Samara Private Game Reserve

Thirteen years ago, we fell in love. It was a very strange feeling because it was totally unprompted and quite unexpected. A battlefield is not normally the sort of place one associates with affairs of the heart. However, the battle sites of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift in KwaZulu Natal must have inspired some primal emotions that led to behaviour quite markedly in contrast to two rational human beings.

After a long dinner accompanied by a few glasses of good South African cabernet up in Northern Natal, the site of British triumph and Zulu tragedym discussion started with a chap from quite a different part of South Africa. Magical tales were woven about the millions of springbok which once roamed this area, the “Vanished Kings”, the Cape lion who majestically strode the Plains of Camdeboo, the rhino, the cheetah, the exporers, the characters of yesteryear and the haunting beauty of the semi-desert land.

Humbled by the aching beauty of it all, we went away totally and completely smitten by the Great Karoo.

Monkey Valley became the first farm that formed the nucleus of Samara Private Game Reserve and twelve years ago we happily became its owner. The dream ensued – amass enough land to have a self-sustaining eco-system that would carry game, the herds of antelope that used to inhabit this area and the predators to keep the balance that helps maintain these fragile eco-systems.

70 000 acres and twelve years later, Samara’s dream was born, pursued and continues to evolve in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo. The land was allowed to rest for many years and has now recovered from the effects of generations of agricultural exploitation. The haunting beauty of this landscape that first inspired Samara’s campaign of rejuvenation has been allowed to return.

Samara, land of serenity, has had as its aim, the realization of the land’s potential, not only as an area of outstanding natural diviersity, but also as home to an ambitious programme of game reintroduction. Herds of springbok, black wildebeest, zebra, oryx, eland and blesbok amongst others “pronk” and run again on the Plains of Camdeboo. Rhino and giraffe now meander across the veld. Nearly 125 years after it was last seen, the cheetah reigns again.

Karoo Lodge

Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in perfect serenity in the reserve’s pristine wilderness. Combining colonial comforts with the essence of Mother Nature, the lodge treats you with exceptional service, enabling you to relax and allow the tranquility of the Karoo to envelop your soul.

If you choose, you can leave the game for another day and indulge in the luxury of your suite and let our experienced therapistease your stress away with her aromatic oils and local charm.

Three Lodge Suites are situated in the main homestead and are light and airy, all opening out on to the wide wrap-around veranda. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom and is air-conditioned.

The three Karoo Suites are individual Karoo style “cottages” in the garden and are larger than the Lodge Suites. Each has a luxury en-suite bathroom, is air-conditioned and has a fireplace. Refresh yourself in the outdoor shower while gazing at the magnificent views.

Echoing the pulse of the Karoo, the interiors seek to fuse the elegance of luxury colonial era with the untamed beauty of the African bush. Cradled in the softest linen, you can lose yourself in the sleepy rhythms of the land as the tranquil sounds of the Karoo lull you into the idyllic state of relaxation and contentment.

Quiet but not silent, Africa’s voice whispers sweet nothings through the grasses.

The Manor at Samara

The Manor at Samara is for the exclusive use of up to 8 guests in ultimate luxury and total privacy with every whim being anticipated by friendly but unobtrusive staff.

Mark and Sarah Tompkins built the Manor on the site of an old house with title deeds dating back to Lord Charles Somerset. The Manor House is available for rental when the Tompkins family are not in residence.

You will arrive at this historic homestead and upon entering, breathtaking views of this extraordinary Karoo mountain landscape will unfold over a 21m infinity pool which descents into a waterhole at which game can be present in the early morning and late afternoon.

The Manor is unique in its warm design which reflects the local landscape and traditions whilst retaining a lovely light twist. The style of the Manor is the inspiration of well known South African designer, John Zwiegelaar of John Jacob Interiors.

Relax in four spacious luxury air-conditioned suites. Beds are made up with the softest linen that lulls you to sleep and all suites have large en-suite bathrooms with separate showers and free standing baths.

Unwind in the large comfortable lounge where a crackling fire burns in the winter months and the large glass doors to the patio are cast wide open in the summer. Take time to read an interesting book from the library in the cosy reading nooks.

Dining experiences include boma, veranda, dining-room and breakfast room as well as various bush dining experiences.

Services include a personal ranger, chef and butler.

Mountain Retreat

Secluded, wild and remote, Samara’s Mountain Retreat offers you the experience of yesteryear and the opportunity to re-connect with nature in its purest form.

The Mountain Retreat is an exclusive use venue accommodating up to 10 guests. There are three delightful double en-suite bedrooms in the main homestead and a further two en-suite bedrooms are situated in the beautifully restored Victorian barn. A comfortable living room with fireplace and dining room complete the indoor facilities. A wide wrap-around veranda provides the perfect area for relaxing while contemplating the awesome view. A jacuzzi on the veranda affords an ideal cooling-off spot. A Karoo-style plunge pool is situated a little away from the house. Essential power is provided by a generator.

Take leisurely walks to explore the ancient valley landscape where rare rock art paintings of cheetah are preserved. Guests will be accompanied on walks by an experienced ranger who will be able to point out all the little things one may miss on a game drive. Game drives are an optional extra.

Delicious home-cooked meals are served in various venues – the dining-room, under the stars in the boma or on the veranda.

Play Scrabble or Monopoly or challenge your loved ones to a game of chess or simply absorb the silky night skies under the Milky Way, so close you can almost reach out and touch it.

The Mountain Retreat is the perfect getaway for a family or group of friends wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle and return to a slower pace and experience the true wilderness.

Activities

Unparalleled and humbling experiences await you at Samara. With four of the country’s seven biomes, Samara’s abundant wilderness preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem, providing habitat for over 60 mammal species. Among more common species, such as the Kudu and Duiker, the secretive Aardvark and the once-endangered White Rhino roam. Giraffes can be seen peeking over the thorny Acacia canopy, while Cheetah crouch, hidden in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to stretch their legs and test the speed of the Hartebeest.

Whether ensconced in the comfort of an open game viewer, or trekking through the fragrant Karoo bush, you will feel the deep pulse of the Karoo that makes Samara truly magical.

Discover the secrets of Samara as you explore the untouched Plains of Camdeboo that once staged the massive migrations of millions of Springbok. Fossils that predate the dinosaurs and well-preserved Khoisan paintings offer a fascinating insight into some of the historical intricacies of our Earth’s past.