Samara The Manor
Samara has a lovely setting at the foot of a mountain range, about two and half hours by road from Port Elizabeth in 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 range of eco systems, and varied wildlife as a result. Children of all ages are welcome at The Manor when it is booked exclusively.
Accommodation & Facilities
Unless booked exclusively, The Manor welcomes children of 14 and over only. The Manor has four en suite bedrooms and is ideal for families and friends travelling together. The Manor can be booked as a fully staffed private villa with its own vehicle, tracker and ranger. Its design reflects the local Karoo landscape, with a modern twist. A stunning infinity pool descends to a waterhole which is frequently visited by warthogs, monkeys and buffalo. There are two large living areas, a dining room, bar, breakfast room and kitchen. All the rooms have private shaded decks and there is a pool with a shallow end and steps. A discreet electrified perimeter fence keeps larger animals away from the house.
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 include cheetah, lion, buffalo, wildebeest, black and white rhino, small numbers of elephant, Cape mountain zebra, giraffe, aardvark, meerkats and herds of antelope. Guided walks, picnics and tracking white rhino and cheetah on foot are on offer year round, and ‘star bed’ sleep outs and fly camping are possible from October to April.
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 regular wildlife drives, but all ages can experience a shortened kiddies-only ‘bumble’ drive.
• Air rifle target practice
• Walking stick carving
• T-shirt painting
• 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.
