The Karoo provides the perfect challenge for any vehicle. Our road trip in the Range Rover Sport to the Samara Karoo Reserve, located in the northeast Karoo, also known as the Plains of Camdeboo, proved to be an ideal proving ground for this competent luxury SUV.
Setting off from George, we traversed the Outeniqua Pass to get our first glimpse of the Klein Karoo. As we passed Uniondale and entered the Great Karoo, the coastal mountains gave way to the endless horizon of the escarpment, guiding us to our destination – the Plains of Camdeboo and Samara Private Game Reserve.
ALLURING SAMARA KAROO RESERVE
Samara Karoo Reserve, a multi-award-winning private sanctuary, spans 70,000 acres of reclaimed farmland restored to its former glory. Today, this born-again wilderness teems with wildlife, from cheetahs and lions to springbok herds and desert-adapted black rhinos. Samara’s ongoing conservation efforts aim to extend this area to over three million acres, creating a haven for diverse species and offering visitors a glimpse into nature’s untouched beauty.
Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains that descend into the vast plains of Camdeboo and the greater Graaff-Reinet area, Samara Karoo Reserve harmonises perfectly with its wild surroundings, offering a wondrous sense of space and time.
SPORTY EXPLORATION
Upon first sight, the Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE impresses with its commanding presence and sleek design. Its contemporary exterior speaks volumes of refinement, with understated details like flush door handles and the absence of traditional badges. Iconic LED daytime running lights draw all eyes to its path. Our Dynamic HSE came equipped with 23” wheels, a panoramic roof with sliding sunroof, auto-levelling LED headlights with high beam assist, heated, power-folding door mirrors with approach lights, and a powered or gesture tailgate.
RESERVED LUXURY
Inside, the Range Rover Sport reveals a lavish, tranquil space designed for ultimate comfort. Heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in luxurious Windsor leather are standard, with our model featuring a massage function. The interior highlights include 22-way heated, ventilated, electric front seats, heated, ventilated, power-reclining rear seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, four-zone climate control, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, a front centre console refrigerator compartment, and 30-colour configurable cabin lighting.
High-resolution digital displays dominate the cabin. A 13.7” interactive driver display and a 13.1” curved glass touchscreen with the innovative Pivi Pro infotainment system offer intelligent navigation. Wireless smartphone integration ensures seamless music streaming and charging on the standard pad. The premium Meridian sound system, with up to 29 speakers, delivers a rich audio experience.
PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY
The Range Rover Sport Dynamic HSE boasts a refined powertrain with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The smooth Ingenium 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine generates 258 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque. Selectable driving modes and the Terrain Response 2 system ensure optimal performance on and off-road. The SUV offers spacious accommodations for up to five passengers and generous cargo space.
Confidence comes standard with the Range Rover Sport, thanks to an array of intuitive driver assistance features. Navigate parking spaces with full automatic park assist and enjoy peace of mind with a 3D surround-view camera and ClearSight ground view. Wade sensing ensures the safe fording of water during off-road adventures. Safety features include emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver condition response, rear traffic monitor, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive off-road cruise control.
The Range Rover Sport seamlessly blends luxury, performance, and advanced technology, setting a new benchmark for premium SUVs.
A SUPERIOR STAY AT SAMARA
Samara Karoo Reserve offers two intimate five-star lodges that provide a quintessentially warm Karoo welcome. The recently renovated Karoo Lodge, a traditional restored homestead, can host up to 24 guests in comfort and exceptional service. Slightly more secluded and intimate, the Manor offers a contemporary interpretation of Karoo style in a villa that can host eight guests.
Another exciting addition to Samara Karoo Reserve is the new Cheetah Trail, for those who appreciate the delights of a safari with a difference. This walking safari offers the opportunity to explore the diversity of the reserve’s rich plants and wildlife on foot. The 3-night, 4-day guided hiking adventure allows guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Samara, learn about the cheetah and other wildlife, and sleep under the stars.
We stayed at the Manor for five nights, surrounded by mountains and beautifully decorated by South African interior designer John Jacob Zwiegelaar. The Manor features four spacious, air-conditioned suites, each with a private patio offering majestic views. Our private chef and friendly butler ensured we wanted for nothing, while our knowledgeable guide made every game drive an unforgettable experience.
One of the highlights of our stay was a pleasant and safe encounter with two male cheetahs while on a walking safari, coming within metres of these awe-inspiring specimens. Later, we encountered a rhino, an elephant, and a herd of buffalo. This adrenaline-infused experience will forever remain etched in my memory.
Apart from game drives and bushwalks, the reserve offers many activities, including tracking sessions, conservation activities, fly camping, kids’ programs, wilderness picnics, and the ultimate experience at Samara – the Star Bed. This raised platform, located on the banks of the Milk River and furnished with a four-poster bed, offers an unparalleled romantic wilderness experience under the canopy of stars.
LAST WORD
Whether it’s the enchanting Manor House, the newly revamped Karoo Lodge, or the thrilling Cheetah Trail, Samara offers experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable.
Our time at Samara was a blend of adventure, relaxation, and wonder, making Samara a place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. From serene moments by the pool at the Manor to heart-pounding wildlife encounters and sumptuous dinners under the stars to virtually crawling up the mountain in a 4×4, these memories are bound to become treasures of the heart.
If ever you have the opportunity to drive to the Eastern or Western Cape, be sure to include Samara as part of your itinerary. And if you own a Range Rover Sport, your journey, like ours, may turn into an adventure of a lifetime.
SAMARA KAROO RESERVE
Located 270 km from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and 53 km from Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, Samara is easily accessible by road or air yet retains a remote wilderness feel. A member of The Long Run, Samara strives to achieve sustainability across the “4Cs”: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Staying at Samara acts as a direct contribution to this vision. For additional information, visit www.samara.co.za, email reservations@samara.co.za, or call +27 31 262 0324.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © DRIVEN / SAMARA KAROO RESERVE
