Samara Karoo Lodge
Samara Karoo has a wonderful setting at the foot of a range of mountains, about two and a half hours by road from Port Elizabeth in the Karoo region of South Africa’s malaria free Eastern Cape. At 27,000 hectares, Samara is the largest private wildlife reserve in the Eastern Cape and one of the largest in South Africa. The reserve has a remarkably wide variety of eco systems, and very diverse wildlife as a result. Children of all ages are welcome at Samara Karoo.
Accommodation & Facilities
Karoo Lodge is an old colonial homestead, which has been carefully restored to retain much of its historical character. The lodge has eight beautifully decorated and spacious suites with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private shaded verandahs. The main area of the lodge includes a large sitting area and dining room and there is a swimming pool. The swimming pool has a shallow end with steps and is fenced with a gate which can be closed to prevent children from gaining access. The well maintained gardens are enclosed by a discreet electric fence to keep out dangerous wildlife but still allow the resident tortoises and warthogs to congregate on the lawn.
Karoo Lodge has three room types: Karoo Retreats, Homestead Suites and the Family Suite. All rooms can accommodate children and are family friendly. Three Karoo Retreats are standalone cottages a short walk from the main homestead. Each has a fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom with large separate bath and shower and two washbasins. Private covered patios with outdoor seating provide the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. These suites also have outdoor showers. Two of the Karoo Retreats can accommodate two adults and two children. One Karoo Retreat is slightly larger with an extra alcove and can accommodate three children.
The Homestead Suites are inside the main homestead and are spacious, light and airy, with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with large freestanding baths and showers. These suites open onto the wide wraparound verandah with outdoor seating synonymous with traditional Karoo farmhouses. Each suite can accommodate two adults and one child, and three of them are located in a self-contained wing of the house, making them ideal for larger families wanting the children close by.
The Family Suite is five minutes’ walk from the main lodge, by the waterhole where birdlife abounds and antelope, rhino and buffalo come to drink. This suite has inter-leading rooms which are ideal for families with young children. Each suite has a shower, basin and air-conditioning. The shared deck provides welcome shade during hot summer days.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times choosing from a menu including favourites such as spaghetti bolognaise, fish and chips, and mac and cheese. Babysitting is available and costs R100 per hour.
Wildlife & Activities
Samara has five of South Africa’s nine recognised biomes, thicket, savannah, grassland, Afro-montane forest, and nama Karoo, which allows a wide variety of flora and fauna to thrive (the Kruger has just one biome – savannah). Flora includes ancient shepherd’s trees, wild olives, Karoo sage and camphor bushes, amongst others. Day and night wildlife drives with expert guides offer guests the chance to see a large variety of animals and birds, which including lion, cheetah, buffalo, wildebeest, black and white rhino, small numbers of elephant, Cape mountain zebra, giraffe, aardvark, brown hyena, meerkats and herds of antelope. Guided walks, sleep outs and tracking white rhino and cheetah on foot are also possible.
Specifically for children …
Children receive a welcome pack on arrival and the Samara Kids Programme caters exclusively to children and young teenagers. Activities include:
• Bushwalks tracking the ‘funny five’.
• Bumble drives – children aged eight and older are allowed on shared wildlife drives. Younger children can go for a shortened kiddies-only ‘bumble’ drive.
• Spoor identification.
• Rock painting like the San people.
• Dung spitting competitions.
• African crafts.
• Orienteering and navigating.
• Storytelling.
• Sleep-outs (weather dependent).
• Football, croquet and other games are also available.
