Situated at the bottom of the mountain range that descends into the breathtaking Plains of Camdeboo in the malaria-free Great Karoo, Samara Private Game Reserve is fully committed to conservation and contributing to the restoration of this once magnificent area of South Africa.
This internationally renowned multi-award private game reserve comprises 70 000 dramatic acres of Karoo, much of it reclaimed farmland that's been restored to its former glory and restocked utilising the latest conservations methodologies with cheetahs, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, springbok, black wildebeests, and other species.
Owned by British Mark and Sarah Tompkins who fell in love wit the land several years ago while on holiday in South Africa, Samara is unique in many respects not the least of which the fact that it is a 'family-oriented' lodge and one of the few in Southern Africa that welcomes children.
The lodge is a stylish interpretation of the original Karoo farmhouse, complemented by gracious service and delicious cuisine from its Karoo Kitchen. Its six beautifully appointed suites all have wide verandas and are decorated with antiques, nineteenth-century lithographs from South African artists, zebra skins, and indigenous-wood four-poster beds.
Samara is the perfect Karoo destination, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family getaway. Head directly to Samara or stop over en route to the Cape. Whatever your needs, you will find their personal attention unrivalled and will leave the lodge with lasting memories.
Children of all ages are welcomed at the lodge as it provides special arrangements to ensure that children too get to experience the magnificence of the Karoo and rare game and environs that Samara has to offer.
Apart from the swimming pool and tennis courts, there are many walks they can do, including visiting the ancient fossil site and going on bug hunts. Educational games aimed at fuelling the enthusiasm of youngsters for the Karoo and nature can be arranged. Special arrangements can also be made for game drives accompanied by Samara's highly skilled and enthusiastic rangers who will ensure that your children enjoy the hour-long drive without tiring and returning with a renewed love for nature.
The Lodge also has a magnificent and well stocked library so that children can enjoy a little reading while lazing around on the wrap-around verandah. Identifying the many birds and creatures (including tortoises) is also an enjoyable activity for youngsters. The fresh air and physical activity combine with the superb Karoo food (specially prepared kiddies meals) to ensure an early night so that parents can enjoy a quiet evening under the Karoo skies.
Seasonal family activities is something that Samara takes great pride in. This Easter will once again be family time at Samara and promises a weekend of family fun.
On Friday you'll be welcomed with freshly baked Hot Cross Buns and a special Samara Easter pack for children. An afternoon game drive will provide the opportunity to look out for the tracks of the Easter Bunny while dinner in the boma under the bright Karoo Skies will provide children with yet another opportunity for some rare Easter bunny spotting. Saturday morning will kick off with a hearty Karoo breakfast in the 'kiddies corner' and a day filled with exciting Cheetah tracking, butterfly hunting and seed collecting.
Sunday afternoon will again be an opportunity for game viewing followed by an Easter picnic in the bush. On Monday, children can go on the optional early trip in to Graaff Reinet to enjoy a guided horse-riding trail. By the afternoon they'll be back at the Lodge for a rest before packing their 'kit bags' to head off to sleep that night out under the magnificent Karoo skies. While out in the bush, children will get the opportunity to prepare their own dinner, aided by Samara's superb cooks.
On Tuesday morning, you'll awake to hot chocolate on the fire followed by a scrumptious breakfast before heading back to the Lodge for some more fun and game viewing and bug spotting.
Samara is a place where time stands still, inviting you to pause, breathe and reflect. With its vast open plains, spectacular sunsets and starry skies with the Milky Way so close you can almost touch it. Samara's commitment to conservation includes projects such as the return of endangered species to Samara and preservation of the global biodiversity in this unique environment.
So, be sure to make it a family affair - your children will love it at Samara.
- For further information on the Samara Game Reserve visit www.samara.co.za.
- Bookings and enquiries can be made via email at [email protected] or by contacting the reservations office on +27 (0) 49 891 0558.
- Please mention Daily Candy when making reservations.