Karoo Lodge
African Inspired Safaris – Inspired to take you there
ABOUT
Karoo Lodge
Why This
Inspires Us
- Karoo Lodge is a charming and peaceful retreat located in the beautiful Karoo region. Nestled within a natural amphitheatre of mountains and spanning acres of Great Karoo terrain, this lodge offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and a serene atmosphere amidst the wilderness!
- Being greeted by the Samara family to us makes the day with warm smiles, welcoming energies, and attentive staff (exceptional hospitality indeed!); as well as the opportunity to explore the stunning indigenous gardens and magnificent trees (even their own veggie garden!) – What stands out immediately is the attention to detail.
- Karoo Lodge offers a unique blend of colonial comforts and rustic charm, creating a welcoming atmosphere for you to unwind and enjoy exceptional service. The tranquil ambiance of the Karoo surrounds you, whether you choose to relax on the spacious verandah during summer or cozy up to the fire during winter.
- All 10 suites of varying sizes are beautifully decorated in an old world Karoo farm chic style, and you can indulge in the luxury of sitting on the large stoep, sipping a chilled glass of wine while taking in the traditional Karoo sights and sounds!
- At African Inspired Safaris, we are passionate about adventures – one being sleeping under the stars! The Samara star bed located on the Milk River, promises to transport you to a world of unparalleled romance that will leave you breathless! (Imagine drifting off to sleep under a canopy of twinkling stars and awakening to the sounds of chirping birds and endless skies)
- The different outdoor dining experience that Samara is renowned for thrill us to come back for more! From dining under the stars, indulging in a picnic by the river, or enjoying lunch on the mountaintop. (absolutely spectacular!)
- We love the fact that this reserve is family-owned and run – with a mission to revive the land to its pre-farming state, reintroduce the abundance of animals that once roamed the property, (such as the massive migration of millions of springbok) and offer you an authentic African wildlife encounter. The reserve is passionately devoted to conservation and safeguarding the plants and animals that inhabit this region.
- Samara Karoo Reserve is proud to offer the opportunity to witness the elusive Aardvark during their night drives, which makes it one of the few places in South Africa where you can catch a glimpse of this fascinating creature!
- To top it off, the ultimate thrill at Samara is tracking cheetahs on foot! You have the opportunity to disembark from your game vehicle and walk among these majestic cats, who may be lounging under a bush or shepherd tree.

Lodge
Information
Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in complete serenity with its wild surroundings.
The lovingly renovated farmhouse lies on the first property purchased by Samara’s founders in 1997.
Combining modern day comforts with a rustic and welcoming feel, Karoo Lodge is the perfect place to relax and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop you – on the wide verandah in summer or by the cosy fire in winter.
With 10 suites of varying sizes – from 15 December 2023, Karoo Lodge caters for individual travellers, couples, families and small groups.
Antiques, family heirlooms and vintage books permeate the décor throughout. Karoo Lodge offers a warm and inviting living room with a fireplace as well as a cosy bar area. There is a small TV area off the bar.
Suites
Karoo Suites
Eight Karoo Suites are standalone luxury cottages located a short distance from the main Karoo Lodge Homestead. Ideal for couples, each Karoo suite contains a bedroom with four-poster bed, seating area, fireplace, air-conditioning. The en-suite bathroom contains a large separate bath and shower and two washbasins, as well as an outdoor shower.
A private covered patio with outdoor seating looks out over the spectacular mountain landscape, providing the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.
Each Karoo Suite can accommodate up to 2 adults. A limited number of Karoo Suites can also accommodate 1 child under the age of 12 on an extra single bed.
Two Karoo Family Suites are standalone cottages located in the grounds of the main Karoo Lodge homestead. Ideal for families or two couples traveling together, each Karoo Family Suite comprises two spacious en-suite bedrooms linked by a communal living area with fireplace and air-conditioning. Each bathroom contains a large separate bath and shower. The rooms share a private covered patio with outdoor seating looking out over the serene Karoo landscape.
Each Karoo Family Suite can accommodate up to 4 adults plus 1 child under the age of 12 on an extra single bed in the communal living area.
Dining
A large dining room with a fireplace is used for indoor crystal dinners. When the weather is clement, candlelit dinners are set up on the verandah, on the lawn under the stars, or in the boma, a traditional reed enclosure warmed by a roaring fire.
All food at Samara comes from their Karoo Kitchen, which delivers lovingly-prepared fare rustled up by their local chefs.
