Samara Manor House

Samara, Eastern Cape,

Surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains, Samara Manor House is an exceptional way to experience the vast plains of the Karoo. Eland, buffalo and aardvark may wander unimpeded to your veranda, while giraffe graze in the distance as you are served high tea. A true refuge, with relaxation granted as much cachet as game viewing, Samara has a very different feel and look from the bushveld of the north. Views are far more expansive, and a sense of peace permeates everything. Purpose-designed as the private family home of the owners, the Manor House has a wonderfully lived-in feel, eschewing colonial stuffiness in favour of the contemporary eclecticism of Afro-chic.

With voluminous rooms and bathrooms, a luxurious lounge and sun-kissed verandas, it echoes the unfolding space of the landscape, yet retains a sense of intimacy. And even without elephant or lion, the game viewing - of which tracking cheetah on foot is unreservedly the highlight - is so extraordinary that it was rated one of 15 greatest safari experiences in Africa. Like the great herds that stir up the dust at twilight, you will be back.

Location: Samara Private Game Reserve, Karoo, Eastern Cape

Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
Sleeps: up to 8 adults (two double and two twin) or 6 adults and 4 children

The four suites are privately situated with private verandas and expansive en suite bathrooms with free-standing tubs and separate showers.

Living Areas:
The entirely open plan space flows from the entrance hall into very large living room with two reading nooks, huge fireplace and TV. The dining room (seating 10) is separated from lounge by a pillar; there is also a comfortable bar. A breakfast room flows off the dining room and the kitchen is more or less open plan to this room though all meals are prepared by staff. Large glass doors open on to the patio from these rooms and provide views over the 21m infinity pool and out to the Karoo veld, mountains and spectacular sunsets.

Outdoor:
In many ways the central heart, the main veranda is furnished with comfortable couches and looks out over the rim-flow pool to a water-hole, often visited by game in the early morning or evening. A variety of indoor and al fresco dining options are available, including a boma. Morning and evening game drives are augmented by visits to rock art and fossil sites, and cheetah tracking on foot.

Other:
Servicing: Personal game ranger, chef and butler. Service is impeccable.

Samara Reserve: In the heart of the malaria-free Great Karoo, the reserve comprises 70,000 acres of mountains and plains. Beautifully arid, the land turns a delicate green after rains, and boasts 60 mammal species, including the endangered cheetah, white rhino, Cape Mountain zebra, giraffe and bat-eared fox and more than 180 species of birds. The nearest town, charming and historical Graaff-Reinet, is 55km from here; Port Elizabeth is a 2.5-hour scenic drive away.