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Karibu Cottage - Self Catering Accommodation in Argyll , Scotland 

This delightful and secluded holiday cottage is located in the small hamlet of Cairnbaan on the West coast of Scotland and is available for weekly rentals throughout the year. Full details of the cottage and how to make a reservation are outlined below. Cairnbaan is a a great base for Walking , Sea Kayaking , Cycling , visiting Argyll or just relaxing. 

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Karibu Cottage , Cairnbaan , Argyll  - Available to book all year round. 

Location: Karibu cottage is located in the small, peaceful hamlet of Cairnbaan adjacent to the Crinan Canal which was named Scotland's most beautiful short cut. Cairnbaan is easily accessible by car or public transport. The area is known as the 'Heart of Argyll' and Karibu cottage makes a fantastic base for a wide range of outdoor activities. On your doorstep you can experience, sea kayaking and fantastic walking or cycling. Nearby Kilmartin Glen is one of the UK's most outstanding areas for visiting archaeological sites of interest. Karibu cottage is also an ideal base to explore the Inner Hebrides with day visits to the islands of Islay, Jura , Mull, Lismore , Luing and Gigha. For those who prefer to have a more relaxing holiday you can pass the time sitting in the garden watching the various yachts navigate the Crinan Canal.  A comprehensive list of various activity options with indicative prices (2021) , where applicable, is shown towards the end of this page.

Facilities: Karibu Cottage is a well equipped, modern 2 bedroom, two storey holiday cottage, set in a very peaceful location, 60 yards from the Crinan Canal. There is free car parking in a private car park adjacent to the cottage. 

1. Ground floor: Porch area for boots, coats etc. Living/dining room with 2 x 3 seater sofas, dining area with table and 4 chairs. French doors to the back garden. Well equipped kitchen. Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet.

2. First floor: 2 double bedrooms. Large bedroom has a King size double bed, sleeps 2 adults. The smaller bedroom also has a double bed, suitable for 2 adults. Based on the bedroom arrangements, Karibu is suitable for rentals from the following groups. 1 single, 2 singles, 1 single and 1 couple, 2 couples. It is possible on request and subject to availability and by paying an additional supplement to add a single bed into the large double bedroom which would make the possibility of a group comprising 2 singles and 1 couple. The maximum occupancy is 4  guests. There is also a shed outside to securely store your own bikes, and other outdoor equipment.  

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Additional details: The whole cottage is NON - SMOKING  and sorry NO PETS are allowed. It is well equipped with the following: 

All towels and bed lined supplied 

Internet with Wifi

TV - basic channels only. There are no premium channels and radio is via the TV box.

DVD player. 

Electric storage heating 

Washing machine, clothes drier rack, (there is no tumble drier) a clothes iron, ironing table, vacuum cleaner.

Outside in the front garden facing the Crinan Canal there is outside seating with a small table for your wine, beer, cocktails or coffee.   

Fridge and under counter freezer with enough space to feed your army for your stay. 

Microwave , kettle , Tea pot, French coffee press for your morning coffees  

So long as you are not a Michelin starred chef, you will find the kitchen is also equipped with most utensils you will require for preparing, cooking and serving your own meals. 

Availability:  Karibu cottage is available to book all year. The booking period is either Saturday to Saturday or Monday to Friday , it is not possible to make a booking for less than a 5 night stay. Arrival day time is from 4pm and final day departure time is by 10.00 am

Booking rates for 2021 :  Karibu cottage has three different rate periods and prices for 2021 are as follows.

Date periods 2021  

Period A : Any dates during January, February, March, November & December. 7 nights Sat to Sat or 4 nights Mon to Friday. 

Period B : Any dates during April, May, June, September & October.. 7 night Sat to Sat or 4 nights Mon to Friday 

Period C : Any dates during July & August, 7 nights Sat to Sat or 5 nights Mon to Friday or 4 nights Mon to Friday   

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Prices 2021 - Prices vary according to the specific arrival date. 

Period A: Saturday 4pm to Saturday 10,00am - 7 nights. From £420 - Monday 4pm to Friday 10.00 am 4 nights From £350  

Period B: Saturday 4pm to Saturday 10,00am - 7 nights. From £565 - Monday 4pm to Friday 10.00 am 4 nights From £450  

Period C: Saturday 4pm to Saturday 10,00am - 7 nights. From £695 - Monday 4pm to Friday 10.00 am 4 nights From £550  

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To make a reservation enquiry: Please check the availability calendar above for current availability. When not rented out on a self catering basis Karibu cottage is used as our residential activity base for our Adventure holiday guests. For this reason we do not operate an online booking system for the self catering rental of Karibu. The above availability calendar is  updated regularly. In order to make an enquiry please provide the following information (name, arrival and departure dates, number and type of people , singles, couple by any of the methods listed below. Normally we will get back to you within 2 hours ( UK time) and at the latest 12 hours. 

