Samara Karoo Lodge
Karoo Lodge in the Samara Private Game Reserve, near the town of Graaff-Reinet, is an award-winning gem boasting Karoo hospitality, charm and cheetahs! Here the landscape is truly stunning: dramatic mountains cut into the sky and the blue/green colours blend with open plains and drier stretches of countryside. The colonial Karoo Lodge enjoys a warm authentic Cape feel, natural woods, fireplaces and antiques throughout the hotel. 4 Lodge suites are located in the main homestead and open onto a wrap-around verandah, while the 3 Karoo suites have a garden cottage feel and feature fireplaces and outdoor showers with views. Sharing a wooden deck, the 2 Sibella suites are ideal for small family groups. Renowned for its successful cheetah conservation endeavours and on foot cheetah tracking, in addition to its Spekboom planting and community projects. The Samara Reserve is privileged to extend over four of the country’s seven biomes, providing habitat for over 60 mammal species including the cheetah, aardvark and white rhino, as well as the endangered desert-adapted black rhino (one of only 2 private reserves to have these animals). Guests can partake in game drives, guided walks, wilderness picnics, birding, luxury star bed sleep-out.
The Manor at Samara
The Manor at Samara is for the exclusive use of up to eight guests in ultimate luxury and total privacy. Situated in the 27,000-hectare Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo, this historic homestead offers breathtaking views of this extra-ordinary mountain landscape. The four luxurious suites have large en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails, separate showers and free-standing baths. All have under floor heating and air-conditioning, and the sitting areas open out to the verandah with views mountain landscape. The Manor is unique in its warm design which reflects the local surroundings and traditions while retaining a light twist. The lounge is large and comfortable with a fireplace to keep it warm in the cold winter months. Large glass doors lead out to the patio, there is a library, 21m infinity pool which descends into a waterhole, and dining options include the boma, verandah, dining room, breakfast room as well as various bush dining experiences.
Your stay is enhanced by the services of a personal ranger, chef and butler. The Samara Reserve is privileged to extend over four of the country’s seven biomes, providing habitat for over 60 mammal species including the cheetah, aardvark and white rhino, as well as the endangered desert-adapted black rhino (one of only 2 private reserves to have these animals). Guests can partake in game drives, guided walks, wilderness picnics, birding, luxury star bed sleep-out, mountain hikes, conservation activities, fossil walks and San rock art. A full programme of game drives and activities for children can also be arranged.