Samara is one of the largest private reserves (28,000 hectares/70,00 acres) in South Africa. It is located 55km from Graaff-Reinet, the forth oldest town in South Africa, full of charming shops, museums, restaurants and warm friendly people. Samara is just 258km from Port Elizabeth, a city with has access to a wide range of transport (air, rail, road).

There is a wonderful sense of space at Samara, a reminder of the insignificance of humans in comparison to the vast splendid beauty of the Karoo. The reserve encompasses the southern flank of the Sneeuberg mountain range and the Karoo Lodge is nestled below the escarpment. The reserve extends at the lower elevations and comprises part of the famous Plains of Camdeboo Three dry rivers (the Apies, Melk & Plat Rivers) traverse the property. At the higher elevations (500 metres higher) the property has two magical plateaus extending to thousands of hectares. These plateaus are a truly serene world.

The Karoo Lodge consists of 3 luxury suites within the lodge and 3 private Karoo suites separate from the lodge. All of the suites are developed to the same high standard and have similar traditional décor. Each suite is complete with a large en-suite bathroom and shower, air-conditioning and private porch. Karoo Lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests, keeping it intimate and exclusive.

Facilities at the lodge include:
- lounge with fireplace
- bar with fireplace
- dining room with fireplace
- library
- television entertainment area
- swimming pool
- tennis court
- fax/photocopying, postal, internet and landline phone (no cell-phone reception)

Activities:
- Morning and afternoon open Land Rover game drives
- Guided walks
- Bird watching
- Cheetah tracking on foot
- Stargazing

Animal species include White Rhino, Mountain Zebra, Burchell's Zebra, Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Gemsbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Eland, Springbok, Steenbok, Cape Kudu, Duiker and Klipspringer. The predators in the reserve include Cheetah, Caracal, Genet, Cape Fox, Black Backed Jackal and it is also believed that the Cape Leopard inhabits the area. Samara is also home to over 152 species of bird including Secretary Birds, Black Eagle, Blue Cranes, White Storks and Kori Bustards.

The diverse landscape of Samara is breathtaking. It includes four of South Africa's seven biomes: Grassland, Nama Karoo, Thicket and Savannah. The landscape is rich in Shepherd Trees, some of which are over 700 years old. There is also a wide variety of Aloe species. The oldest of these are around 500 years old. One of the most prolific is the Aloe Ferox. In July dense groups of this particular variety add a splash of bright red and orange to the landscape. The effect is spectacular.

The area is free from Malaria and other tropical diseases.

By road, Samara is located approximately 3 hours from Port Elizabeth, 7 hours from Cape Town and 9 hours form Johannesburg. There are daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and air charters can be arranged to Samara.


RATES
Inclusive of luxury en-suite accommodation, all meals, tea & coffee, local house wines & beverages, two open Land Rover safaris per day and return transfers from the airstrip (if required). Telephone/fax calls, imported beverages, laundry services, curio shop purchases and gratuities are excluded. Children under 12, sharing with adults, pay 50% of the adult rate.

VALID 01 AUGUST 2008 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2008
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R2,300
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R3,450
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R3,060
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R4,560

Manor House (Exclusive Use - Max 8 People) Per Night: R20,000


VALID 01 OCTOBER 2008 - 30 APRIL 2009
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R2,900
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R4,350
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R3,700
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R5,550

Manor House (Exclusive Use - Max 8 People) Per Night: R25,000


VALID 01 MAY 2009 - 31 JULY 2009
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R1,550
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R2,235
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R2,100
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R3,150

Manor House (Exclusive Use - Max 8 People) Per Night: R25,000


VALID 01 AUGUST 2009 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2009
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R2,900
Lodge Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R4,350
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R3,700
Karoo Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R5,550

Manor House (Exclusive Use - Max 8 People) Per Night: R25,000