Samara Private Game Reserve - Karoo Lodge

Overview

It has been the dream of its owners, the Tompkins family, for more than 20 years to restore the wildlife in the 28,300 hectare private game reserve. Nestling in an amphitheatre of mountains and hauntingly beautiful, the reserve was once home to so many wild animals. After years of being an empty wilderness, there is now an ambitious conservation programme in place. Once again, there are animals to see and cheetahs, black rhino and Cape Mountain zebra have been re-introduced and agriculture has been successfully re-established. Described as ‘ Heartstoppingly beautiful’ this game reserve in Karoo offers luxury accommodation in a serene setting, excellent game-viewing and Spa relaxation. Perfect for honeymooners or couples wanting a romantic and tranquil escape into the wild.

Room Types

Described as ‘heart stoppingly beautiful’ Karoo is perfect for honeymooners and couples. Karoo Lodge is a beautifully restored old farmhouse that combines old fashioned charm with modern luxury comforts. Karoo Lodge has a self sustaining eco system. Each of the nine rooms has a beautiful four poster bed with canopy and mosquito drapes and air conditioning for comfort. There is a fridge and mini bar and in the bathroom, robes, slippers and toiletries are provided. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout Karoo Lodge.

Lodge Suites

Situated in Karoo Lodge, this beautiful room has a wood beam ceiling, large picture windows and romantic large double four poster bed with canopy and drapes. Decorated in a lovely homely way with antique furnishings and pictures, the Lodge Suite is generously sized. There is a large freestanding bath and shower in the bathroom.
Karoo Suites

There are three of these detached cottages that are situated a short distance from the lodge. They are decorated in the Colonial style of a country cottage. With 34m² of floor space, they have wooden parquet floors. There is an attractive four poster double bed with canopy and mosquito drapes and a sitting area with open fireplace. In the attractive bathroom there are two wash basins, a shower and separate bath tub. Outside there is a verandah that goes right around the cottage and there is a table and chairs for relaxing plus and open air shower.
Sibella Suites

There are two Sibella rooms that stand a little way off from the Lodge and are named after the Lodge’s famous cheetah. Spacious, light and traditionally furnished with an open fireplace and comfortable seating and attractive double bed with canopy and mosquito drapes. The bathroom has a freestanding bath and separate shower. There is a shared wrap around shady balcony with comfortable seating which is perfect for a ringside seat for viewing antelope, rhino and buffalo at the water hole.

Facilities

The 'wow’ factor in Karoo Lodge is the romantic sleeping platform that it situated close to the Milk River. It is such a special place to dine together as you watch the wild animals going for a drink and at bedtime you can snuggle down together in the four poster bed which has mosquito net canopy and drapes with the starry sky above.

There is an attractive pool and sun deck with sun umbrellas and pool towels provided. There is a covered gazebo which is ideal for relaxing with a drink.

There are two game walks held each day (morning and early evening) with an experienced guide and these offer the perfect opportunity to see cheetah, white rhino, giraffe and wildebeest. There are also excursions to see the fossil bushman rock art.

Restaurants

All guests enjoy full board at Karoo Lodge and there is the choice of a buffet or a la carte for dinner, with delicious meals made from wild ingredients and fresh garden produce with some excellent accompanying South African wines.

There is an attractive indoor restaurant, but whenever there is the chance, meals are served out on the verandah under the stars. There is also the opportunity to dine on the lawn or in the boma- which is a traditional reed hut with roaring log fire.