Activities at Samara

Spanning 70,000 acres in the Great Karoo, guests staying at Samara have a wealth of activities at their fingertips, from exploring the Big Five reserve on a game drive or on foot, to tracking cheetah or dining in the bush.

Area

Eastern Cape

Type

Active

Wildlife & Nature

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

This Big Five reserve comprises 11 former livestock farms which have been rehabilitated to form what is now the Samara Private Game Reserve. The unique and stunning landscape is a diverse and semi-arid paradise of mountains and grasslands and is home to thousands of animals, from the Big Five to cheetah, springbok, eland and even the more elusive animals such as aardvark and black-backed jackal.

Perhaps the best way to find this array of animals is on a game drive. Leaving early in the morning and again in the late afternoon when temperatures are cooler means animals are generally more active and easier to spot. For those wanting to slow down and get a real immersive experience in the bush, a walking safari will bring you closer to nature where an experienced guide will be on hand throughout where you could walk up to predators such as tracking cheetah and even the more elusive rhino.

If staying at the lodge for 2 nights or more, you also have the option of staying in Samara's star bed. Located along the Milk River, guests will get a real sense of the wilderness in a truly romantic setting. Arriving at sunset, sundowners and a picnic dinner will be waiting where you can enjoy the sky change colour as the sun sets and the stars come out after dark. Spend a night listening to the sounds of bush before being awakened by a beautiful African sunrise (extra cost).

As far as dining goes, Samara offers some incredible al fresco dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Long Lee Manor at Shamwari

Shamwari's Long Lee Manor epitomises Edwardian elegance in South Africa. Far from a bush camp, but rather a comfortable and impressive Manor House in the heart of the Eastern Cape, set amongst a wildlife rich and malaria free private game reserve.

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Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Innovative, stylish and intimate, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge embodies a "funk-meets-futuristic-farmhouse" ambience, with just six intimate suites with spacious living areas and ensuite bathrooms. Ecca is a superb family friendly safari option in the Eastern Cape.

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Kwandwe Fort House

Kwandwe Fort House offers the perfect family safari destination. With four bedrooms and its own private guides and staff, Fort House is ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy their own little slice of the African Bush.

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Kariega River Lodge

Immerse yourselves in this tranquil location by the Bushmans River. The beautiful suites will not fail to offer a sense of peace and luxury in this idyllic spot. Kariega River offers a unique opportunity to combine a Big Five game destination with the sea

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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Game Reserve is situated in the non-malarial Eastern Cape. Great Fish River Lodge comprises nine luxurious thatched suites, each with its own private plunge pool, which are linked to the lodge by wooden walkways.

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La Plume Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you at this intimate and charming 1902 Victorian homestead. La Plume is a homely guest house on a working ostrich, alfafa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Private Safari at Kwandwe

Ensure exclusivity, privacy and flexibility by organising a private guide and vehicle for one or more days of your stay at Kwandwe.

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Activities at Kariega

Guests staying on the Kariega Game Reserve can enjoy a range of activities to explore this beautiful part of the Eastern Cape. Game activities are aplenty, perfect for the more adventurous traveller.

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Twice Daily Game Drives

Guests at Kwandwe enjoy twice daily game drives in open safari vehicles. This is a fantastic way to explore the vast and varied environment of the reserve.

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Children's Activities at Kwandwe

Kwandwe have a fantastic range of activities specifically tailored to children to ensure that their first safari experience is educational, engaging and unforgettable.

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Gwen Ho

Africa & Safari Specialist

Wanderlust runs in my family. At a young age, I was privileged to go on yearly overseas vacations with my parents. My very first live abroad experience was in Phoenix, Arizona and a couple of years later in Bordeaux, France.

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