Welcome to Samara

Luxury private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape

"Thank you for acquiring so special and unique land in the beloved Karoo. You have saved part of the soul of South Africa so that others will experience the heartbeat of the wilderness."

- THE LATE DR IAN PLAYER, LEGENDARY CONSERVATIONIST

Samara Private Game Reserve is a passionate conservation undertaking, the leader in its area and a catalyst for change in the Great Karoo region of South Africa. A 2.5-hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Samara is ideally situated at the end of the Garden Route and just 40 minutes from the historical town of Graaff-Reinet, rich in culture and heritage. Described as ‘heart-stoppingly beautiful’, the award-winning malaria-free reserve encompasses 70,000 acres of wilderness in the Great Karoo – South Africa’s magical heartland and a must-visit destination in the Eastern Cape.

A True African Safari Experience

'Heart-stoppingly beautiful' is how Samara is best described

Samara’s safari game lodges offer unique experiences to savour this serene landscape in the Eastern Cape. Activities on offer at our game reserve include:

Children of all ages are welcome and we offer a children’s programme dedicated to making conservationists out of even our youngest guests.

Luxury Safari Accommodation

World class accommodation is provided in two intimate five-star luxury game lodges. Karoo Lodge, a homely and comfortable renovated farmstead overlooking an amphitheatre of mountains, sleeps 18. The Manor, an exclusive-use villa with private pool, chef, butler and ranger, sleeps 8.

Samara forms part of a greater vision to create South Africa’s third largest protected area in a global biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Cape. In staying with us you help achieve this grand vision.

Join us in our efforts to preserve this irreplaceable part of our natural heritage

Linger longer on safari this winter

With our Stay 3, Pay 2 special
View specials

Some Samara highlights:

Our story

Samara Private Game Reserve

Cheetah conservation

Samara Private Game Reserve

Sleep under the stars

Samara Private Game Reserve

Why drive to Samara when you can fly?

NEW! Daily shuttle from Plettenberg Bay

Why drive when you can fly?

PlettAirSafaris offers daily shuttle flights between Plettenberg Bay and Graaff-Reinet, offering the ideal beach-to-bush transfer.

View rates

Explore our five-star lodges:

Karoo Lodge: your home away from home

Karoo Lodge

Lovingly-restored 1800s homestead

Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, five-star Karoo Lodge sits in perfect harmony with its wild surrounds.

The Manor: haven of peace and tranquillity

The Manor

Luxury exclusive-use villa

Contemporary style meets Karoo living in this private manor house, ideal for families and small groups.

Explore