One of the largest private reserves in South Africa, Samara has a wonderful sense of space, a reminder of the insignificance of humans in the vast beauty of the Karoo.
With a vision to rehabilitate the once lost magnificence of the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo, the Samara dream is now a lifelong commitment.
The Cape Mountain zebra have found a haven and now roam the plateau pastures again while huge flocks of the rare Blue Crane soar in the vast skies overhead and cheetah reign on the plains once more.
Samara’s campaign of rejuvenation seeks to rediscover the haunting beauty of this incredible landscape that generations of agricultural exploitation threatened to mask forever. Since 1997, Samara’s main objective has been to realize the land’s potential as an area of outstanding natural diversity and as a home to re-introduced species.
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We offer three separate accommodations, each unique in style and all supremely comfortable.
Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in perfect serenity in the reserve’s pristine wilderness. Combining colonial comforts with the essence of Mother Nature, the lodge treats you with exceptional service, enabling you to relax and allow the tranquility of the Karoo to envelop your soul.
Three Lodge Suites are situated in the main homestead and are light and airy, all opening out on to the wide wrap-around veranda. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom and is air-conditioned
The three Karoo Suites are individual Karoo style “cottages” in the garden and are larger than the Lodge Suites. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom, is air-conditioned and has a fireplace. Refresh yourself in the outdoor shower while gazing at the magnificent views.
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The Manor at Samara is for the exclusive use of up to 8 guests in ultimate luxury and total privacy with every whim being anticipated by friendly but unobtrusive staff.
Mark and Sarah Tompkins built the Manor on the site of an old house with title deeds dating back to Lord Charles Somerset. The Manor House is available for rental when the Tompkins family are not in residence.
You will arrive at this historic homestead and upon entering, breathtaking views of this extraordinary Karoo mountain landscape will unfold over a 21m infinity pool which descents into a waterhole 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 twist.
Relax in four spacious luxury air-conditioned suites. All suites have large en-suite bathrooms with separate showers and free standing baths.
Unwind in the large comfortable lounge where a crackling fire burns in the winter months and the large glass doors to the patio are cast wide open in the summer.
Dining experiences include boma, veranda, dining-room and breakfast room as well as various bush dining experiences Services include a personal ranger, chef and butler.
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Secluded, wild and remote, Samara’s Mountain Retreat offers you the experience of yesteryear and the opportunity to re-connect with nature in its purest form.
The Mountain Retreat is an exclusive use venue accommodating up to 10 guests. There are three delightful double en-suite bedrooms in the main homestead and a further two en-suite bedrooms are situated in the beautifully restored Victorian barn. A comfortable living room with fireplace and dining room complete the indoor facilities. A wide wrap-around veranda provides the perfect area for relaxing while contemplating the awesome view. A jacuzzi on the veranda affords an ideal cooling-off spot. A Karoo-style plunge pool is situated a little away from the house. Essential power is provided by a generator.
Take leisurely walks to explore the ancient valley landscape where rare rock art paintings of cheetah are preserved. Guests will be accompanied on walks by an experienced ranger who will be able to point out all the little things one may miss on a game drive. Game drives are an optional extra.
Delicious home-cooked meals are served in various venues – the dining-room, under the stars in the boma or on the veranda.
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING AVAILABILITY, PLEASE ENQUIRE, USING THE FORM BELOW.
