Step into the magic of Samara Karoo Reserve – a wildlife and conservation retreat home to sweeping vistas and luxury lodgings.
Samara Karoo Reserve is a private game reserve located on a breathtaking piece of land in the Great Karoo region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Samara was founded with a dream of bringing back the wild beauty of the area. Once an agricultural area, Samara has now become one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. The reserve is now home to over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species – a testament to Samara’s conservation and rewilding efforts.
It’s a place that makes you want to keep driving, just to see the views! For those who visit, Samara Karoo Reserve’s magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To experience this landscape of endless horizons is to experience a true re-connection with nature and a thrilling vision of hope for the future.
Samara Karoo Reserve Activities
With 67,000 acres of pristine wilderness awaiting exploration, Samara offers a selection of immersive activities to suit any holiday preference. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a milestone celebration, Samara caters to all tastes. Conservation enthusiasts can even merge luxury with environmental stewardship by participating in activities such as cheetah tracking, native plant cultivation, private starlit stargazing, mountain biking, and secluded wilderness picnics. Yet, if the tranquil ambience and fresh Karoo air inspire a more laid-back retreat, unwinding by the pool at one of the serene lodges promises an equally fulfilling experience.
Samara Karoo Reserve Accommodation
Embarking on a safari adventure at Samara promises the luxury of exclusivity amidst boundless wilderness. With only three intimate luxury lodges scattered across the expansive reserve, it’s as if the sprawling 67,000 acres belong solely to you.
Samara Karoo Lodge
The authentically restored farmhouse that is now Samara Karoo Lodge, occupies the initial property acquired by the founders of Samara in 1997. Blending contemporary conveniences with a warmly inviting “Karoo” atmosphere, this safari lodge caters to families, offering an ideal sanctuary to unwind and let the peaceful ambience of the Karoo embrace you — whether on the expansive verandah during summer or by the snug fire in winter. Samara Karoo Lodge consists of just 10 suites, categorised into two types: eight Karoo Suites and two Karoo Family Suites, accommodating a total of 24 guests. There’s also a spacious communal living, relaxation and dining area.
Eight Karoo Suites are standalone cottages a short distance from the main Karoo Lodge homestead. Ideal for couples, each spacious suite contains a four-poster bed, fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with a large separate bath and shower and two washbasins, and an outdoor shower. Private covered patios with outdoor seating look out over a waterhole, providing the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. Set within the Karoo Lodge garden, two Karoo Family Suites are standalone cottages comprising two inter-leading suites, each with fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath, shower, outdoor shower and two wash basins.
Samara Manor House
Samara Manor House has a distinctive and inviting design that captures the essence of the local environment and traditions, adding a touch of modernity. As you arrive, your gaze is guided through the glass double doors adorned with beaded African artwork and Karoo antiques, leading to the 21-meter infinity pool and captivating vistas beyond. An elegant safari villa, The Manor is a striking oasis in the semi-desert landscape sleeping up to 8 guests. The entire villa is only bookable on an exclusive-use basis.
Each suite comprises a spacious bedroom area with air-conditioning, a luxury en-suite bathroom with a separate bath and shower and a private patio. The two living areas, lounging alcoves and outdoor spaces around the swimming pool provide the ideal spots to relax in between safari activities. Meals are served in the intimate dining room next to the bar or al fresco on the lawn. Guests who book The Manor on an exclusive-use basis for a minimum of 6 people (high and low season) or 8 people (peak season) enjoy exclusive access to the villa, including the use of a private vehicle for the duration of their stay.
Samara Plains Camp
Experience uninterrupted nature at Samara Karoo Reserve’s newly-introduced Plains Camp, where you can escape from modern distractions and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Situated in the Plains of Camdeboo, this unfenced eco-camp offers four luxury tents, sleeping a total of eight people, and is completely off the grid, with no Wi-Fi or electricity, ensuring an immersive and uninterrupted wilderness experience. Samara Plains Camp pays special attention to reconnecting with nature through expertly guided walking safaris that unveil the often-overlooked intricacies that remain hidden from a vehicle’s perspective.
This includes animal tracks, blossoming Karoo shrubs, ostrich eggs, and an array of beetles, as well as tracking wild cheetah on foot — all contributing to the day’s remarkable discoveries. In the afternoon, the excitement builds with game drives, offering an exhilarating opportunity to observe lion, rhino, and giraffe up close, all with skilled guides and trackers. As the evening arrives, guests are invited to enjoy sundowners on the deck, followed by a delicious dinner around the campfire and a session of stargazing.
Experience the magic of Samara Karoo Reserve for yourself and book with Conservio today!
