KAROO LODGE
Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in perfect serenity with the reserve’s pristine wilderness. Combining colonial comforts with the essence of Mother Nature, the lodge treats you with exceptional service, meaning you can kick back and allow the tranquility of the Karoo to envelop your soul.

If you choose, you can leave the game for another day and indulge yourself in the luxury of your suite and let our experienced therapist ease you into relaxation with her aromatic oils and local charm.

Echoing the pulse of the Karoo, the interiors seek to fuse the elegance of luxury colonial style cottages with the untamed beauty of the African bush. Cradled in the softest linen, you can lose yourself in the sleepy rhythms of the land as the tranquil sounds of the Karoo lull you into an idyllic state of relaxation and contentment. Quiet, but not silent, Africa’s voice whispers sweet nothings through the grasses.

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MANOR AT SAMARA
Since opening in 2005 Samara Private Game Reserve has built its name as an outstanding and dedicated South African conservation destination where guests can enjoy the most magnificent Karoo landscapes and be treated to exceptional service, kick back and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop their souls.

Many guests have relaxed on our veranda, surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, and wished that this was home. It is with this wish in mind that we are pleased to announce the launch of our Manor House.

Now open, The Manor at Samara is for the exclusive use of up to 8 guests in luxury, air- conditioned en suite rooms with views over an extraordinary Karoo mountain landscape.

You will arrive at this historic homestead and upon entering breathtaking views will unfold over a 21m infinity pool which descends into a natural water hole at which game can be present in the early morning and late afternoon.

The Manor is unique in its warm design which reflects the local landscape and traditions whilst retaining a lovely light contemporary twist. The style of The Manor is the inspiration of well known South African designer John Zwiegelaar of John Jacob Interiors.

Dining experiences include a boma, veranda, dining room and breakfast room as well as various bush dinning experiences. Relax in four spacious luxury suites, with the softest linen that lulls you to sleep. All the suites have en-suite bathrooms with free-standing baths. Services include a personal ranger, chef and butler.

KAROO KITCHEN
Whether you dine in the boma, under the stars or picnic overlooking the romantic plains of Camdeboo, you will savour the flavours of our mouth-watering cuisine hand selected and produced from our Karoo Kitchen. Our executive chef, will guide you through a cornucopia of flavours redolent of the wild surrounds and complimented by Iris Adams handpicked Karoo garden produce. The rich bush scents of Wild Rosemary and Fynbos are combined with traditional Karoo Lamb and Springbok Loin to create a gastronomic delight that never fails to seduce. Meals are all served with quality wines selected from our cellar.

ON SAFARI AT SAMARA
Unparalleled and humbling experiences await you at Samara. With four of the country’s seven biomes, Samara’s abundant wilderness preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for over 60 mammal species. Among more common species, such as the Kudu and Duiker, the secretive Aardvark and the once-endangered White 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.

Discover the secrets of Samara as you explore the untouched Plains of Camdeboo that once staged the massive migrations of millions of Springbok. Fossils that predate the dinosaurs and well-preserved Bushman paintings offer a fascinating insight into some of the historical intricacies of our Earth’s past.

THE AARDVARK CHILDRENS PROGRAMME
Samara’s exciting new Childrens’ programme centres on the new AardvARK reed enclosure, where children of all ages can cavort amongst giant and miniature wrought-iron cut-outs of animals found on the reserve – giraffe legs more than two metres high and a life-size family of motionless meerkats amongst them. There’s a wagon on which to clamber, a sandpit to excavate and weird and wonderful trees and bushes.

The Programme caters to children of all ages, allowing parents to take game drives without interruption from tired small people who will be whisked away into a bush wonderland and indulged in a myriad of thrills.

CHEETAH IN THE WILD
Privileged to be home to the highly endangered Cheetah, Samara also hosts a remarkable individual. Born a wild cheetah, Sibella’s life nearly ended at the hands of hunters. After being savagely treated in captivity, she was fortunate enough to be rescued and underwent life-saving surgery and rehabilitation at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust.
In December 2003, Sibella started a new chapter in her life when she, along with two males, was released into Samara. Despite suffering the occasional twinge from her previous injuries, Sibella has proved herself to be a capable hunter and has successfully reared 18 cubs in the time she has been at Samara. As such, she epitomizes the spirit of Samara as she plays a vital role in the rejuvenation of a once endangered existence. This exceptional cat has now contributed to 2% of the wild cheetah population in South Africa.

It has been estimated that the last wild cheetah in the area was seen 125 years ago. Cheetahs were heavily hunted in the Great Karoo and Eastern Cape areas and these cheetahs made conservation history as the first back in the area after 125 years.
Part of Sibella and Samara’s cheetah conservation success is the fact that Samara is free of the predator competition found in Big 5 reserves. Without the pressure of natural predators such as lion and spotted hyena, the Samara cheetah populations have been able to thrive.
Samara works closely with De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust to ensure that this high endangered species is given the best chance of survival. To this effect Samara swaps it cheetah populations with other reserves thus ensuring that the gene pool is as wide as possible.
Humans share this earth with up to 33 million animals, plants and other life forms. The diversity of life on our planet is amazing. Cheetahs are only one of 33 million species living on the planet. Does it really matter if the cheetah becomes extinct? It is tempting to think that the loss of only one species will not affect us. But we must remember that all things are connected and cheetahs form a vital part of the ecosystem. When we lose even one species, our world becomes a poorer place. The cheetah deserves a place on this earth. The cat has been revered by humans for almost 5,000 years. If it is lost to future generations, it would leave a large hole not only in nature, but also in the very psyche of the human mind, which so naturally feels and knows the uniqueness of this creature. Extinction is forever and survival is up to you and me---every last one of us!

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