I recently had the pleasure of rediscovering Samara Karoo Lodge and rekindling my love for the bush! Going on Safari has always been a favourite getaway of mine, but it has been a while since my last wildlife adventure, making this trip an absolute treat!

Samara Karoo Reserve

Situated in the Samara Karoo Reserve in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the Karoo Lodge has undergone extensive renovations, giving it a fresh and contemporary look while maintaining its charming farmhouse feel. After just over six years since my previous visit, it was just as magical, if not more so, than I remember.

One of Samara Karoo Reserve’s most impressive aspects is its strong conservation commitment. Samara is dedicated to preserving and restoring the surrounding ecosystem, making it a haven for wildlife. Samara aims to restore 67,000 acres of the Great Karoo to its natural state through rewilding and responsible tourism. As a member of The Long Run, Samara strives for a holistic balance of the “4Cs”: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. During their stay, guests have the unique opportunity to witness and participate in these conservation efforts, which adds a whole new dimension to the safari experience.

Getting There

Our flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth took just under an hour—a very quick flight indeed! After collecting our luggage, we picked up the rental car and set out for Samara. After collecting our luggage, we picked up the rental car and set out for Samara. It took approximately 4 hours to reach the Lodge from the airport. A long stretch of gravel road required us to drive cautiously, slowing us down considerably. Alternatively, one can travel from Cape Town by road, which takes around 7.5 hours along the N1, the fastest and most direct route by car.

Samara Karoo Lodge

Karoo Lodge can accommodate up to 24 guests in 10 standalone suites within the lodge grounds. There are eight Karoo Suites, each sleeping two guests, and two Karoo Family Suites, each sleeping four guests. All the suites are strategically placed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

The Homestead at the Lodge offers guests a comfortable and welcoming space to relax and unwind. Interiors incorporate natural tones and fabrics, and a mix of antiques and modern South African craftsmanship. The result is a natural, layered design palette that perfectly reflects the unique charm of the Karoo. The living, dining, and communal spaces include two cosy sitting rooms, a charming dining area, a library, a bar, and a farm-style kitchen. The courtyard is filled with Spekboom plants, and there is also a wine cellar, a Story Room, and a traditional Karoo wraparound verandah.

Outside, the indigenous landscaping combines a Karoo homestead garden with a refreshing swimming pool, along with the natural veld that surrounds it, featuring aloes, wild grasses, and Jacketplum trees.

At the core of Samara’s values is a commitment to the sustainable use of environmental resources. The new Karoo Lodge is powered entirely by renewable energy and incorporates cutting-edge wastewater recycling systems.

The Rooms

During my stay, I had the pleasure of staying in one of the Karoo Retreat Suites at the Lodge, which was the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The generously sized suite boasts a gorgeous four-poster bed, a cosy fireplace, a work desk, and a sitting area. The large en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bath and shower, as well as a vanity and ample cupboard space.

Each suite also features a private covered patio with outdoor seating, where you can take in the magical views while enjoying your morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. Additionally, the outdoor shower provides a refreshing way to wash off the dust after a long game drive, especially in the heat of summer. Watch my room tour.

Wining & Dining

Something I value when travelling is a high level of service and hospitality. At Samara, the service is excellent, further complemented by warm hospitality, making the experience truly special.

During our stay, we enjoyed delicious meals in the newly renovated Homestead, on the wraparound stoep, as well as in the contemporary-styled dining room. Dining highlights included a fantastic food and wine-paired meal on our first night, a breakfast Safari picnic, and a traditional South African braai in the reed boma.

Yet another aspect of safari life that I love is the afternoon game drives, which include a stop to enjoy the spectacular sunset with a G&T in hand and an array of tasty nibbles to snack on.

Additional Accommodation on the Reserve

In addition to the Karoo Lodge, The Manor is an elegantly appointed villa in a Karoo contemporary style. It sleeps eight guests and can be booked exclusively with a private vehicle, guide, tracker, and chef.

For an even closer experience with nature, Plains Camp is an off-grid safari focused on walking safaris and reconnecting with nature in simple elegance.

Activities at Samara Karoo

Samara Karoo Reserve is not only about luxurious accommodations and conservation efforts. It is an adventure seeker’s haven, offering a vast array of activities. From exhilarating guided game drives and walking safaris to birdwatching and awe-inspiring stargazing, there’s something for everyone to connect with the natural beauty of the Karoo.

Game Drives

For me, the attraction of a safari adventure is the wide open spaces, the feeling of freedom, and being completely immersed in nature. Then, there is the privilege of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat. Nothing is more thrilling than tracking animals and eventually finding them—it is so rewarding but definitely a test of one’s patience!

During our stay, we were fortunate enough to see a variety of animals, including a beautiful Lioness, Rhinos, a Cheetah with her cubs, which we tracked on foot, and a journey of Giraffe—what an inspirational sight to behold. We also saw Zebras, Vervet Monkeys, Baboons (a few even tried to visit me at my suite!), Eland, Kudu, Warthogs, and an abundance of Birdlife.

Unfortunately, we did not see Elephants on this trip. Our group was also desperate to see an Aardvark, but that was not on the cards either—and believe me, we did try!

Walking Safari

On our first morning, we set off early for a walking safari, a fun and unique way to experience the bush. Our trackers and guide taught us so much, from identifying spoor to interesting facts about the Karoo vegetation. After our adventure, our reward was a hot beverage of our choice and the most delicious cookies.

Spekboom Planting

As part of Samara’s ongoing conservation drive and rehabilitation of the landscape, we each planted a Spekboom to help with soil restoration. Although only a small gesture, it was a wonderful feeling to be part of this fantastic project.

Getaway Highlights

My main highlight was being back in the bush and exploring the stunning natural landscape; it also made me realise and appreciate how privileged I am to call this beautiful country home. Second, by only a small margin, was the luxurious accommodation, especially the exceptionally comfortable bed, which made getting up for early morning drives extremely difficult! Last but certainly not least, the fantastic staff – from the Lodge hospitality staff to our passionate and knowledgeable guide and tracker the stay would not have been as memorable without them!

In Closing

Overall, my time at Samara Karoo Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of luxury, conservation, and unique experiences makes it a truly special destination for anyone seeking a meaningful and unforgettable safari getaway. Warm hospitality, attention to detail, and their commitment to conservation make it a truly special place to visit. I cannot wait to return to this remarkable oasis in the heart of the Eastern Cape. The Plains Camp is at the top of my list of must-do adventures.

Contact Details and Location

For rates or more information, contact Samara Karoo at [email protected] or +27 (0)49 940 1111, +27 (0)66 225 0925.

Location: Petersburg Road off the R63 to Pearston Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, 6280, South Africa

Images

Disclosure

Please note that I enjoyed complimentary meals, drinks, and accommodation as a guest of Samara Karoo. Unless otherwise stated, all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.

Samara Karoo Lodge: The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Nature