Visitors to Samara Private Game Reserve’s Karoo Lodge near Graaff-Reinet can now look forward to an even more comfortable stay in this Big 5 reserve, thanks to recent refurbishments.
The lodge’s Sibella Suites, named for Samara’s famous cheetah, have been a focus of the renovations, with rooms made larger, furniture upgraded, a new roof installed and the deck revamped. Comprising two interleading suites sleeping four guests, the accommodation is ideal for families travelling with children or couples holidaying together, especially as the location (a five-minute walk from the main homestead) affords guests extra privacy. Newlyweds may even opt for it as their honeymoon suite – together with a Star Bed experience – it makes for a very private, romantic experience. The rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms with shower, and each leads onto a shared deck overlooking a waterhole teeming with birdlife. Lucky guests may even spy larger species like rhino, elephant and eland coming to drink. Guests in the suites may also choose to strike out on the Sibella Trail which meanders the grounds of Karoo Lodge, ending at a bench overlooking the koppie which Sibella herself used as a vantage point over the valley.
Other changes to the lodge include a renovation of the wraparound veranda typical of Karoo farmhouses, creating the ideal spot for visitors to relax and take in the glorious vistas. The pool area has also been upgraded, with the addition of new pool furniture and a new dry-stone wall making the prospect of a dip to ward off desert heat even more enticing. One of the rooms inside the lodge has been renovated to become wheelchair-friendly, while all other suites have undergone a soft refurb to update furnishings.
Accommodation at Samara Private Game Reserve is also available in The Manor House. This can be booked for exclusive use by a group or by private individuals who wish to stay at The Manor House. The reserve offers a five-star, Big 5 safari experience in a malaria-free area. In addition to game drives and guided walks, activities on offer include wilderness picnics, sleep-outs under the stars and conservation projects. A children’s programme is also available.
Accommodation in the recently refurbished Sibella Suites starts at R2,900 per person per night sharing in low season and between R3455 – R3690 per person per night sharing in the high season (for adults). The rate includes accommodation, all meals, two game activities per day, selected local drinks during game drives and tea & coffee. Children under 14 pay 50%.
Samara is offering a Winter special from 1 June – 31 August 2019, whereby guests stay for 4 nights, but only pay for 3 – equivalent to 25% off their stay. This does not apply to the Sibella Suites. For more information, visit www.samara.co.za
