Samara Karoo Lodge carries recognition of its commitment to eco-tourism and certified by The Long Run. In addition Samara was voted into the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025 as one of South Africa's Top Resorts
Samara Karoo Lodge sits in the 67,000 acre Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, within a landscape with its own safari rhythm and sense of place. Located about 250 km from Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). The diversity of landscapes and biomes make this a home to over 60 mammal species including the Big Five and cheetah as well as over 200 bird species.
From the UK, access is usually via Johannesburg or Cape Town, followed by a scheduled flight, road transfer or charter depending on the reserve.
South Africa is generally one of the easiest safari countries logistically, especially for families and first-time travellers.
Three intimate luxury lodges on a 67,000-acre reserve.
Karoo Lodge
8 x suites (inc. 2 family suites) surrounded by mountains
The Manor
Exclusive use villa that sleeps up to 8 guests
Plains Camp
4 x suites in an off-grid tented camp
+ Swimming pool
+ Private concession or reserve access
+ Game drives, night game drives
+ Guided wildlife viewing, bushwalks
+ Dining and sundowner spaces
+ Guest lounge or main area
+ Cheetah Tracking
+ San Rock Art
+ Star beds
+ Samara Cubs Programme (from toddlers to teens)
Best months for wildlife: May-Sep
Minimum Age: None
Lodge style: Small lodge with 8 rooms or tents and a swimming pool.
Seasonal opening: Open year-round.
Activities for kids: Children are generally welcome; walking activities may have higher age limits. Children over 8 are permitted on game drives. Shorter "bumble" drives for little children are possible once the scheduled drive has returned to lodge.
Malaria health note: Minimal to no malaria risk.
As an independent partner of 360 Private Travel, eligible flight-inclusive holidays booked through us are financially protected by 360 Private Travel Ltd under the UK ATOL scheme, ATOL number 7514. 360 Private Travel Ltd is also IATA accredited under IATA number 91200056.
Qualifying flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected under the UK ATOL scheme, where applicable. You will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming the protection covering your individual booking.
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