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Samara Karoo Lodge

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About Samara Karoo Lodge

Samara Karoo Lodge is a spectacular retreat at Samara Karoo Reserve – a private game reserve located on a breathtaking piece of land in the Great Karoo region of the Eastern Cape. Founded with a dream of bringing back the wild magic of the Great Karoo from what was once an agricultural area, Samara has now become one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. The reserve is now home to over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species – a testament to Samara’s conservation and rewilding efforts.

The authentically restored farmhouse that is now Samara Karoo Lodge, occupies the initial property acquired by the founders of Samara in 1997. Blending contemporary conveniences with a warmly inviting "Karoo" atmosphere, this safari lodge caters to families, offering an ideal sanctuary to unwind and let the peaceful ambience of the Karoo embrace you — whether on the expansive verandah during summer or by the snug fire in winter. Samara Karoo Lodge consists of just 10 suites, categorised into two types: eight Karoo Suites and two Karoo Family Suites, accommodating a total of 24 guests. There's also a spacious communal living, relaxation and dining area.

Samara Karoo Lodge Setting

Samara Karoo Reserve is located in the Great Karoo – a vast semi-desert region, stretching over the provinces of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape of South Africa. The Great Karoo offers vast plains, wildlife, awe-inspiring mountains (snow-capped in winter), crisp air and small towns steeped in history and intrigue.

It’s a place that makes you want to keep driving, just to see the views! For those who visit, Samara Karoo Reserve's magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To experience this landscape of endless horizons is to experience a true re-connection with nature and a thrilling vision of hope for the future. Guests can enjoy a range of activities including safari excursions, cheetah tracking, stargazing, walking safaris, picnics, mountain biking and much more!

Activities

Cheetah Tracking

Cheetah Tracking

Bush Walks

Bush Walks

Game Drives

Game Drives

Spekboom Planting Experience

Spekboom Planting Experience

Childrens Program

Childrens Program

Reviews

Samara Karoo Lodge

B. Sharp

Stayed at: Samara Karoo Lodge

Superb

Game drives were excellent, highlights were cheetah and lions with cub. Excellent attentive staff.

Samara Karoo Lodge

A. King

Stayed at: Samara Karoo Lodge

Fabulous

Amazing experience! worth the additional km’s from Cape Town (if your driving) to spend a couple of days at Samara. there’s so much diversity and you never feel like your on the ‘Safari conveyor belt’ with dozens of other tourists! In particular our guide ‘Marlin’ was terrific! He went out of his way to do everything to ensure we had a wonderful all-round experience.

Samara Karoo Lodge

B. Hey

Stayed at: Samara Karoo Lodge

Exceptional

Amazing experience, especially when it's your first time on a game drive. The staff was amazing. I especially loved the beautifully decorated lodge!

Location

Petersburg Road, Off the R63 to Pearston, Graaff, Reinet, 6280

How to get there

From Chief Dawid Stuurman (Port Elizabeth) International Airport: Exit the airport, head north on Airport W Road, at the roundabout take the second exit onto Allister Miller Drive; Go through a roundabout and proceed for 1.4 km; Turn left onto Forest Hill N/B Road and proceed for 850 m; Use any lane to turn right onto Walmer Boulevard/M9 and proceed for 600 m; Use the middle lane to turn left onto Settlers Highway/M4, follow the signs for the R75/Grahamstown/Uitenhage and proceed for 68 m; Keep right to continue on the M4 and proceed for 6.7 km; Use the right 2 lanes to take Exit 751B to merge onto the N2 towards Grahamstown and proceed for 3.3 km; Take Exit 754 for the M3/John Tallant Road towards the R102/M19/Swartkops/Uitenhage/Port Elizabeth and proceed for 400 m; Take a slight left towards John Tallant Road/M3; Continue onto John Tallant Road/M3 and proceed for 700 m; Turn right onto Grahamstown Road/R102 and proceed for 850 m; Turn left onto Trunk Road/R367 and continue to follow the R367 for 13.6 km; Merge onto the R75 and proceed for 7.6 km; Continue straight to stay on the R75 and proceed for 202 km; Turn right onto the R63 and proceed for 6.7 km; Turn left onto the gravel Petersburg Road and proceed for 3.1 km; The entrance to Samara Karoo Reserve will be on the lefthand side; Private air charters and road transfers can be arranged on request.

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