Samara Karoo Reserve

Words cannot describe a visit to Samara Karoo lodge. This is genuinely heaven on our fragile earth. Thank you to the hospitality team and a big shout out to Skye our ranger and Siya our tracker - walking in the bush and finding cheetah, being surrounded by Elephant on one day and Buffalo the next with everything and more in between makes one rethink the need to head to Kruger when this is on the Capes doorstep. A private bush dinner in the river bed to celebrate a birthday was something we will never forget - what an experience - we will be back for sure

As experienced bush travellers, we were going to rate Samara an overall 4. However, there was so much more to this experience that went beyond expectations. The first night was not great as the room we were assigned experienced a plumbing issue earlier in the day and the pump kept coming on during the night. The next morning we were promptly moved to a better room and treated to a great bottle of wine which we savoured back home as we dreamed of Samara! Well done team for your prompt reaction to improving our stay. The guide and tracker were amazing! Their passion for nature and knowledge of the 'spice cupboard' was astounding. The bush is so much more than the Big 5 so thank you for showing us how the eco system exists in perfect synch to meet the needs of all creatures, big and small. Truly educational!

Stayed here in August and loved getting up close to the cheetahs and seeing my first aardvark! The time of year was quite cool in the mornings but the days were sunny and mild. Coming from the Kenyan national parks I did find the animals to be more difficult to see/less plentiful and for some reason I developed a rash which I assume was an allergy to the laundry detergent as the sheets felt itchy (assume that’s just me!). Overall the staff were friendly, the rangers passionate about conservation and the accomodation had a sweet cottage charm that was clean and comfy.

Everything was more than perfect, except that we didn't see any aardvarks ;-) but this is nature and a good reason tom come again

From the moment we stepped out of the car, we knew we were in for something special. We were warmly welcomed by Marnus, Candice, and their incredible support staff — such a genuine and heartfelt reception. While we were aware that help with our luggage and vehicle had been arranged, it was all handled so effortlessly and discreetly that we barely noticed it happening. The atmosphere created by the entire team was calm, happy, and inviting — you can feel the bond and joy shared among the staff. Every team member we interacted with was friendly, cheerful, and truly eager to make our stay as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Even the ground staff working quietly behind the scenes made an impression — always smiling, waving, and keeping the surroundings immaculate and serene. A special mention must go to Hudson, our ranger, and AJ, our tracker — they became like family during our stay. Their ability to adapt on the spot, share laughter, play games, and keep the kids thoroughly entertained on long drives was something we’ll never forget. They went above and beyond, creating magical moments that our children will carry with them for years to come. From bush lessons to stories about life on the reserve to sharing their childhood games, they brought the experience to life in a way no other reserve ever has for us. This was not just a holiday — it was an unforgettable, heartwarming experience. A true 10/10 — and honestly, even more.

We recently stayed at the Karoo Lodge at Samara, and loved every minute of it! From the beautiful setting + décor, the incredible game drives, every meal and beverage prepared and served with love, and the genuine friendliness of every staff member we encountered - made this such a memorable stay!