is a magical sanctuary, nestled on the edge of Calitzdorp Dam, offering breathtaking mountain views and a serene atmosphere. The retreat provides an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending nature's beauty with refined luxury. The camp is designed to offer immersion in nature with minimal disruption, offering outdoor experiences like hiking, kayaking, and fishing but still providing comfort and amenities. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway, this is the perfect destination. What sets us apart is the privacy the location offers. You are the only guests at the establishment. Intimate and exclusive, the retreat accommodates groups of up to four people in style, with two beautifully appointed options: the the spacious safari-style Jala Tent and the cozy Vayu Caravan, both tastefully decorated for a comfortable stay.

✦ Guests are required to sign an indemnity form and to send it to us prior to check-in. 

✦ The Little Karoo is a dry area. We kindly request that you use water sparingly. 

✦ The Calitzdorp Dam’s water level varies according to rainfall. During draught periods it will be low. 

✦ Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate infants and children under the age of 12.

✦ Due to game roaming freely, we are not pet friendly.

◈ JALA LUXURY TENT ◈ 

Accommodates 2 guests. The bedroom is furnished with a king-size XL bed, and its en-suite bathroom is fitted with a bath and washbasin, opening up to a patio with breathtaking views. The unit (including the patio) is approximately 80 sq m. An outdoor shower offers a refreshing start to your day. Biodegradable toiletries are provided. The open-plan living area features a dining area with a fireplace. The unit is equipped with a kitchenette for your convenience, where you can prepare tea and coffee. A comfortable couch is placed in-front of the bed, perfect for cosy evenings overlooking the tranquil landscape. Relax and enjoy the view in the wood-fired hot tub, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect space for reconnecting with one another as there is no electricity or WiFi inside the unit, only LED lights. 

◈ VAYU VINTAGE CARAVAN ◈

The cosy refurbished vintage caravan is furnished with a double bed. It can be booked for an additional two persons and is located at the outdoor kitchen area (approximately 200 m from the Jala tent on a hill). There is a bathroom with a shower.

We offer self catering accommodation. Delicious pre-packed meals in a ‘Skof-Tin’, using fresh local ingredients and traditional South African recipes, can be pre-ordered and collected in Calitzdorp on your way to Tula. Our private safari-style bush kitchen is fully equipped with a gas stove and oven, a gas fridge, and a fire pit. It is situated on a hill, approximately 200 m from the Jala Tent as indicated in the photos. We provide salt, pepper, olive oil and sunflower oil. There is also tea, sugar, ground coffee and a French press. The drinking water provided is dam water filtered through a Stefani Water Filter. We highly recommend bringing your own bottled drinking water. There are ice trays in the freezer; we do, however, recommend bringing at least two bags of ice, which you can purchase at the OK Liquor in Calitzdorp. There is a cooler box on the boat for ice.There are solar power points available at this area to charge laptops and phones only. No high voltage items such as hairdryers may be plugged into the system. We provide a small 150W, 12V camping hair dryer. Daily wood and firelighters are included. Additional wood can be purchased per crate. It is important to bring enough snacks and food for your stay, as there are no shops nearby.

✦ FULL BODY MASSAGE available on request, subject to availability.

✦ YOGA mats and MEDITATION cushions are provided.

✦ There are two HIKING options: a circular trail of approximately 1.5 km up a steep mountain and the other is approximately 6 km return on a gravel road up a hill.

✦ Friendly fish and otters live in the dam. We recommend SWIMMING (bring a lilo). 

✦ The HOT TUB can be used as a splash pool if not heated.

✦ STARGAZING from the hot tub. 

✦ BIRDWATCHING (bring your own binoculars).

✦ Lounge in the HAMMOCK.

✦ Catch and release smallmouth yellowfish FISHING is allowed (bring your own fishing rod).

✦ Explore the waters in a two-seater CANOE or a double-seater KAYAK.

✦ KAYAK TOURS can be booked upon arrival.

✦ It’s possible to kayak to ROCK POOLS at the dam wall when it’s overflowing.

✦ Book a BOAT CRUISE in the heart of the Little Karoo.

✦ Boats and jet skis are permitted on the dam (bring your own).

✦ Bring your own bike, and you can also ride the picturesque Groenfontein Valley CYCLE ROUTE. 

Your adventure begins when you’re ferried across the Calitzdorp Dam to your own private camp on the water’s edge – it’s the only way to access this retreat, and with nothing but rolling hills behind it, you will have utter privacy. 

There is free parking for your vehicle behind a gate on the opposite side of the Calitzdorpdam at the Fish Eagle Private Resort (approximately 8km from the centre of Calitzdorp town on a gravel road that any vehicle can drive on). A caretaker lives on-site. 

There is no reception at the parking area; therefore, an approximate arrival time needs to be confirmed beforehand, leaving enough time for a staff member to leave and meet you there. From there, you will be ferried via boat to your private tent, situated approximately 40 metres from the water's edge. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. Pack light as the camp is located on a slope. A staff member will assist with taking up your luggage. Check-in must be between 2 and 6 p.m., as guests cannot be collected by boat in the dark.

The Tula Team are friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels welcome and cared for. Staff live on-site and are available between 8 am and 5 pm should you require their assistance. A staff member will be available to take you to your vehicle if it’s urgent. 

Cleaning of the tent and caravan during your stay is available on request for an additional fee if you are staying two nights only. For longer stays, one cleaning is included every three nights.