Samara Karoo Reserve, nestled near Graaff-Reinet in the iconic Great Karoo region of the Eastern Cape, proudly announces the grand reopening of its re-imagined Karoo Lodge. After seven months of meticulous renovations, the reserve’s flagship lodge, housed within a meticulously restored farmhouse, has once again opened its doors, just in time for the festive season.
Sarah Tompkins, speaking on behalf of Samara, expressed, “The redesign pays homage to this special region we call home. A great deal of love and hard work has gone into retaining the lodge’s quintessential Karoo character while embracing a modern approach to safari living.”
The newly revamped Karoo Lodge boasts an array of expanded and upgraded facilities, catering to the needs and desires of discerning travellers. Among the highlights are the new living, dining, and learning spaces, which include a spacious dining room, a cozy library, a farm-style kitchen, a tranquil Spekboom-filled courtyard, a well-stocked wine cellar, a stylish bar, a curated gift shop, and an interactive Story Room, offering insights into Samara’s rich history, present endeavours, and future aspirations.
Accommodating up to 24 guests across its 10 standalone suites situated within the lodge grounds, Karoo Lodge offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences. Eight Karoo Suites, each designed for two guests, and two Karoo Family Suites, catering to groups of four guests each, have been strategically positioned to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
Inside the suites, locally crafted metal four-poster beds adorned with cushions hand-embroidered with indigenous plant motifs provide a touch of rustic luxury. Additionally, stone walls have been ingeniously fashioned into outdoor showers in line with the Karoo vernacular, offering guests a unique and immersive bathing experience.
Furthermore, Karoo Lodge has embraced sustainability initiatives, now powered entirely by 100% renewable energy and utilizing innovative wastewater recycling systems to minimize its environmental footprint.
Samara Karoo Reserve extends its hospitality beyond Karoo Lodge, offering guests the choice of accommodations in two other intimate lodges. Plains Camp, a recently launched ‘explorer-style’ eco-tented camp accommodating eight guests, focuses on immersive walking safaris, while The Manor, a contemporary villa exclusively available for groups of eight, offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of the reserve.
Guests at Samara Karoo Reserve are treated to expertly guided safari experiences, exploring the vast 27,114-hectare reserve by vehicle or on foot. Activities include sightings of the Big Five, exhilarating cheetah tracking excursions, fossil tours, conservation initiatives, and the unforgettable experience of sleeping under the African stars.
For travellers seeking an unforgettable safari adventure coupled with unparalleled luxury and sustainability, Samara Karoo Reserve and its re-imagined Karoo Lodge stand ready to exceed expectations.
