Samara Karoo Reserve: A Luxury Safari of Conservation and Comfort
Michael Gates enjoyed a journey of adventure and discovery at one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations
Location
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Great Karoo region of South Africa, a landscape of beauty and ecological significance. Samara Karoo Reserve proudly sits in the Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, home to 225 species of bird, over 60 species of mammals, including the big five and the cheetah.
Vision and Mission
Over the last 25 years, Samara has transformed 67,000 acres of overworked farmland into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem by restoring native vegetation, removing invasive species and reintroducing indigenous wildlife including antelope and lions. This rewilding effort spans five of South Africa’s nine vegetation biomes and now supports a balanced, biodiverse landscape, with tourism helping sustain the conservation mission.
Staying at Samara Karoo Reserve
A stay at Samara includes daily private game drives with an experienced guide and tracker, guided bush walks, wildlife tracking and children’s activities. Guests can enjoy wilderness picnics or spend a night under the stars in a star bed. For those seeking rejuvenation, wellness activities are available, including spa treatments. You can also participate in planting the indigenous succulent Spekboom, allowing guests to contribute to the reserve’s rehabilitation efforts. For accommodation, there are three lodges to choose from, with Samara hosting no more than 40 guests at any one time.
Karoo Lodge
Drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and local culture, Karoo Lodge combines traditional Karoo style and contemporary South African design with personal touches. This family-friendly safari lodge features eight Karoo Suites, which are standalone cottages with private patios. Each suite sleeps two adults and includes a four-poster bed, fireplace, air conditioning and a luxury en-suite bathroom with a separate bath, shower and outdoor shower.
The Manor
For those seeking an exclusive and private experience, The Manor is an elegant safari villa sleeping 8 guests. Each of the four suites boasts a spacious bedroom with air-conditioning, a luxury en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower, and a private patio.The Manor provides two distinct living areas, lounging alcoves, and outdoor spaces around the swimming pool.
Plains Camp
Plains Camp offers an explorer-style, off-grid tented experience designed for the adventurous. This camp accommodates up to eight guests, with children over 16 welcome. Each guest tent features a comfortable bedroom section with a small fireplace and fan, a bathroom section with a flushing toilet, an open-air shower and a private deck boasting spectacular views. A short walk away, the mess tent houses an intimate dining area and lounge, leading onto a plunge pool and outdoor dining area.
My Experience
This was my first safari, and whilst I was excited, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous, although those worries quickly disappeared. From the moment we arrived at Samara Karoo Reserve, we were warmly welcomed and felt in safe hands. We were guided to our suite just a short walk from the main Karoo Lodge; it was luxurious yet cozy, with beamed ceilings, a four-poster bed and an open fireplace.
Meals were enjoyed at the main lodge, with breakfast and lunch served outdoors and a daily menu featuring hearty, fresh dishes, think grilled steak and pork belly for dinner and pulled lamb, beef bobotie, and vibrant salads for lunch. There was an extensive wine list to accompany your meals with the bar serving up incredible cocktails and speciality drinks such as the local Afrikanis Rum.
Our safari guide, Mzi, and tracker, Jason, were exceptional, friendly, welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable. During our five game drives over a three-night stay (two in the morning, two in the afternoon and one at night), we were lucky enough to spot all of the big five and even had the unforgettable experience of tracking cheetahs on foot, standing just meters away from these amazing creatures. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat, like elephants toppling trees or a pride of lions feeding on a fresh kill was truly eye-opening.
My stay at Samara Karoo Reserve was one of the most unforgettable experiences. It’s hard to put into words the feeling of being completely immersed in nature whilst still enjoying luxurious comfort, personalised service and at the same time supporting Samara’s mission. We were fortunate to speak with other guests during our stay who as avid safari enthusiasts were also quick to highlight just how special Samara truly is.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Port Elizabeth located 250km away, with daily flights connecting from Cape Town (1 hour) and Johannesburg (1 hour 45 minutes). By road, guests can hire a car for the three hour journey, or a transfer can be arranged. For a more direct arrival, private charter flights can be booked to Samara’s gravel airstrip.
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