Lodge
Samara Karoo Reserve
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Samara Karoo Reserve
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Samara Karoo Reserve
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About the lodge
An overview of Samara Karoo Reserve.
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. Closed Annually: 1 Jun - 31 August
Highlights
- Exclusivity and Privacy
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Rich in Cultural History
- Exceptional Stargazing Destination
- Close Encounters with Wildlife
- Luxurious Accommodation
- Magical Sleep-Out Experience
You Should Know
Child Policy
Karoo Lodge
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.
The Manor
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.
Plains Camp
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.
The Details
Samara Karoo Reserve offers three distinct accommodation types, each offering a unique experience in the heart of the South African wilderness.
Karoo Lodge
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).
The Manor
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.
Plains Camp
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.
Price Includes
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.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 31 Dec 2026
Why book through us
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows Samara Karoo Reserve personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.
By season
Peak / migration
1 Sept 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
All-Inclusive - All meals including picnics, all beverages, 1 game drive daily, exciting activities, internal round-trip transfer from Samara airstrip
Special offer
R 11 870
Normally R 17 800
Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.
Exclusive offer
Already reflected in the rates above.
The reduced rates shown in the table apply for the periods listed. Here is what is running and why.
Stay & Pay
Stay 3, Pay 2 at Plains Camp: Guests staying for 3 nights at Plains Camp enjoy one complimentary night. | Stay 4 Nights Including Flights & Transfers: Guests staying for 4 nights at Samara enjoy two complimentary flights on a commercial airline between Cape Town or Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and a complimentary round-trip road transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to Samara. | Stay 7, Pay 6 Including Flights & Transfers: Guests staying for 7 nights at Samara enjoy one complimentary night and two complimentary flights on a commercial airline between Cape Town or Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and a complimentary round-trip road transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport to Samara
Family policies
Travelling with children.
What our safari specialists know about bringing children to Samara Karoo Reserve: minimum ages, activities, family rooms and child rates, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .
Minimum ages
- Stay
- All ages
- Game drives
- 8+
- Walking safari
- All ages
Programmes & care
Kids' programme
Babysitting available
Accommodation
Family unit available.
Child rates
Karoo Suite: per-person sharing rate (R20,230) applies from age 12; children 3–12 charged R10,115 on extra bed; ages 0–3 free. Max 2 children on extra beds in limited Karoo Suites sharing with 2 adults. Karoo Family Suite: R70,000 per suite for 1–4 guests of any age; one additional child 0–12 may use an extra bed in the living area (3–12 charged R10,115; 0–3 free).
Notable exceptions
- Karoo Lodge welcomes children of all ages to stay and to use the Cubs' Den kids' programme. However, children under 8 are not permitted on scheduled game drives with other guests; shorter mid-morning "bumble" drives are offered to families with young children once the scheduled drive returns to the lodge. A private vehicle for families can be booked by prior arrangement at additional cost, subject to availability — this unlocks game-drive access for under-8s. Guests booking a Karoo Family Suite for a minimum of 3 nights receive complimentary use of a private vehicle. Note that sister properties on the reserve have different policies: Plains Camp accepts only children 16+, while The Manor accepts all ages on an exclusive-use basis.
Walking safari
Built for walking.
Documented walking safari options at Samara Karoo Reserve - Karoo Lodge. Distinguishes short bush walks from dedicated walking trails and overnight wilderness journeys.
Short walk
Daily Bush Walk (Plains Camp)
Plains Camp guests enjoy one included guided bush walk per day led by an experienced guide and tracker. The camp's entire philosophy centres on walking safaris, with activities including wildlife tracking — notably tracking cheetah on foot — and medicinal plant interpretive walks across Samara's 67,000 acres of Karoo wilderness.
1 daily bush walk included per person; guided by experienced guide and tracker; wildlife tracking including cheetah on foot; medicinal plant interpretive walks also included. Minimum age 16 years. Plains Camp closed 01 June to 31 August annually.
- Cost
- Included in Plains Camp rate (R17,800 per person sharing)
- Availability
- Seasonal — Plains Camp closed 01 June to 31 August
Short walk
Guided Bush Walks (Karoo Lodge)
Karoo Lodge guests have guided bush walks included in their daily rate, led by an experienced guide and tracker. Walking activities encompass wildlife tracking (including tracking cheetah on foot) and medicinal plant interpretive walks across Samara's 67,000-acre reserve.
Guided bush walks included in Karoo Lodge rate; wildlife tracking including tracking cheetah on foot; medicinal plant interpretive walks. Available to all ages (children's programme also offered). Guided by experienced guide and tracker.
- Cost
- Included in Karoo Lodge rate
Multi-day trail
The Cheetah Trail
A 3-night walking safari itinerary based at Plains Camp, combining lodge accommodation with a fly-camp night under the stars. Guests spend nights 1 and 3 at Plains Camp and night 2 in a mobile camp in the bush, covering approximately 30 km of daily bush walks and wildlife tracking. A minimum of 4 guests is required.
Duration: 3 nights; approximately 30 km total walking; night 2 spent in mobile/fly camp under the stars; daily bush walks and wildlife tracking; minimum 4 guests; Plains Camp minimum age 16 years applies.
- Cost
- R42,100 per person sharing; R272,460 for 5-6 guests exclusive-use; R302,740 for 7-8 guests exclusive-use; R211,920 for 1-4 guests exclusive-use
- Availability
- Seasonal (Plains Camp closed 01 June to 31 August); subject to availability; minimum 4 guests
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Sleep-outs
Under the stars.
Star beds, sleep-out hides, walking sleep-outs and overnight platforms documented at Samara Karoo Reserve - Karoo Lodge.
Star bed
Star Bed
Samara Karoo Reserve's Star Bed is an add-on overnight sleep-out experience available at Karoo Lodge (and The Manor), priced at R6,000 per couple. It is listed as an excludable extra on top of the all-inclusive lodge rate, confirming it is a structurally separate sleeping point rather than a standard suite. It is not available at Plains Camp.
Price: R6,000 per couple. Not available at Plains Camp. Exact structure/location details not specified in excerpts.
- Cost
- R6,000 per couple
- Availability
- Subject to availability; not available at Plains Camp
Fly-camp overnight
Fly Camping Experience
Samara Karoo Reserve offers an exclusive-use fly camping experience available at Karoo Lodge (and The Manor), accommodating 1–8 guests at R14,000 per booking. Guests camp overnight under the stars in the reserve's 27,000-hectare wilderness. This is a purpose-built overnight camp and is listed as a chargeable extra on top of the standard lodge rate. It is not available at Plains Camp.
Price: R14,000 for 1–8 guests exclusive-use. Not available at Plains Camp. Exact camp structure/equipment details not specified in excerpts.
- Cost
- R14,000 for 1–8 guests exclusive-use
- Availability
- Subject to availability; not available at Plains Camp
Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.
Imagery
A closer look.
15 photographs · click any image to expand
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your dream safari at Samara Karoo Reserve.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at Samara Karoo Reserve: multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
Ready when you are
Let's design your stay.
Your specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours with availability, exact pricing, and suggestions for what to combine it with.