Samara Karoo Reserve
Petersburg Road Off the R63 to Pearston Near Graaff-Reinet Eastern Cape
View on map and nearby hotels
10 nights, 2 adults
Includes taxes and charges
10 nights, 2 adults
Includes taxes and charges
Why people book this hotel
“Fabulous rooms and the best staff we have met”
“Staff is amazingly nice ; guides and trackers very experienced and knowledgeable”
“The communal areas are stylishly and comfortably furnished, and there’s a beauti…”
“Rooms very big and nice decoration”
“The location is stunning, our guide Dom is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic”
“Location”
“worth the additional km’s from Cape Town (if your driving) to spend a couple of …”
Overview
The malaria-free Samara Karoo Reserve is situated near Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo. The reserve offers luxury accommodation and game drives. Accommodation is offered in two intimate lodges. The rustic-chic Karoo Lodge is a renovated farmhouse and boast a veranda while the elegant Manor House has an infinity pool. All units have air-conditioning, a patio, tea-and-coffee making facilities. All meals and selected drinks are included and served in the dining area or outdoors. Guests can join two daily game activities, such as game drives or bush walks with an experienced game ranger. Port Elizabeth is a 2.5 hour drive from the accommodation and there is a private air strip located 20 minutes' drive from the lodges.
Traveller reviews
Senyue
solo_traveller
May 18, 2026
“A stunning location let down by a poorly maintained Manor House, disappointing service, and very underwhelming food. If”
The location is stunning, our guide Dom is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Sarah
couple
February 15, 2026
“A truly amazing place”
Such an amazing place. Fabulous rooms and the best staff we have met. Food excellent, game drives amazing, scenery fabulous. Couldn’t fault it.
Marie
couple
January 9, 2026
“Wonderful”
Amazing little paradise which feels like home away from home. Staff is amazingly nice ; guides and trackers very experienced and knowledgeable. We had no expectations in terms of animals we would see yet it has proven to be our best safari experience so far! Food is also very good and varied: kudos to the Chef!
Colin
couple
November 20, 2025
“A magical experience”
Exceptional service
catherine
couple
February 11, 2025
“A pocket full of perfect paradise”
This is incredibly difficult to fault in anyway at all. The actual drive to the property over the long gravel road was itself a treat of wildlife spotting. Everything is planned to suit you, we took 4 game drives with Hudson & Michael everyone of them was different. We were so lucky to spot an aardvark for a good 5 minutes, he went about his business unconcerned we were there. Our last game drive was so perfect we laughed as we pretty much saw everything up close and for a good amount of time. All meals here are beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection, definitely try the Karoo lamb! The afternoon tea was also great, and whilst not at all hungry we had to try the scrumptious homemade delights on offer . The communal areas are stylishly and comfortably furnished, and there’s a beautiful library and wine room, which is beautifully run by Clayton the sommelier. We stayed in cabin 5 and it was so comfortable with a large bed, seating area and stunning bathroom. The room had aircon and also a log burner for the colder months. The veranda was lovely to sit out on and we spotted monkeys warthogs and lots of birds just from here. We would definately love to return, all the staff made us feel so welcome.
Sunil
couple
November 6, 2024
“A wonderful first safari experience at Samara!”
Location. Rooms very big and nice decoration. Everyone was very attentive and friendly. Mzimasi and AJ were brilliant guide and tracker - we looked forward to every drive! Thank you to the whole team at Samara
Alexander
couple
March 16, 2024
“Fantastic Experience”
Everything from welcome to goodbye
jc
couple
February 22, 2024
“Clser than an ecological responsible out of Africa, one will not get”
Asthonising location, highly dedicated staff, super facilities, top quality service and food and noble goals ( rewilding)
elizabeth
couple
February 18, 2024
“A dream of a place, fantastic property and great staff.”
The most amazing house, the staff were so friendly, cozy room close to nature. Just an increible experience.
Emilie
family_with_children
February 16, 2024
Bad internet connection
Johan Dengis
family_with_children
October 3, 2023
Het personeel, de gamerides
Sasha Saretta
family_with_children
September 3, 2023
“breathtaking landscapes , great for family .”
the authenticity, the real Karoo and hospitality experience.
