Samara Karoo Reserve

What a magical experience. To walk with cheetahs! A simply unheard of encounter. A personalized stay, where people greet you by name, in the most beautiful environment. The lodge is designed for long lazy afternoons on the verandah, and the meals served were delicious. We looked forward to afternoon tea every day, in anticipation of what had been freshly baked. The suite we were in was luxuriously spacious. We've never been treated so specially at any establishment visited - it was the epitome of a truly memorable stay.

This is a awesome game reserve with lots of exclusivity in the heart of Karoo. If you looking for a great place to unwind and experience nature with luxury Samara is the place to be. The establishment is not to big which make of it a very private experience.

Samara is one of those places your heart always yearns to return to. Samara has become the benchmark to which we compare other game reserves we visit, it is just such a magical and fantastic place. We have been to Samara three times now, and we are always trying to build a visit to Samara into our next trip!The level of service of the staff is just amazing, the plentiful food is always of the highest standard, every night is a peaceful night's rest. The rooms are clean, cozy and spacious with everything you need. If you feel something is missing, you can always just ask the stuff, no ask is too big for the Samara staff. And the game drives never disappoint! The game rangers have always been the best and most interesting people.Samara is a must to visit, and great value for money.

We stayed in The Manor in May, 2023. The game drives were incredible as our tracker and driver were extremely knowledgeable and skilled. The accommodations were comfortable and beautiful. The chef was outstanding, and the meals were delicious. Even though it rained during part of our stay and during the game drives, we still went out and enjoyed the views and looked for animals. We were provided with lined ponchos to keep us warm and dry. Staying at Samara was our big splurge for this vacation and was well worth it.

Fantastic staff. Overall very friendly and amicable. When I told the guide that I've been visiting Africa for 2 weeks and have yet to see a Cheetah, the next morning's game drive was specifically set to track and find their Cheetah's just so that I could see them before heading back home to Canada. When we found them, it was the best and most memorable moment of my wife and I's entire trip. Thank Samara for a memory I will cherish the rest of my life!

Samara could not have delivered a more fantastic stay. It was truly awe-inspiring. Arriving at the circular drive to the lodge, you're welcomed by smiling faces and an enchanting deep verandah. I'm not sure there are many places in the world where you can track rhino and cheetah on foot. And to get to spend time with cheetah while they quietly laze in the sun, whilst you're on foot in the bush with them... Just unbelievable. Our tracker, and driver Dumi were so special. The element of conservation which we participated in was also fascinating. We looked forward to every meal, it was that delicious. I certainly recommend 3 nights minimum to stay. Samara will always be the most fond memory, as our favourite private game reserve!

We spent two nights at Samara’s Manor House and were delighted with the service, accommodation and the cheetah sighting was the cherry on top. Loveliest staff, serene setting.

An amazing experience in this beautiful (and vast) game reserve. Everything is just perfect : the landscapes, the lodge (very comfortable), the drives, the staff !Marnus, Samara's general manager, is truly passionate by the bush and the wildlife and knows how to share it. Thanks so much for these beautiful moments and talks during the drives ! Our kids also loved their stay. It's perfect for them with activities adapted to all ages.Last but not least, the sky at night is just amazingly full of stars and it's a great experience to watch it in the dark.Thanks again. We hope we'll come back.

My sister and I stayed at Samara Game Reserve in October 2020 to celebrate our birthdays. We had an incredibly memorable stay and would highly recommend Samara for a luxury Big Five experience in South Africa. Highlights of our stay were tracking 8 cheetahs on foot, the guides and staff that attended to our every need and the dining experience. Will visit again as soon as we can!