Samara Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Game viewing in the karoo wilderness
The Samara Private Game Reserve encompasses 27,000 hectares of spectacular malaria-free Karoo wilderness, incorporating dramatic mountain terrains, sweeping plains and ancient rock art. The reserve is only a 3 hour drive from Port Elizabeth, in the Graaff Reinet region of the Eastern Cape.
The reserve offers a tremendous game experience for those hoping to see cheetah (there is an excellent wild cheetah breeding programme in operation here), mountain zebra, the once-endangered white rhino, as well as big herds of plains game such as kudu, eland, black wildebeest and beautiful birds, such as the rare blue crane. In total, over 60 wildlife species can be found here, as well as just over 200 species of birds - so this really is a bird watcher’s paradise.
There are 3 elegant lodges in total on the reserve. The Karoo Lodge provides colonial style accommodation in the main Homestead or in cottage Garden Suites, and the other 2 lodges, Mountain Retreat and The Manor, can be taken on an exclusive basis, making these an ideal destination for families or groups of friends travelling together.
Guests can enjoy a variety of safari activities during their stay. The walking safaris specialise in all aspects of getting closer to nature and learning to track animals and approach them on foot. Or travel up the steep mountain pass in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy truly breathtaking scenery. Night safaris offer the rare opportunity to search out the aardvark, one of the most widespread mammals in Africa, but also one of the most unseen creatures that Africa has to offer.
Whether ensconced in the comfort of an open game viewing vehicle, or walking through the fragrant Karoo bush, guests can discover the secrets of Samara. An amazing and wonderfully relaxing experience awaits any visitor who stays here.
Samara Karoo Lodge
Safari Lodge
Guest Rating: 4.0
The Lodge Suites are situated in the main homestead and are light and airy, all opening out on to the wide wrap-around veranda. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom and is air-conditioned.
Samara Mountain Retreat
Safari Lodge
The Retreat is designed to be fairly rustic yet very comfortable with all the necessities one would need hidden away in the mountains. There are 3 delightful double en-suite bedrooms in the main homestead and a further 2 en-suite bedrooms are situated in the beautifully restored Victorian barn.
The Manor at Samara
Safari Lodge
The Manor at Samara can be booked as an exclusive use property. The Manor offers very stylish accommodation with a modern day karoo style interior and design.
pack for a purpose
Samara Private Game Reserve supports Pack for a Purpose, an initiative set up to enable travellers to make meaningful contributions to help meet the needs of the places they visit.
