We visited as part of a large family party, ages varied from 12 to 79 and everyone had a wonderful time. The old farm house is beautifully decorated and we also used the bungalows nearby which were lovely. The furniture and decor were tremendous and totally in keeping with the surroundings.

Everyone enjoyed the game drives which were educational and amusing as well. The food was delicious and served in different places for maximum impact. We were all very well looked after and every member of the staff took tremendous trouble.

I couldn't recommend it highly enough. A truly memorable experience.

My husband and I stayed in Samara last 16th of July for 3 nights. We found this reserve surfing the net and we choose it because it was less popular than other more advertised reserves in the area and because the pictures showed
beautiful Karoo landscape . We expected a lot by this reserve but we found more.

It’s a really fantastic place: first because the property is quite big but with very few accommodations so that the guests do not exceed the 12 -15 people . The lodge is very nice and the colonial style suites very comfortable and cosy: The general atmosphere is the one of a family: very relaxing.

But the real wonder is the landscape . Michael, our ranger, drove us up to the mountains in the reserve, driving on a quite steep stone road and when we arrived right on the top a huge plateau with endless horizon waited for us: herd of black wildebeest , zebras and elands grazing, the bright colours of the fields yellowed by the winter, the green trees and the blue sky with a couple of snow capped mountains not so far away are something I cannot describe!
Having a cup of coffee on the ridge of the mountains overlooking the immense valleys down, is stunning.

And, at last , the cheetahs: we were quite lucky to meet Sibella , the collared cheetah ,wandering on the plateau: fantastic .
Michael proved to be a very enthusiastic and competent ranger always ready to answer your questions.
It was quite cold while we were there but coming back from the game drives the room was very warm with the fireplace lit. But what was a nice surprise was the bath: filled with warm water , perfumed salts and 2 glasses of sherry waiting for us: fantastic!

A really great experience!

Christina Holt, passionate traveler and MD of our sister company Wedding Concepts reflects on 4 nights away in the bush.

Bliss, relaxation and great game viewing is what springs to mind when I remember our recent 4 day trip to the Eastern Cape. I'd actually go back in a heartbeat!
Starting our stay at The Manor at Samara Private Game Reserve I just loved the combination of interior design inspiration and the scenery and landscapes of the beautiful Karoo. Samara's focus is on being a conservation destination – not a classic "Big 5 Lodge" and combining nature & scenery with an outstanding, personal service. We could dictate the times of our nature drives and even make ourselves a cappuccino in the open country kitchen.

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This is most definitely the Karoo at its best! We overnighted at Samara Lodge, lured there mainly due to the amazing publicity photos of their Manor House. The staff were amazing, and the spacious Lodge is straight out of an old African farm novel. The feeling of space and peace is unequalled - the reserve is situated at the foot of a set of mountains, where they meet the Karoo plains, giving the best of both worlds. The game is not Kruger Park big 5 style, but has a charm all of its own, and is no less spectacular. But Samara is more about the scenery and natural beauty and splendour than the game anyway. With no "hazardous game" on site, you don't need a ranger every time you walk a meter from the lodge either, which enhances the rustic farm feel. One typical cameo is the two resident Buffalo chewing the lawn in front of us while we stargazed on the verandah after dinner. It is the kind of place where you can lose yourself in your thoughts for a day or a week. Oh - and the food is great too!