We arrived at Samara late afternoon and were greeted with smiles and spiced roibos tea. After a brief explanation of what was available for guests at Samara we were shown to our sumptuous accommodation. We had our own “cottage ” a short walk from the main house carefully constructed in traditional settler style. The external simplicity of the building belied its interior – every comfort had been thought of and supplied in the spacious room. A large inviting bed, armchairs with lots of cushions, a beautifully appointed bathroom and a perfectly private deck with chairs to sit and admire the landscape and huge open skies.
After enjoying the complimentary champagne thoughtfully provided we strolled over to the main house for dinner. All the guests eat together with their guide so you can be unlucky if your fellow diners are not on the same wavelength. That said dinner itself was delicious – a delicate soup followed by meltingly tender beef.
The following morning we were woken with tea at 7.00 in time for a “light” breakfast before heading out on a game drive. Our guide, Les, was knowledgeable and charming and worked so hard to ensure that we saw not only fantastic game and birdlife but also appreciated the dramatically varying landscape of the Karoo. The fact that he was born in the area may have contributed to his enthusiasm.
My preconceived idea about the Karoo being flat was quite wrong. Mountains, meadows, thicket and vast areas reminiscent of the great African plains – all within a mornings drive. I had no idea it was so beautiful and a great contributory factor to our enjoyment was that we did not see another vehicle. I am lucky to have travelled extensively within Africa and been to several game lodges but found myself rather weary of the same old routine – guides radioing to other guides and all descending on one of the big five with vehicles taking it in turns for pole position so that their punters can take photoraphs to impress friends on their return home. There is none of that at Samara and what a joy it is to be privileged to be given that experience of uninterrupted nature.
On the second day after another sumptuous dinner we stalked cheetah on foot and Les led us to a Mother and her six cubs. We were able to watch them from as close as 20 feet – far closer than I had ever been to wild cheetah on foot. This will remain ingrained in my memory.
I could go on – the relaxing facial massage given by Elaine, the plentiful supply of drinks and nibbles on the game drives, the fact that lunch and dinner were moveable feasts in a different location each time, the “proper” pillows, the smiling staff…….we were made to feel so welcome and felt at home instantly.
We were sad to leave Samara – two days is barely enough to sratch the surface and begin to absorb the atmosphere.
My admiration for the owners is immense. They have created a uniquely special place in this fascinating wilderness and they have taken the time to do it with the respect that it demands. I hope they succeed in making Samara the commercial success that it deserves to be but selfishly I don’t want too many people to know about it….
I have told my husband about Samara and he longong to visit – he will love everything about it. I am just worried he will want to buy a farm in the Karoo too……
About the Author
Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays, and tailor made holidays
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