1. Complete the contact form at the bottom of this page please include a Tel number.

2. Email :  - subject 'Karibu Cottage' 

3. If your enquiry is urgent you can call UK : 07796500991 during office hours ( 9.00 to 6pm ) UK time, Mon to Sat. 

Remember to include any additional questions you may have.  

Payments: If there is availability for your enquiry and you wish to go ahead and make a booking we will confirm this by preparing a confirmation invoice and emailing this to you along with payment details. Your reservation will be held for you until you have paid the booking deposit of 50% which must be paid within 24 hours from receiving the invoice. If your arrival date is less than 30 days from confirmation of booking the full price must be paid to confirm your booking. 

Cancellation: The terms of cancellation outlined below are only applicable for the rental of Karibu cottage - our terms for all other products ( apart from Karibu cottage) are outlined here  

We strongly recommend that you take out independent Travel insurance to cover you should you require to cancel.  

1. When confirming a reservation for Karibu cottage a 50% deposit will be required. The balance must be paid at least 30 days before your arrival date. If your arrival date is less than 30 days from your confirmation 100% payment must be paid. 

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2..Should you require to cancel your booking for ANY reason , your 50% deposit is non refundable but can be used in full towards future credit for another Karibu holiday rental booking.. 

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3. Should you require to cancel your booking for ANY reason less than 30 days before your arrival date and you have paid the full rental amount. You have 2 choices. 

(a) Your final 50% payment will be refunded in full but your deposit will not be refunded.

(b) The full amount of your payments can be used in full to reschedule your booking at Karibu for another date.

Any difference in the original rental cost and your new date rental cost will be adjusted either way ( up or down)

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Some ideas of activities to do while staying at Karibu Cottage, are listed below. Karibu cottage is open all year round.   

The local Mid Argyll area area offers a wide variety for self guided activities and opportunities - In additional within 1 hour drive you can widen your horizons and explore various islands.. Below are a few of our suggestions. Within Karibu cottage you will find local maps and guide books. 

Paid for activities: ( all must be booked in advance) - we can take care of this for you if you prefer. 

Full day guided sea kayaking with coach and all equipment: £95 per person

3 to 4 hour Scottish cooking session at Cairnbaan Cookery School , includes lunch or dinner with wine or beers £65 per person

Various local boat trips lasting 3 to 4 hours  prices vary from £45 per person 

Bikes are available to hire in Ardrishaig about 4 miles from Karibu cottage . Walk along the canal and cycle back with your bike

Falcon and Hawk Experience , 1 hour drive away prices from around £45 

Local loch boat fishing in Cairnbaan area £15 per person per day. 

Visit to Kilmartin Museum £5 per person 

There are about 8 golf courses in the mid Argyll area with varying green fees, and sheep keep the greens in perfect condition.   

If you are interested in any of the above please let us know and we will provide you with further guidance. 

Suggestions for self guided activities, some free and some requiring payment but do not require advance booking. 

There are plenty of fantastic walks straight from the front door of Karibu , these include , Kilmartin Valley, Dunardry Forest, Crinan Canal .Within a 2o minute drive you can also explore, Taynish nature reserve, Loch Sween area and Kilmory Knapp   

Free fishing on the Crinan Canal and the local sea lochs. - Go catch your dinner !

Oban area Non- landing scenic cruise to the island of Colonsay with dinner on board operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac)

Kintyre area Non landing scenic cruise to the island of Islay with lunch or dinner on board. visit to Gigha (Calmac)

Island of Luing / Atlantic Islands Centre/ Easdale Island.

Oban area Island of Mull , Tobermory and visit to Tobermory whisky distillery combined with island of Mull and visit to Duart Castle, (seat of the clan chief Mac Lean) This is a long day but worth it.    

Oban, town and area visit to Oban whisky distillery & Dunstaffnage Castle or Dunollie castle estate.

Foraging. Collect seasonal wild foods to include into own recipes back at Karibu Cottage.

Inveraray town and Inveraray castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Clan Chief of the Clan Campbell

Bring your own bikes - There are a multitude of cycle routes from very easy to challenging.  

Local area facilities:

Lochgilphead is the nearest town and is 4 miles from Karibu. There are a good selection of shops including a large supermarket open from 8.00 am 10.00pm daily. Lochgilphead also has a modern hospital, dentist and pharmacy. If you prefer to not use the skills of your own Michelin starred chef, there are various takeaway facilities including fish and chips, Chinese & Indian in Lochgilphead.

Within a 20 minute driving radius of Karibu there are a selection of approximately 10 pubs and restaurants or if you prefer, a hop skip and a jump to the Cairnbaan Hotel with its pub style menu and local beers is a 1 minute walk from Karibu cottage. There is more information in Karibu cottage about the different choices.  

If you require any additional information on any aspect of Karibu cottage or any activities in the local area please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.   

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