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 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. One extra bed can be accommodated for families with a child.
The Karoo Suites are individual Karoo style cottages in the garden offering a bit more privacy. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom, is air-conditioned and has a fireplace, and they also have outdoor showers with magnificent views. The delightful Sibella Suite consists of 2 interleading suites sharing a deck overlooking a waterhole with abundant birdlife.
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.
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
Karoo Lodge is a lovingly-renovated farmhouse in traditional Karoo style. Combining colonial comforts and modern day luxuries with a rustic and welcoming feel, Karoo Lodge is the perfect place to relax and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop you and on the wide verandah in summer or by the cosy fire in winter.
Four Lodge Suites can be found inside the main homestead. They are spacious, light and airy, with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom with large freestanding bath and shower. These suites open onto the wide wraparound verandah with outdoor seating to take in the tranquil Karoo views.
Three Karoo Suites are standalone cottages a short distance from the main homestead. Each has a fireplace, air conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath and shower and 2 washbasins. Private covered patios with outdoor seating provide the perfect location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. They even have outdoor showers with magnificent views!
The 2 Sibella Suites are located a little walk away by the waterhole. These suites are interleading so provide ideal accommodation for families with young children. Each suite has a shower, basin and air conditioning. The shared wooden deck provides welcome shade during hot summer days.
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 fenced swimming pool, plus there is a children's fenced off outdoor play area.
Dining take place in indoor and outdoor locations including the traditional boma, the gazebo by the pool and on the lawn under the stars.
There is a Star Bed available which comprises of a bespoke handmade 4-poster king sized bed with draped mosquito net, and a small seating/dining area looks out over the river. This must be pre-booked at the time of booking (a minimum 2 nights stay is required at an additional cost).
PLEASE NOTE: there is no electricity or mobile signal at the Star Bed. The platform is fenced with electric strands (solar-powered). Guests will not be accompanied by a member of staff overnight.
MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express credit cards are accepted.
Laundry and babysitting services are available (additional cost).
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.
