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Samara Karoo Lodge
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Accommodation options at Samara Karoo Lodge

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!

What's included

  • Access to 67,000 acres of exclusive born-again wilderness
  • Luxury en-suite accommodation as specified
  • Twice daily game drives with an experienced guide and tracker
  • Spekboom planting experience
  • Guided bush walks and wildlife tracking*
  • Access to ongoing conservation activities*
  • Transfers between lodges and Samara's airstrip
  • Three meals and game drive snacks daily
  • Soft drinks, house wines and selected spirits and beers not included in SA resident rate
  • Specialty teas and local coffee
  • Children's activity programme
  • Telephone calls

Frequently asked questions

  • Where is the nearest airport?

  • Is there wifi?

  • Are children allowed?

  • Is there a swimming pool?

  • Is Samara Karoo Lodge pet friendly?

Reviews

  • 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.

    Conservio.com review

    A. King

  • Superb

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

    Conservio.com review

    B. Sharp

  • 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!

    Conservio.com review

    B. Hey

Samara Karoo Lodge impact highlights

Samara Karoo Reserve embarks on a groundbreaking conservation mission, rejuvenating the Great Karoo area through rewilding efforts and sustainable tourism practices. Samara's overarching goal is to revive the true essence of the Karoo, revitalizing the compromised habitats and reintroducing the complete range of wildlife to this captivatingly scenic semi-arid terrain. One of the measures Samara Karoo Reserve has put in place is planting indigenous plants on the reserve to increase the biodiversity of the land. By choosing to support their cause, every guest at Samara plays a part in achieving the conservation objectives. Furthermore, guests are invited to actively engage in a wide range of conservation projects.

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