Reviews of Samara Karoo Reserve
Petersburg Road Off the R63 to Pearston Near Graaff-Reinet Eastern Cape, 6280 Graaff-Reinet, South Africa

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Reviewed: 11 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewThis is incredibly difficult to fault in anyway at all. The actual drive to the property over the long gravel road was itself a treat of wildlife spotting. Everything is planned to suit you, we took 4 game drives with Hudson & Michael everyone of them was different. We were so lucky to spot an aardvark for a good 5 minutes, he went about his business unconcerned we were there. Our last game drive was so perfect we laughed as we pretty much saw everything up close and for a good amount of time. All meals here are beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection, definitely try the Karoo lamb! The afternoon tea was also great, and whilst not at all hungry we had to try the scrumptious homemade delights on offer . The communal areas are stylishly and comfortably furnished, and there’s a beautiful library and wine room, which is beautifully run by Clayton the sommelier. We stayed in cabin 5 and it was so comfortable with a large bed, seating area and stunning bathroom. The room had aircon and also a log burner for the colder months. The veranda was lovely to sit out on and we spotted monkeys warthogs and lots of birds just from here. We would definately love to return, all the staff made us feel so welcome.
I can’t fault anything at all
Reviewed: 10 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 19 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 6 November 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewLocation. Rooms very big and nice decoration. Everyone was very attentive and friendly. Mzimasi and AJ were brilliant guide and tracker - we looked forward to every drive! Thank you to the whole team at Samara
Mosquitos nets that cover the bed entirely, on top of bed too - we have seen other hotels where the top is covered. We were given the same menu twice during our three night stay and we requested a swap to make the meal different - may be worth extending the menu for guests who might be given the same menu twice.
Reviewed: 22 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewAsthonising location, highly dedicated staff, super facilities, top quality service and food and noble goals ( rewilding)
Nothing
Reviewed: 18 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewThe most amazing house, the staff were so friendly, cozy room close to nature. Just an increible experience.
Reviewed: 16 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewBad internet connection
Reviewed: 14 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 26 January 2024 · Stayed in January 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 3 October 2023 · Stayed in September 2023
Verified reviewHet personeel, de gamerides
There is a substantial fee to be paid called "conservation fee", this is not made clear in Booking.com but it is mentioned in the confirmatio e-mail (those, I never read) and this is a very unpleasant surprise because the pretence is that it is "all inclusive" except for drinks. I find this very misleading.
Reviewed: 19 April 2023 · Stayed in April 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 18 March 2023 · Stayed in March 2023
Verified reviewManor is a stunning property and Gerandine’s done such an amazing job, so hospitable and sincerely kind to her guests. Our guide Christian went an extra mile to make sure we get to see all the animals. Overall, next level of luxury and privacy on an extraordinary setting in the wild.
Wi-Fi is dependent on the weather conditions (no connection on rainy days), lack of mobile data and network in the area.
Reviewed: 20 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewAmazing experience, especially when it's your first time on a game drive. The staff was amazing. I especially loved the beautifully decorated lodge!
Reviewed: 17 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewLovely location and friendly and helpful staff. Very comfortable rooms. Food was excellent. Guides for the game viewing were knowledgeable and the coffee and sundowners were most welcome. Our car was even washed during our stay.
Nothing
Reviewed: 21 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewAmazing experience! worth the additional km’s from Cape Town (if your driving) to spend a couple of days at Samara. there’s so much diversity and you never feel like your on the ‘Safari conveyer belt’ with dozens of other tourists! In particular our guide ‘Marlin’ was terrific! He went out of his way to do everything to ensure we had a wonderful all-round experience.
Nothing big to like ……
Reviewed: 31 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewBeautiful surroundings, both the landscape and the lodge. Wonderful friendly staff, excellent guide Mzhi and spotter Jason, both so knowledgeable and interesting. Despite loadhsedding problems, the whole staff worked to minimise the effect.
Nothing!
Reviewed: 4 December 2022 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewEverything from welcome to goodbye
Very friendly staff, perfect in all sense
Reviewed: 28 November 2022 · Stayed in November 2022
Verified reviewBeautiful reserve in a very natural setting.