The award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.  This malaria free game reserve encompasses the southern flank of the Sneeuberg mountain range, and the Samara Karoo Lodge is below this magnificent escarpment. The Reserve is 55km outside of Graaff-Reinet, and it is 258km away from Port Elizabeth, therefore providing access either by air or road. Accommodation The exclusive Lodge enjoys perfect tranquillity and serenity within the game reserve's natural wilderness. Guests staying here are invited to relax in colonial comforts amidst the most beautiful surroundings. Reflecting the essence of the Karoo, the interiors of the Samara Karoo Lodge combines the elegance of luxury colonial style cottages with the untamed beauty of the African bush. Facilities: A warm and inviting lounge with fireplace Cosy bar area Dining room with fireplace Small TV area next to the bar Curio shop WiFi available in all rooms Fenced swimming pool with manicured lawns and covered dining area next to the pool Tennis court Karoo style traditional boma Children's fenced off outdoor play area Spacious manicured lawns where under the stars dining and picnics can happen. Dining Whether guests choose to dine in the boma, on the verandah, in the river, in the bush under the stars or picnic while admiring the scenic views, they will savour the flavours of the delicious cuisine provided by the lodge. The delicious bush scents of Wild Rosemary and Fynbos are combined with traditional Karoo Lamb and Springbok Loin to create a mouth-watering gastronomic delight. Dining Room Veranda / Terrace Traditional Boma By the swimming pool Lawn picnic In the river Various Bush Dining Experiences Activities Game Drives With four of South Africa's seven biomes found at this Game Reserve, the abundant wilderness preserves a complex and diverse ecosystem which is home to over 60 mammal species. Kudu and Duiker, the secretive Aardvark and the once-endangered White Rhino roam freely in this reserve. Giraffes, Cheetahs and Hartebeest, can also be observed on game drives. Guests have the opportunity to discover the wildlife as well as the well-preserved Bushman paintings in this spectacular reserve. Early morning and late afternoon game drives are available to guests. The evening drive ends in a spot-lit search for the elusive Aardvark. Guided bush walks and visits to sites of historical and paleontological interest are also available to visitors. Children The children's program that takes place on the Aardvark reed enclosure is where children of all ages may have a lot of fun amongst giant and small wrought-iron cut-outs of animals found on the game reserve. Animals As this Reserve in South Africa features a wide variety of habitats, it is home to many game species. Focused on reintroducing protected animals, the Reserve has a healthy population of Cheetah, Cape Mountain Zebra, White Rhino, Giraffe, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Kudu, Gemsbok, Springbok, Red Hartebeest and a range of other smaller mammals, including Vervet Monkeys and Meerkats.  The Game Reserve also works in close collaboration with De Wild Cheetah and the Wildlife Trust to ensure that this a magnificent endangered animal in South Africa is given the best chance of survival.