+44 (0)20 7819 9770
  1. Home
  2. South Africa 
  3. Hotels 
  4. Samara
South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 2 Logo South Africa
Back to Listing

Samara
Eastern Cape

Spot cheetah, black and white rhino, giraffe, and great herds of antelope at luxury game reserve Samara. Located in the vast heartland of Karoo and encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, this 70,000-acre five-star camp is committed to conservation.

Up to 30 guests stay in two lodges: Karoo Lodge, a renovated farmstead and The Manor, an exclusive-use fully-staffed villa. Cool linens and a 21-metre infinity pool are sophisticated touches – this land once belonged to aristocratic pioneer, Lord Charles Somerset. Two of the rooms are named after Sibella, the camp’s famous cheetah. Private covered patios with outdoor seating provide the perfect location for morning coffee or a starlit nightcap. All the rooms have an internal-use telephone except for the Sibella Suites, where, joyously, a radio is provided instead.

We recommend the night safari for a chance to glimpse the famously shy and elusive Aardvark, as well as a trip to visit the ancient Khoisan cave paintings. There are 220 species of birds recorded on Samara Private Game Reserve, so this is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Special mention goes to the reserve’s rare Cape Mountain Zebra, a wedding anniversary gift to the owner, Sarah Tompkins. 

Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 14 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 14
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 29 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 29
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 9 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 9
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 13 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 13
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5 1 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5 1
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 27 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 27
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 26 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 26
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 25 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 25
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 24 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 24
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 23
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 22 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 22
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 21
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 20 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 20
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 19 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 19
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 18 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 18
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 17 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 17
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 16 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 16
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 15 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 15
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 12 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 12
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 11 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 11
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 10 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 10
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 8
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 7 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 7
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 6
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 5
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 4 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 4
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 3 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 3
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 2 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 2
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1 1 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1 1
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1 Copy Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 1 Copy
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 45 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 45
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 44 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 44
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 43 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 43
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 42
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 41 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 41
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 40 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 40
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 39 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 39
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 38
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 37 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 37
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 36
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 35 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 35
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 34
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 33 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 33
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 32
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 31 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 31
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 30
Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28 Samara Eastern Cape South Africa 28
Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.
Jack Kerouac
Make an Enquiry

Client Testimonials

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences