Stretching from dramatic mountain terrain to the sweeping Plains of Camdeboo, the Samara Karoo Reserve (formerly Samara Private Game Reserve) encompasses 27,000 hectares of spectacular malaria-free Karoo wilderness, about a 2.5 hour drive from Port Elizabeth.
The Karoo Lodge is a traditional Colonial Karoo homestead, offering a taste of the lifestyle and traditions as the farmers lived back then. Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, the lodge sits in perfect serenity in the reserve's pristine wilderness. Coupled with the exceptional service, a large dining room with fireplace is used for indoor dining. Weather dependent, dinners can be set up on the verandah, on the lawn under the stars or in the boma, a traditional reed enclosure warmed by a roaring fire.
Samara's abundant wilderness preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for over 60 wildlife species. Among more common species such as kudu and duiker, the secretive aardvark and rhino roam. Giraffes can be seen peeking over the thorny acacia canopy, while cheetah crouch, hidden in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to stretch their legs and test the speed of the hartebeest. Whether ensconced in the comfort of an open game viewer, or trekking through the fragrant Karoo bush, you will feel the deep pulse of the Karoo that makes Samara truly magical.
The 8 Karoo Suites are standalone units in a traditional Karoo style. Each has a fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath, shower, outdoor shower and two wash basins. Private covered patios with outdoor seating provide the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. One extra bed for a child under the age of 12 may be accommodated in certain Karoo Suites.
For families, the 2 Karoo Family Suites are also standalone units, each consisting of 2 en-suite bedrooms sharing a living room. Each room has a private wraparound verandah, outdoor shower and magnificent views.
In a remote, secluded location Samara's star bed on the Milk River provides a romantic wilderness experience. Enjoy a sunset picnic dinner while taking in spectacular views over the mountainous landscape, free of light and noise pollution. Pre-booking is essential and a surcharge does apply.
Rates Include
Conservation Levy; Spekboom planting experience; tea/coffee; all meals; house wines, soft drinks and selected spirits and other beverages; snacks on game drives; a laundry service; guided bush walks and wildlife tracking; two guided game drives per day; and access to ongoing conservation activities are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under the age of 8 may not accompany their parents on game drives unless the family has exclusive use of the vehicle and, under the guides supervision, ensures all safety instructions are observed.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
The Samara Kids Programme caters exclusively to children and young teenagers. Qualified staff will engage them in a variety of fun and educational activities whilst you relax and unwind. Activities include bush walks, spoor identification, rock painting like the San people, African crafts, orienteering and navigating, storytelling and sleep-outs (weather dependent).
Directions For Drivers
From Port Elizabeth Airport: Exit the airport and turn right at the roundabout onto the M11 Allister Miller Road. Travel 2 km and at the traffic lights turn left into Forest Hill Drive. Travel 700 metres and at the traffic lights turn right onto the M7 Walmer Boulevard. Travel 500m and at the 3rd set of traffic lights turn left onto the M4 Settler's Way. Travel approximately 6.7 km and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 751B to merge onto the N2 towards Grahamstown (Makhanda).
Travel 3.4 km and take exit 754 for M3/John Tallant Road/R102/M19/Swartkops/Uitenhage. Travel 400m and turn left onto John Tallant Road/M3 towards Deal Party/Swartkops/Uitenhage. Travel 750m and turn right onto Grahamstown Road/R102/Swartkops/Uitenhage. Travel 850m and at the traffic lights turn left onto Trunk Road/R367/Uitenhage. Travel 13.6 km and keep right to merge onto R75.
Travel 209.6 km on the R75 and turn right onto the R63 Pearston/Somerset East Road. Look out here for the first Samara signboard. NOTE: The last petrol stations before you reach the Samara turn off are in Jansenville (82 km to Karoo Lodge). Travel 7 km and turn left onto the Petersburg Road (unpaved dirt road). You will find the 2nd Samara signboard at this turnoff.
Travel 3 km to the first electric gate. You will need to enter the code you have been given - please also call the lodge from here to let them know you are on the property on +27 (0) 49 891 0880 or +27 (0) 49 940 0059. It is then a further 12.5 km to the second double electric gate and finally 5.4 km to the Karoo Lodge Reception turnoff on the left.
NOTE: If you search for Samara Private Game Reserve on Google Maps you will find that the location pin is situated at the first electric gate. The journey from Port Elizabeth Airport to this first gate takes approximately 2.5 hours. Please allow a further 30-40 minutes to travel along the unpaved dirt road to the lodge.
From The Garden Route: Take the N2 to George. From George take the N9/N12 through Uniondale, Willowmore and Aberdeen towards Graaff-Reinet.
Just outside Graaff-Reinet, you will see a right-hand turn signposted R63/R75/Port Elizabeth/Somerset East. Take this road for approximately 26 km.
You then see a left-hand turn signposted R63/Pearston/Somerset East Road. Take this road for 6.5 km and then turn left at the Samara signpost. You are now on a gravel road. Travel 3 km to the first electric gate. You will need to enter the code 7854# (code for November 2019 only) - please also call the lodge from here to let them know you are on the property on +27 (0) 49 891 0880 or +27 (0) 49 940 0059. It is then a further 12.5 km to the second double electric gate and finally 5.4 km to the Karoo Lodge Reception turnoff on the left.
General Information For Guests
The Karoo Suites are standalone units in a traditional Karoo style. Each has a fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath, shower, outdoor shower and two wash basins. They also have a private covered patio with outdoor seating. The maximum capacity in each Karoo Suite is 2 adults. One extra bed for a child under the age of 12 may be accommodated in certain Karoo Suites.
The Karoo Family Suites are also standalone units, each consisting of two en-suite bedrooms sharing a living room. Each room has a private wraparound verandah and outdoor shower. The maximum capacity in each Karoo Family Suite is 4 adults plus one child under the age of 12 on an extra bed in the shared living area.
Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
Main guest facilities include a dining room, a cosy bar area, a living room with fireplace and a swimming pool which is partially fenced off from the main lawn and has a covered gazebo area.
Dining take place in indoor and outdoor locations including the traditional boma, on the verandah, on the lawn under the stars, and in various bush locations.
MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express credit cards are accepted.
Laundry and babysitting services are available (additional cost).
Karoo Lodge is powered by renewable energy and makes use of innovative wastewater recycling systems. The lodge grounds are encircled by a 45 degree angle electrified fence.
Samara's star bed offers an unforgettable romantic wilderness experience. Located in total seclusion in a
riverside location, the mosquito net covered four-poster bed sits atop a raised platform with panoramic views of mountain and sky, designed for tranquil nights absorbing the serenity of the Great Karoo landscape. The star bed experience starts just before sunset with a picnic dinner and sundowner. Guests will take in the spectacular view across the mountain landscape and watch as local wildlife descends to the river to drink. As the night sky develops, guests will be in a prime position to admire the canopy of constellations that gathers overhead. The star bed is available October to May inclusive and guest must be booked into Karoo Lodge for a minimum of 2 nights. Minimum age is 16 years. The experience is weather dependent. There is no electricity, Wi-Fi or mobile signal at the star bed location. Guest will not be accompanied by a member of staff overnight but will have access to and be taught how to use a 2 way radio for emergencies. A surcharge wil apply for this activity and your room will be available for you to return to should you change your mind during the night. Pre-booking is essential.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided bush walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided bush walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Popular Alternatives to Samara Karoo Lodge
These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Samara Karoo Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Samara Karoo Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
