Nurturing eco-warriors

A family adventure

Samara offers an adventure for all ages. Family-owned and family-run, we are passionate about educating the next generation of eco-warriors and opening their eyes to the wonders of the wild.

Samara’s malaria-free Big Five wilderness offers an exciting new world just waiting to be discovered. Upon arrival, kids are enrolled in the Samara Cubs Programme, jam-packed with fun activities and inspiring educational experiences, for all ages from toddlers to teens. Parents can opt to relax and unwind or join in, creating opportunities for the whole family to reconnect — with Nature and with each other.

Activities for young kids aged 3-12

Cubs Programme

Experienced staff will engage your kids in a variety of age-appropriate activities, including track identification, painting like the Khoi-San people, walking stick carving, storytelling, T-shirt painting, Spekboom planting, orienteering and navigating. Children receive a goodie bag with activities and treats to enhance the magic of their Samara stay. Using the bush as an outdoor classroom, kids will learn about the multitude of other creatures we share our planet with – from bugs and beetles to the “Funny Five”.

Conservation Volunteer Programme team, Samara Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo, South Africa

Activities for teens & young adults

Adventure Club

The discerning tastes of older children are catered for with more grown-up adventures, designed to showcase the beauty and thrill of the Great Outdoors. Activities include air rifle target practice, bush walks, sleep-outs, conservation activities and overnight trails. Walks in Big Five territory have a minimum age limit of 16 years. These activities can also include parents, allowing the whole family to reconnect on an exciting wilderness adventure.

Tortoise & baby, Samara Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo, South Africa

Activities for babies & toddlers

Child-minding

High chairs and cots are available for infants and toddlers. When parents are away from the lodge on game drives, babies under 3 years of age must be placed under the care of Samara's experienced child-minders. Whenever possible, our preference is for “active babysitting” – meeting the tortoises that meander onto the lodge lawn and exploring the garden. This service is also available over meal times.

Breakfast on the lawn at The Manor, Samara Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo, South Africa

Multi-gen families

Exclusive-use of The Manor

The Manor offers the ideal safari villa for families, sleeping up to 8 adults and a limited number of extra children in four spacious suites. When booked exclusively, guests benefit from a private vehicle, guide, tracker and chef – a team that will put together a tailor-made programme of activities and meals to satisfy the different tastes (and taste buds) of the group.

Explore

Inter-leading rooms

Karoo Family Suite

Karoo Lodge offers family-friendly accommodation, including in the Karoo Family Suites — two standalone cottages comprising two inter-leading suites, each with fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath, shower, outdoor shower and two wash basins. These suites are well suited to families with three children, as two can be accommodated in one of the suites whilst a third child under 12 years of age can be accommodated on an extra bed in the shared living area.

Explore

Stand-alone cottages

Karoo Suite en famille

Karoo Suites are individual cottages located a short walk from the main Karoo Lodge homestead. A limited number of these suites can accommodate one extra bed to sleep one children under 12 years of age.

Explore

Teaching kids about tracking at Samara Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo, South Africa

Age limits, private vehicles & more

Game drive policy

Children aged 8 and over are welcome to join their parents on twice-daily scheduled game drives. Younger children will enjoy shorter family "bumble" drives near the lodge once the scheduled drive has returned. Private vehicles for families can also be booked, subject to availability and at extra cost. Guests booked into a Karoo Family Suite for a minimum of 3 nights benefit from the complimentary use of a private vehicle, subject to availability.

Catering for hungry tummies

Food & mealtimes

A dedicated children's menu is available at both Karoo Lodge and The Manor to cater for individual preferences, including firm favourites like spaghetti bolognese and fun options like home-made DIY pizzas. The emphasis is on healthy, nutritious, comfort food lovingly prepared in our Karoo Kitchen. Mealtimes are flexible, and high chairs are available.

Explore more Samara experiences

Fly camping

Wilderness adventure

View details

Conservation Safari

Holiday with purpose

View details