Start Planning
Samara Karoo Reserve in the Eastern Cape is a magnificent destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Situated in the heart of the Great Karoo, the reserve offers a unique blend of rugged mountains, vast plains, and a diversity of flora and fauna.
Karoo Lodge welcomes guests of all ages. However, for those under 8 years old, scheduled game drives with other guests are not an option. Instead, families with younger children can enjoy shorter, mid-morning "bumble" drives, which are arranged once the regular game drives have concluded. Additionally, a children's program and access to the Cubs' Den are available for kids of all ages. For families desiring a more personalized experience, a private vehicle can be arranged in advance, subject to availability and at an additional cost.
At The Manor, families with children of any age are welcome to stay when the entire villa is booked exclusively. In this case, a personalized program of activities will be tailored for you by your private guide.
If you book a Manor Suite on a shared-use basis, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to stay. Additionally, the policy does not allow for three or more adults to share a single room.
Due to the unique setup of Plains Camp as an unfenced, explorer-style camp concentrating on bush walks and wildlife tracking in an area with the Big Five, it is not suitable for children under 16 years of age. Additionally, the tents at Plains Camp cannot accommodate more than two adults, as sharing with three or more adults is not permitted.
Samara Karoo Reserve offers three distinct accommodation types, each offering a unique experience in the heart of the South African wilderness.
Set amidst a natural mountain amphitheater, this beautifully restored farmstead merges seamlessly with the serene, wild landscape. Karoo Lodge offers 10 suites capable of accommodating up to 24 guests. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil and authentic Karoo experience.
Closed during the high season (1 November - 14 December).
As a striking oasis in the semi-desert terrain of the Karoo, The Manor presents an elegant villa that combines contemporary Karoo style with luxury. It comprises 4 suites, accommodating up to 8 guests, and requires a minimum stay of two nights. The Manor is perfect for guests looking for an exclusive and upscale retreat in the wilderness.
In search of adventure closer to nature? Plains Camp offers an explorer-style experience reminiscent of mobile safaris, where 'wildness as luxury' is the theme. This off-grid safari camp focuses on walking safaris and reconnecting with nature. It offers 4 tented suites for up to 8 guests, also with a minimum stay of two nights. Plains Camp is ideal for guests eager to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Karoo while enjoying elegant simplicity.
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; and transfers between lodges and Samara's airstrip.
.png){kind=small}
November 20, 2024
Outstanding Experience! (Cape Town, Sabi Sands, Vic Falls)
After attempting to book this trip myself (a couple coming from the US), I gave up and reached out to Sara from Safari.com. I told Sara what I was thinking and by the next day she had created several wonderful itineraries! Based on her suggestions, we personalized the itineraries and within 7 days I was booked and all set!! Sara was available at all times (before, during, and after the trip). We are currently heading home and we are so happy with all the bookings Sara created for us! Everything went flawlessly. Her 3rd parties for tours and transfers were perfect (always early, professional, knowledgeable, and kind). The hotel acknowledged our anniversary thanks to Sara. We stayed at the Victoria & Alfred hotel in Cape Town, then off to Dulini Moya in Sabi Sands, and finally Victoria Falls Island Treehouse in Zimbabwe. I highly recommend all of them. Tell Sara what you envision your experience to be and your budget and she will make it happen!! Her knowledge was so helpful in assisting us to choose the perfect itinerary. It was comforting that she kept in touch while we were traveling throughout Africa. I feel so lucky to have had Sara arrange this trip and will certainly request her expertise again in the future!! You won’t have to worry about anything because she is on top of it all. Do not hesitate!! Book with Sara from Safari.com!
November 8, 2024
Sara was very helpful
Sara was very helpful, she answered all my questions, addressed all my requests and did so very quickly 😁
October 27, 2024
Sara is the best
Sara is the best! Believe me we had tons of questions about our upcoming safari and all were dealt with quickly and with detail and graciousness by Sara. Considering the 7 hr time difference, response time was as if she lived next door! Maybe she doesn't sleep. Sara's knowledge is also outstanding. We never received an "I don't know but will get back to you" response. We are so looking forward to our trip especially knowing that Sara is always available to help us out!
Dec 13, 2024
Leigh-Ann Croeser from Safari.com was fantastic
Leigh-Ann from Safari.com was great to work with to plan our group safari trip. She was able to get me on the priority waitlist for a lodge that I liked, which ended up working out for our group during my preferred dates. Leigh-Ann was responsive and provided various tour recommendations for us to decide on the best option for us. There were a few email and name typos from Leigh-Ann that I had to correct, but other than that, I had a great experience.
Dec 12, 2024
Dolan was terrific
Dolan was terrific. He got back to us immediately to answer all of our questions. And was so nice to hold a room for a couple of days because of my moms passing. It gave us time to finalize her arrangements and time to book our trip. I would highly recommend using him to book your trip!!
Dec 12, 2024
Great support and communication
I had great support from Lana, she has been helping to book the dream trip to Bostwana in a very efficient way. Great communication, very responsive and precise, could not wish for more. Highly recommend her.
Dec 12, 2024
Anja Is A Fabulous Travel Consultant
Anja Mayer was extremely knowledgeable, patient, prompt with her responses to questions, and always very helpful. She was also a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone that asks that Anja is the right person to contact if they are interested in travelling to South Africa or Botswana.
Dec 12, 2024
Anja did a fabulous job!
Anja was knowledgeble, patient prompt with her responses to questions and always very helpful. In addition, it was a pleasure working with her. I would recommend her to anyone without any reservation.
Dec 10, 2024
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to…
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to arrange and organize our trip!! She was on the ball, made sure everything was in place and travel arrangements secured! I highly recommend her!!
Dec 9, 2024
Great support from Shann
Shann made the booking experience seamless - provided very helpful information to ensure we fully understood what the experience would be like and made sure we felt safe with experiences we have booked.
Dec 9, 2024
Quick & efficient
Very fast response, polite - impressive
Dec 7, 2024
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays…
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays travel ..information about flight changes hard to get..but on arrival the holiday was taken over Safari.com..amazing ..experience everything was fine tuned and the staff ..guides drivers fabulous and friendly ..lots of knowledge..lots of fun and the surprises they did was so lovely ...loved every minute ..Paris our guide was amazing..10/10 and Eric driver ..the waiters and waitress every and everyone in the hotels .smiling and friendly..Best holiday of my life
