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Samara Private Game ReserveSAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, 5 STAR LODGE GREATER ADDO LODGE ACCOMMODATION The Samara Private Game Reserve comprises two world-class lodges surrounded by the impressive rocky outcrops of the African Karoo. This beauty is unrivalled, and guaranteed to transport guests away from the hustle and bustle of city living into a place of sheer serenity. It is no wonder that Samara has frequently won awards for its accommodation offerings. In addition to luxurious accommodation, Samara Private Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. In fact, this reserve preserves and sustains four biomes, each of which suits a particular assortment of fauna and flora. Some of the wildlife that may be spotted includes Kudus, Duikers, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Aardvarks, Vervet Monkeys, Meerkats and Rhinos. Morning and evening game drives provide the best opportunity to see these animals, as they take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Accommodation Karoo Lodge The Karoo Lodge at the Samara Private Game Reserve is nestled at the foot of the Sneeuberg Mountains and combines the untouched appeal of the natural surrounds with elegant African colonial décor and superior service. Top-notch amenities make for an all-round experience of pampering and hospitality. The natural rhythms of the African bushveld and its wildest residents have become the heartbeat of the reserve, and are sure to pulsate through every guest of Samara.  |
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Manor at Samara Enjoy exclusive luxury at the Manor, which accommodates only 8 guests at a time in opulent style. Rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with en-suite bathrooms, and each showing off the best of the African landscape from the comfort of the suite. This homestead provides the warmest welcome by boasting its ample stunning views, best enjoyed from the infinity swimming pool (21 metres). The local watering hole invites many of the local game species to refresh themselves, to the delight of the Manor's residents. The Manor was built in response to the wish expressed by many of the guests; that of calling these awe-inspiring surrounds 'home'. It provides an inviting, comfortable and intimate retreat amidst the mountains and rolling plains of the Karoo, making guests feel right at home. Originally the site of an old home, its title deeds date back to the days of Lord Charles Somerset. When the Tomkins family are not using it as their home, The Manor is available for rental. This exclusive facility, designed by John Zwiegelaar (John Jacobs Interiors), is distinctly African in the design elements used. However, a fun and modern touch has been used to keep the look light and relevant to the times. Guests may opt to eat in the dining room or breakfast room or on the verandah. They can even savour delicious delights in the boma, which is a traditional African place of meeting, or in the bush, under the star-speckled skies. A personal ranger, chef and butler are available to guests of The Manor. Children at the Samara Game Reserve, South Africa: The Aardvark Children's Programme Samara Game Reserve is ideal for families with children. The Aardvark Children's Programme is designed to give kids the opportunity to experience South Africa's wildlife in a completely new way. Wrought iron versions of creatures, both giant and miniature, provide a brand new perspective, while the wagon and sandpit provide a peaceful retreat. While the kids are kept busy, parents are encouraged to take advantage and embark on a game drive of their own. This programme is suited to children of all ages and includes bush-specific activities like spoor identification, tracking, bush cooking, camp lore and even dung throwing. Children are also encouraged to get creative as they dress up in the traditional clothing of rangers, Xhosas or Hottentots, make animals using only seeds and thorns or draw their very own bushman paintings. They may opt to learn how to spot and remove a snare, plant trees, carve wood or survive in the African bushveld. Other fun activities for the younger guests include:
Dining The menu at Samara is varied and rich in local flavour. Excellent local meats are prepared using the aromatic tastes of the bush. To add to the gastronomic delights, Samara's cellar promises the perfect wine to compliment the flavours and intensity of each dish. Guests are invited to eat under the stars, in the traditional boma or nibble from a picnic basket while admiring the Camdeboo Plains. Iris Adams handpicks many of the ingredients used in the tasty dishes, making for a truly fresh dining experience. Spa The Samara Spa is designed to pamper, revitalise, rejuvenate and sooth both the mind and the body. As trained therapists work their magic, guests are surrounded by Africa's own type of magic; the stunning bushveld and the local watering hole. Game Drives The Samara Private Game Reserve is home to over 60 mammal species and is made up of four of South Africa's seven biomes. This rather complex ecosystem acts as the residence to many types of animals, including Kudu, Duiker, Aardvark, Cheetah, Giraffe and White Rhinoceros. Guided game drives as well as game walks offer guests the perfect opportunity to see such an array of fauna and flora at leisure and in detail. The Samara Game Reserve is also one of historical import. Caves and rocks act as the canvas for ancient bushman art. The fossilised remains of ancient man and the implements they used have revealed much about their way of life and even their bone structure. The Plains of Camdeboo remain uninhabited by humans, and retain a mysterious sense of times past, when millions of Springbok would cross this plain as part of their mass migration. Cheetah Sibella is one of the highlights of Samara Game Reserve. She is a Cheetah, born in the wild, but captured by hunters. After cruel abuse at their hands, she was rescued and nursed back to health. Her rehabilitation included major surgery to undo the damage that these hunters had inflicted on her. She underwent full recovery and care at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust, and was then released into the care of Samara Game Reserve in December 2003. Cheetahs are an endangered species and Samara is committed to their preservation and care and thus works closely with De Wildt. In an effort to keep the gene pool strong and varied, Samara changes Cheetahs with other reserves on a regular basis. The last wild Cheetah was spotted in the area more than 120 years ago, having been hunted extensively in the Great Karoo and the Eastern Cape. Samara's Cheetahs are the first to return to this area after this decades-long 'extinction'. This has been achieved by the lack of the usual predators usually found in Big 5 reserves. This means that Samara's Cheetahs are able to increase their population numbers with little outside threat. The existence of Cheetahs is vital to the maintenance of a balanced ecosystem and biodiversity. Its survival depends on human beings and is the responsibility of individuals. Accessing Samara / Directions By Road: The recommended route from Port Elizabeth- R75 towards Graaff-Reinet for 258km. Turn right and take the R63 towards Pearston/ Somerset East for 7km. Turn left onto the Petersburg gravel road and drive 23km to reach Karoo Lodge. By Air: Daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Air charters from Port Elizabeth to Samara (gravel airstrip) can be arranged on request. Samara Private Airstrip Co-ordinates:
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