Award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in South Africa’s heart-stoppingly beautiful Great Karoo region. Founded in 1997, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalysing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation estate to a 3-million-acre footprint in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. Today the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species including the Big Five and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Two intimate lodges welcome just 26 guests at a time for slow, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters.
Country: South Africa
Destination: Eastern Cape
Property Group: Samara Karoo Reserve
Style: Safari Lodge
Number of Rooms: 4
Online availability: Click Here
The Manor is an elegant 4-suite villa, a striking oasis in the semi-desert landscape.
The Manor’s uniquely warm design reflects the local environment and traditions with a light, modern twist. Upon arrival, your eye is drawn through the glass double doors flanked by beaded African artwork and Karoo antiques to the 21-metre infinity pool and breathtaking views beyond.
The Manor can be booked on an exclusive use basis, an option well-suited to families and groups looking for privacy, indulgence and complete relaxation. When booked exclusively, The Manor guests have access to a private vehicle, guide, chef and host as well as a tailor-made programme of activities.
Country: South Africa
Destination: Eastern Cape
Property Group: Samara Karoo Reserve
Style: Safari Lodge
Number of Rooms: 10
Online availability: Click Here
Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in complete serenity with its wild surrounds.
The lovingly renovated farmhouse lies on the first property purchased by Samara’s founders in 1997. Combining modern day comforts with a rustic and welcoming feel, Karoo Lodge is the perfect place to relax and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop you – on the wide verandah in summer or by the cosy fire in winter. With 9 suites of varying sizes, Karoo Lodge caters for individual travellers, couples, families and small groups.
Country: South Africa
Destination: Eastern Cape
Property Group: Samara Karoo Reserve
Style: Tented Camp
Number of Rooms: 4
Online availability: Click Here
An off-grid experience with spellbinding views, Plains Camp focuses on walking safaris and reconnecting with Nature in elegant simplicity.
No wifi, no electricity, no high-tech distractions — just a grounding, humbling experience in Nature. This is the ethos of Samara’s brand-new ecotourism offering, Plains Camp. Four deluxe tents welcome 8 guests for a unique explorer-style experience with a focus on the ultimate luxuries — time and space. Located in a remote part of the reserve with spellbinding views and abundant wildlife including the Big Five, this unpretentious eco-conscious camp lets the landscape do the talking, allowing guests to disconnect from their busy lives in soothing solitude.
Enjoy our Launch Special — Stay 3 Pay 2 valid until 15 December 2023. Ts & Cs apply
The setting
Nestled against a low hill with sweeping views of plains and dolerite-capped mountains, Plains Camp blends into its natural surroundings whilst providing a front row view to this piece of paradise and its plentiful wildlife. Zebra, black wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok meander these plains, alongside giraffe, ostrich and cheetah — the tableau only further enhanced by the unmistakable call of the ground-dwelling korhaan bird.
The camp
Designed to touch the ground lightly and with sustainability in mind, the camp echoes the semi-permanence of mobile camps set up during safaris of yore. A communal mess tent houses an indoor dining and lounge space with open sides for soaking up the views. Antique and locally-made furnishings add a touch of authenticity to the setting without compromising on comfort, creating the perfect spot to cosy up with a book or binoculars. Lit by candlelight and oil lanterns, the camp has no electricity, but plenty of atmosphere. A small farm-style plunge pool provides respite from the midday heat.
The experience
A slow and considered experience focusing on guided walking safaris is designed to bring the semi-arid ecosystem to life. Daily morning bush walks focus on the little things so often ignored or unseen from the vehicle. Tracks, flowering Karoo bossies, ostrich eggs and beetles — all these natural wonders form part of the days sightings. In the afternoon, game drives provide an undeniable thrill as guests are able to get up close with cheetah, rhinoceros and giraffe under the supervision of expert guides and trackers. As the coolness of evening approaches, sundowners are just what the doctor ordered, followed by spectacular stargazing.
Guest tents
Four deluxe guest tents are positioned to enjoy spectacular undisturbed mountain views, providing a tranquil sanctuary to return to after a long day of exploring. Theres nothing quite like "champagne air" to make for a restful nights sleep! Tastefully furnished with all the essentials, the intimate bedroom and seating area are warmed by a small fireplace in winter and cooled by a fan in summer. A simple en-suite bathroom at the back of the tent contains an indoor loo, a washbasin and a separate open-air "bucket" shower — filled from the outside with hot water on request.
Dining
Simple, wholesome meals are cooked by the chef over the campfire and taken either in the well-appointed mess tent or al fresco under a Jacketplum tree. A bar in the mess tent stocks a variety of chilled drinks as well as tea, coffee and Amarula hot chocolate.