Award winning, family friendly Samara Private Game Reserve in the Great Karoo, has introduced guided and unguided mountain biking tracks for guest enjoyment on its 70 000 acres of wilderness.
Guided routes are in the game-fenced area where riders are accompanied by a Samara ranger. Non-guided routes are available in the nature reserve, removed from dangerous game. Riders are given a radio and a map to guide them along the route.
Guided Tracks
Experienced bikers can enjoy the Samara Mara Cycle Route
. The route covers 33kms with a 656m total ascent. The cycle route meanders to the top of the Kondoa Mountain where riders are likely to encounter eland, Cape mountain zebra and gemsbok grazing in the plateau grasslands of the Samara Mara framed by purple mountains. Riders head back to the lodge via the Wolwekloof descent.
The laid-back Milk River Cycle Route
is 12km. The route features riverine forest along the meandering Milk River and takes riders through dry riverbeds and open plains where they may spot monkeys, antelope and aardvark. This route is not technical and is open to bikers of all abilities.
Packed picnics can be arranged or riders can join the rest of their party for a mountain-top picnic lunch. Afterwards they can either take a leisurely game drive to the lodge or cycle back.
Unguided Tracks
The Vulture Mountain Cycle Route
is 44km with a 676m total ascent. This is a technical ride for experienced riders. They will take in the magnificent views of the Plains of the Camdeboo from atop Vulture Mountain before heading back to the lodge.
The Wild Olive Grove Cycle Route
is a 20km and winds through valleys and riverine forest leading to the grove 1000 year old wild olive trees. This route is gentle, not technical and is open to bikers of all abilities.
Packed picnics can be arranged on request for the non-guided tracks.
Guests are required bring their own cycling equipment and need to book their rides in advance for the lodge to make the necessary arrangements
About Samara Private Game Reserve
Situated approximately 270km from Port Elizabeth and 53km from the nearest town of Graaff Reinet, Samara offers easy access to visitors on excellent roads.
The abundant land - which has been allowed to rest over a period of 20 years - preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem. Four vegetation biomes provide habitat for over 60 mammal species.
This malaria free property is geared to accommodate families. Other activities include game drives, exciting walking safaris tracking cheetah and rhino and a luxury star bed sleep-out.
The accommodation is in keeping with a traditional Karoo-style farmhouse, with various options to suit guests' needs. The Lodge Suites in The Karoo Lodge and standalone Karoo Suites can accommodate families of up to 5. The Manor House has four rooms, accommodating larger groups or families and can be booked as an exclusive-use villa.
To find out more about what Samara has to offer, visit www.samara.co.za or contact [email protected] for booking enquiries.