Polina
couple
March 18, 2023
“Five star lodge and a private game drive to unwind and reconnect”
Manor is a stunning property and Gerandine’s done such an amazing job, so hospitable and sincerely kind to her guests. Our guide Christian went an extra mile to make sure we get to see all the animals. Overall, next level of luxury and privacy on an extraordinary setting in the wild.
Bianca
couple
February 20, 2023
Amazing experience, especially when it's your first time on a game drive. The staff was amazing. I especially loved the beautifully decorated lodge!
Sean
couple
February 17, 2023
“Luxury game viewing in a wonderful location”
Lovely location and friendly and helpful staff. Very comfortable rooms. Food was excellent. Guides for the game viewing were knowledgeable and the coffee and sundowners were most welcome. Our car was even washed during our stay.
Alastair
couple
January 22, 2023
“fabulous! met some great people and overall highly recommended”
Amazing experience! worth the additional km’s from Cape Town (if your driving) to spend a couple of days at Samara. there’s so much diversity and you never feel like your on the ‘Safari conveyer belt’ with dozens of other tourists! In particular our guide ‘Marlin’ was terrific! He went out of his way to do everything to ensure we had a wonderful all-round experience.
Barbara
couple
December 15, 2022
“Beautiful, comfortable stay”
Beautiful surroundings, both the landscape and the lodge. Wonderful friendly staff, excellent guide Mzhi and spotter Jason, both so knowledgeable and interesting. Despite loadhsedding problems, the whole staff worked to minimise the effect.
Peter
family_with_children
November 28, 2022
“Brilliant all round!”
Beautiful reserve in a very natural setting.
Adriaan
family_with_children
June 6, 2022
“Beautiful scenery and wild life experience”
Beautiful surroundings with some exceptional game viewing The staff are very helpful and friendly. The guides and trackers well trained and knowledgeable.
Bronwyn
couple
March 13, 2022
The staff and guides were so welcoming and friendly. They made our trip and we will definitely go back.
Facilities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible, Toilet with grab rails
Activities
Spa facilities, Spa/wellness packages, Back massage, Neck massage, Foot massage, Couples massage, Head massage, Hand massage, Full body massage, Game drives, Walking tours, Themed dinner nights, Tour or class about local culture, Fishing, Spa and wellness centre, Massage, Children's playground, Hiking, Kids' club
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles, Indoor play area, Kids' outdoor play equipment
Food & Drink
Kid meals, Special diet menus (on request), Restaurant, Bar, Wine/champagne, Fruits, Breakfast options
Food & drink safety
Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, Delivered food is securely covered, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
General
Indoor fireplace, WiFi available in all areas, Non-smoking rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Family rooms, Safety deposit box, Heating, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area
Internet
WiFi, Internet services, Free WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor furniture, Picnic area, Outdoor fireplace, Garden, Terrace, Outdoor pool, Sun terrace, Outdoor pool (all year)
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out, Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed
Pool and wellness
Swimming Pool, Fence around pool, Sun loungers or beach chairs, Sun umbrellas, Infinity pool, Pool with view, Pool/beach towels, Pool bar, Shallow end, Swimming pool
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Key access, Smoke alarms, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Access to health care professionals, Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available
Self check-in
Check-in kiosk in the lobby
Services
Luggage storage, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Room service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Airport shuttle, Babysitting/child services, Laundry, Ironing service, Packed lunches
Transport
Airport pick up, Airport drop off
Karoo Lodge Family Suite
This suite offers a pool with a view. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite comprises 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. The spacious suite provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as a terrace with mountain views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Karoo Lodge Luxury Suite
This suite offers a pool with a view. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The suite provides a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as a terrace with mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
The Manor
This spacious suite is situated at the Manor House and opens onto a wide veranda with mountain views.
Hotel Policies
Price Watch
Email me price updates for Hotel Samara Karoo Reserve
Each day we'll check prices and send you an email for your selected dates at Samara Karoo Reserve.
If you don't have specific dates but would like to check prices for say next weekend or say next month we can check the price too.