Their cuisine embraces South African classics with a Karoo twist, designed to create comforting aromas harking back to a simple farm lifestyle with locally-sourced ingredients. Favourites include their famous Karoo lamb burger with agave buds, roosterkoek (Afrikaans for ‘grilled bread’) and homemade pickles.
All food is grown or purchased locally. The Karoo is well-known for its excellent lamb and they support local farmers through the butcheries they purchase from. They also have a herb garden and vegetable garden on the reserve, as well as their own regeneratively-farmed lamb and beef.
Safari
With 67,000 acres of wilderness at your disposal, there are many ways to enjoy Samara, whatever the type of holiday you are planning. From romantic getaways to child-friendly safaris, adventure travel to milestone celebrations, Samara has something for everyone.
Those with an interest in conservation can also choose to combine their luxury getaway with conservation activities during their stay. Of course, if the pure Karoo air and serenity of our lodges compels you to simply relax and recharge by the pool, you’ll have no less of an enjoyable time.
Early morning and late-night game drives are available for visitors staying at Samara Karoo Reserve while on safari in South Africa. Private vehicles can be pre-booked, subject to availability & at an extra cost. Learn about the semi-desert area’s terrain, soil, plants, rocks, and all the African fauna that inhabits it.

Specials and
Rates
African Inspired Safaris offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters.
Each package is bespoke, carefully crafted to align with our clients’ preferred dates, desired experiences, and unique safari requirements.
Contact us with your travel dates and destination preferences, and we’ll provide you with a personalised quote – including access to some of our amazing specials.
CHILD POLICY
- Children of all ages are welcome at Karoo Lodge. However children under 8 years old are not permitted on scheduled game drives with other guests
- Shorter “bumble” drives are on offer to families with young children mid-morning once the scheduled game drive has returned to the lodge
- A private vehicle for families can be booked by prior arrangement, subject to availability and at extra cost
- A children’s programme and use of the Cubs’ Den is available to kids of all ages
- Children before their 3rd birthday, sharing with adults, stay free of charge
- Children between their 3rd and 12th birthday, sharing with adults, pay 50% of the Karoo Suite rate
- Guests aged 12 and over must take their own room at adult rates (3 or more adults are not permitted to share)
- In the Karoo Family Suite, the quoted rate applies to 1-4 guests irrespective of age
- The maximum capacity of the Karoo Family Suite is 4 guests in the two bedrooms plus 1 child under the age of 12 on an extra bed in the shared living area at an additional cost
- One extra bed may be accommodated in a limited number of Karoo Suites for use by children under 12 sharing with 2 adults, at 50% of the adult rate
- Babysitting available at an additional charge
Amenities and features
Need to know
General Overview
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Mountainous Amphitheater Surrounds |
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Samara Karoo Reserve |
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Non-Malaria Area |
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Big Five Reserve |
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Accessible by Road |
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45 min from Graaff-Reinet |
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3hrs from Port Elizabeth |
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Graaff-Reinet Aiport |
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Int. :Port Elizabeth International |
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Reserve Airstrip: Private Charters |
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Helicopter Pad |
Activities
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Game Drives (6 pax per vehicle) (from 8 yrs) |
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No Off-Roading allowed |
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Tracker |
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Bush Walks |
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Hiking |
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Birding |
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Stargazing |
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Starbed Sleepout Experience (add. cost) |
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Rhino Excursion (add. cost) |
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Mountain Biking (add. cost) |
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Fly-Camping (add. cost) |
Lodge Amenities
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8 Karoo Suites & 1 Two bedroomed Family Suite |
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Wheelchair Friendly |
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WIFI |
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No Mobile Reception |
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Camp Fenced |
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Children of all ages |
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Swimming Pool |
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Electricity |
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Curio Shop |
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Laundry Services |
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Boma Dinners |
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Bush Meals |
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Picnics Meals |
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Starbed Sleepout |
Room Amenities
amenities_Icon | Amenity |
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WIFI |
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1 Wheelchair Accessible Room |
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Fireplace (Karoo Suites) |
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A/C (hot & cold) |
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Shower (inside & outside) |
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Bath (inside) |
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Mini Bar |
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Tea / Coffee Station |
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Hairdryer |
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Safe |
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International Plug Points |
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Mosquito Net |
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Bathroom Amenities |
Additional
Services
Because Safaris can be complicated, we offer other services that you might find useful.
Why not take a look and if you need more information feel free to contact us!