Samara Karoo Reserve

From the moment we arrived at Samara, we felt an immediate sense of warmth and welcome. The service and hospitality were absolutely exceptional — every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, making our stay truly memorable. The friendliness and professionalism of the entire team were remarkable. Marnus, the General Manager, personally came to welcome us. Every staff member went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and well taken care of, always greeting us with genuine smiles and a positive attitude. The game drives were an unforgettable highlight. Simon our game ranger and Henrico, our tracker demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge about the wildlife and the reserve, sharing fascinating insights and ensuring that we didn’t miss a moment of the experience. Their passion and expertise made every drive exciting. Samara is truly a Safari for the Soul. Highly recommended!

★★★★★ An unforgettable stay at Samara Karoo Reserve We spent four unforgettable days at Samara Karoo Reserve Manor House, celebrating a family reunion and birthday. Before arrival, we shared our special requests with Simone, who ensured that every detail was beautifully translated into real experiences. From the warm welcome by Marnus, the General Manager, to the genuine care shown by every member of the Manor team, the service was exceptional. Their professionalism, warmth, and eagerness to please were beyond anything we’ve experienced elsewhere. We were fortunate to have Simon as our driver and Enrico as our guide. They went above and beyond — preparing early breakfasts before dawn drives, and even arranging a 4 a.m. trip to photograph blue wildebeest at sunrise, followed by a stunning bush brunch. Walking close to cheetahs in hunting mode and later finding three lionesses with ten cubs on a fresh kill were unforgettable highlights. The accommodation was superb — spacious, bright, and elegantly decorated. The shared areas were stylish yet relaxed, perfect for conversation or quiet time. Dining was five-star. Despite multiple dietary requirements, Head Chef Vandeline created creative and delicious four-course menus every night. And a special mention to Emmelle, the barman, who kept spirits high with excellent cocktails and endless snacks. Samara exceeded every expectation — from hospitality and cuisine to wildlife experiences. A truly world-class safari destination we will treasure and hope to revisit.

As experienced bush travellers, we were going to rate Samara an overall 4. However, there was so much more to this experience that went beyond expectations. The first night was not great as the room we were assigned experienced a plumbing issue earlier in the day and the pump kept coming on during the night. The next morning we were promptly moved to a better room and treated to a great bottle of wine which we savoured back home as we dreamed of Samara! Well done team for your prompt reaction to improving our stay. The guide and tracker were amazing! Their passion for nature and knowledge of the 'spice cupboard' was astounding. The bush is so much more than the Big 5 so thank you for showing us how the eco system exists in perfect synch to meet the needs of all creatures, big and small. Truly educational!

We were booked for three nights in Plains tented camp. As we arrived late in the day we sensibly ended up in Karoo House for the first night to avoid driving a further hour at night to the tented camp. This was a good decision, also because it was particularly cold that night and warmer therefore staying in a building. The room in the house was comfortable, service and food excellent. Plains tented camp was beautiful. Again the service was excellent. Friendly and attentive. Food was good too. Tents have wood burners and added luxury of hot water bottles! Samara is a stunning reserve. We mainly walked there. A real treat to discover and marvel at plants and insects. We also tracked Cheetah on foot. There is also other game about. It was a particular treat to spend time on the remote plateau towards Karoo House. Although the desert looks quiet and empty. Be patient and as you walk you will find wonderful small things to learn about including how the ecological system works. Go with the idea of ticking off sightings on a list and you may be disappointed.

Everything was more than perfect, except that we didn't see any aardvarks ;-) but this is nature and a good reason tom come again

This was our 3rd trip to Samara staying in the Manor House. We were spoilt from start to finish and had just a wonderful time. We had 2 kids with us who had such fun with all the extra activities on offer. Walking into the bush to see the cheetahs was so special and our guide really went the extra mile.