Kwagga Smith, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, has built a new life away from the rugby field with his 200-hectare Kareekraal guest farm in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. The farm, which Smith purchased with his wife Ilke during the Covid-19 pandemic, has evolved from a trout farm into a retreat offering guests a chance to experience the outdoors. Smith, known for his versatility on the rugby field, has developed a passion for farming and fishing, which he grew up with in his hometown.
Smith's journey into farming began in 2017 when he bought a small piece of land next to his father's farm and planted pecan nuts. The Covid-19 pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for Smith and his wife to work on their property, which they named Kareekraal. The farm came with an existing trout farming operation, and the couple threw themselves into the project, with Smith taking a hands-on approach to the fishing side of things.
The 200-hectare farm features three cottages that have been developed into guest accommodation, each sleeping four people and equipped with fireplaces and braai facilities. Fly-fishing is a major drawcard for visitors, and Kareekraal has produced impressive catches, including rainbow trout weighing up to 4.2kg and brown trout of up to 2.5kg. Smith and Ilke manage both the farming operation and the accommodation side of the business.
Smith's connection to the outdoors was established from a young age, growing up between Lydenburg and Ohrigstad in Mpumalanga. His ability to play across multiple positions on the rugby field has kept him a consistent fixture in South Africa's matchday squads. However, Kareekraal represents a different kind of challenge and opportunity for Smith, one that he can build and nurture beyond his rugby career.
The couple plans to expand the guest farm, adding three more cabins, which would bring the total capacity to around 30 guests. Smith has described farming as a long-held dream and speaks about the satisfaction of building something of his own. For him, Kareekraal is a tangible investment with a life beyond rugby.
Kareekraal is located in Dullstroom, a premier outdoor and fishing destination. The farm's proximity to the rugged hills of Mpumalanga provides a serene and natural environment for guests to unwind and connect with nature. Smith's passion for farming and fishing is evident in the attention to detail he has brought to the project.
As Smith continues to pursue his rugby career, Kareekraal is becoming the foundation of what he envisions for his future after the final whistle. The guest farm offers a glimpse into the different life Smith is building away from the rugby field, one that combines his love of the outdoors with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Key points
- - Springbok rugby player Kwagga Smith has transformed a 200-hectare trout farm near Dullstroom into a guest farm offering fly-fishing and accommodation.
