Photos: Karoo Secret Farm Stay
About this place
Karoo Secret is a working farm on the Plains of the Camdeboo in the Aberdeen district, with the Sneeuberg range filling the horizon and 212 bird species recorded on the property. Margot and Chris Hayward let two restored buildings on the farm, both fully self-catering.
Secret House is the old manager's house, built in the 1950s for Oubaas Weyers and left empty for decades until Margot restored it. It sleeps nine in four bedrooms, three of them en-suite, with a full kitchen, a lounge and dining room, and a wide voorstoep looking at the mountains. The rooms are furnished with heirloom pieces, the kitchen and living-room light fittings are made from ox yokes off Margot's family farm, and the trunks and suitcases in the bedrooms are boarding-school memorabilia. A slab of concrete in the Springbuck room is the floor of the original kitchen.
Lark Cottage is the restored farm school, now two self-catering units sleeping two each.
Linen and towels are provided, there are indoor braai facilities, fans and electric blankets, and a hairdryer. Braai packs, roosterkoek and homemade apricot jam can be ordered ahead, braai wood is sold by the crate, and meals can be arranged. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement.
There are marked walks of various lengths, including Kudu Creek, jeep-track cycling routes, a sundowner spot to walk or drive to, and a Karoozie, a dip pool that cools you in summer and can be heated by a donkey boiler in winter. The birding is exceptional: the farm list runs to 212 species and includes Ludwig's and Kori Bustard, Blue and Karoo Korhaan, Sclater's Lark, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler and Verreaux's Eagle.
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Availability
Any available room
3 rooms, sleeps 2 to 9
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
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October 2026
November 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Rooms sleep 2 to 9
Queen and single beds across four bedrooms · 9 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 bathrooms
The restored 1950s manager house, fully self-catering and let to one party. Four bedrooms sleep nine, three of them en-suite and the fourth sharing a bathroom. Full kitchen, lounge and dining room, and a wide voorstoep looking across the plains to the Sneeuberg. Furnished with heirloom pieces, ox-yoke light fittings and boarding-school trunks. Indoor braai, fans and electric blankets.
Double · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
One of two self-catering units in the restored farm school, each a converted classroom sleeping two. Sclater's Lark has the double bed. Gas stove, geyser, solar power, its own braai and a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. An interleading door joins it to Karoo Lark if you want both as a family unit. Linen and towels provided.
Twin · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
One of two self-catering units in the restored farm school, each a converted classroom sleeping two. Karoo Lark has the twin beds. Gas stove, geyser, solar power, its own braai and a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. An interleading door joins it to Sclater's Lark if you want both as a family unit. Linen and towels provided.
Nature
What lives at Karoo Secret Farm Stay
209 birds recorded here or nearby.
Nothing is hidden: in-season birds simply move to the front. Months come from national records, not from this garden.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Aberdeen
Important information
Check-in and check-out
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyPets welcome
Pet policy
Pets are allowed (on request)
Please inform the host about your pets when making your booking.
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
See travel insurance quotesSpekboom Tree (Pty) Ltd is not a financial services provider and does not provide, recommend, or arrange financial or insurance products or advice. Expatriate Group (ref 30286D) is authorised and regulated to provide any quote, advice, or policy. Spekboom introduces interested customers to Expatriate Group and may receive a commission if cover is taken out through this link.
Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Karoo Secret Farm Stay located?
Karoo Secret Farm Stay is in Aberdeen, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
Are pets allowed at Karoo Secret Farm Stay?
Yes, Karoo Secret Farm Stay is pet-friendly. We recommend confirming pet size and number with the host before booking.
How many guests can Karoo Secret Farm Stay accommodate?
Secret House sleeps 9, Sclater's Lark sleeps 2 and Karoo Lark sleeps 2.
What causes does a booking at Karoo Secret Farm Stay support?
A portion of every booking at Karoo Secret Farm Stay contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book Karoo Secret Farm Stay?
Select your dates on the Karoo Secret Farm Stay property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
Book your stay
Book on Spekboom. Request to book.
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.