Overview

The Karoo Stargazing Hub, in Oudtshoorn.

 

The Karoo Stargazing Hub is officially the first dedicated astro-tourism rendezvous point in the Klein Karoo. Designed specifically for stargazing experiences, the Hub serves as a central, professional meeting venue where guests gather before experiencing our guided “High 5” Stargazing tours, observing the most prominent stars, galaxies, constellations, planets, and globular clusters through our Celestron telescopes.

 

The Karoo Stargazing Hub operates as an extension of our established True South Travel stargazing concept, ensuring continuity, proven expertise, and dependable service delivery.

 

Astro Tourism has been identified and promoted by South African Tourism as a growing niche sector, aligned with sustainable, experience-led travel and the global demand for authentic, low-impact encounters. The Karoo Stargazing Hub directly supports this positioning by:

 

  • Showcasing South Africa’s exceptional dark-sky heritage
  • Offering a year-round, non-consumptive evening experience
  • Enhancing rural tourism value and product depth in the Klein Karoo

 

Where to stay Karoo Lodge

 

View the experience here

 

Contact us to make the Booking

 

 

 

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  • LOCATION

     

    Petersburg Road Off the R63 to Pearston, Graaff-Reinet Aberdeen Plain Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa.

     

  • SUMMER AT SAMARA LIKE NO ANY OTHER

     

    WHAT TO EXPERIENCE

     

    With low vehicle density, you’ll experience the magic of Africa’s wildlife up close, away from the crowds. Whether you’re watching a lion pride at sunset or witnessing elephants in their natural habitat, Samara offers a rare opportunity to encounter Africa’s iconic animals in a pristine, undisturbed setting.

     

    Here, each day invites a new perspective. Rise early for a guided game drive as dawn spills across the Karoo. Walk quietly with our expert guides and learn to read the language of the land. Plant a spekboom and leave your mark on Samara’s ongoing conservation journey. As night falls, step into a world untouched by city light, where stars burn bright, and the silence hums with life.

     

    YOUR SUMMER ESCAPE AWAITS

    With warm days, clear skies, breathtaking scenery, and incredible game viewing, the Great Karoo is calling. Enjoy the ease of all-inclusive travel and the freedom to explore one of South Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.

     

    With special offers and unforgettable experiences waiting to unfold, there’s never been a better time to plan your summer safari.

     

    GET IN TOUCH!!

     

     

     

  • ACCOMMODATION

    Sleeps 2 guests

    Karoo Suite

    Eight Karoo Suites are standalone cottages a short distance from the main Karoo Lodge homestead.

    Ideal for couples, each spacious suite contains a four-poster bed, fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom as well as an outdoor shower. Private covered patios with outdoor seating look out over the dramatic mountain landscape, providing the ideal location for morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.

     

     

     

    Sleeps 4 guests

    Karoo family suite

    Two Karoo Family Suites are standalone units set within the Karoo Lodge grounds.

    Well-suited to families or couples travelling together, each suite consists of two en-suite bedrooms and a shared living room. Each bedroom contains a fireplace, air-conditioning and luxury en-suite bathroom as well as an outdoor shower. A shared private covered verandah with outdoor seating overlooks the Karoo landscape.

    Each Karoo Family Suite can accommodate one child under the age of 12 on an extra bed in the shared living

     

    Samara-Karoo-Lodge-Karoo-Family-Suite-living-room-kids-bed-Maike-McNeill

    Samara-Karoo-Lodge-Karoo-Family-Suite-bedroom-guests-Maike-McNeill

    Samara-Karoo-Lodge-Karoo-Family-Suite-bathroom-Maike-McNeill

    Samara-Karoo-Lodge-Karoo-Family-Suite-living-room-Maike-McNeill-2

     

  • FACILITIES ON SITE

     

    At a glance

    √ Traditional homestead

    √ 8 Karoo suites

    √ 2 Karoo family suites

    √ All ages welcome

    √ Swimming pool

    √ Vinoteque

    √ Farm kitchen

    √ Gift shop

     

  • SAMARA EXPERIENCE

     

    Adventure

    Game Drives

    Seek out Samara’s treasures with our expert guides and trackers, discovering the signs of the wild across Samara’s diverse landscapes, over which we have exclusive traversing rights.

     

    Bush Walks

    Awaken your ecological intelligence on a guided walking safari. Samara is one of few reserves where walking forms an integral part of the safari experience.

     

    Cheetah Tracking

    Widely regarded as one of the best places in Africa to view wild cheetah, Samara offers privileged access to tracking these graceful predators on foot – a truly humbling experience.

     

    Wilderness Picnics

    Enjoy an unforgettable al fresco dining experience – from our signature mountain-top picnic to a light lunch in the gently-flowing river at the height of summer.

     

    Conservation & community storytelling

    Learn about Samara’s conservation and community projects with hands-on activities and personalised tours.

     

    Family

    Children’s Activities

    Samara offers an adventure for all ages in a malaria-free setting, creating opportunities for the whole family to reconnect – with Nature and with each other.

     

    Romance

    Wilderness Picnics

    Enjoy an unforgettable al fresco dining experience – from our signature mountain-top picnic to a light lunch in the gently-flowing river at the height of summer.

     

    Wellness

    Revitalise mind, body and spirit in this healing landscape. The Karoo is an immense, heart-lifting space, its serenity a restorative antidote to the stresses of modern living.

     

    Star Bed

    Breathe in the vastness of the Karoo landscape, lit by a canopy of stars. Located in total seclusion, a four-poster bed sits atop a raised platform with panoramic views.

     

    Culture

    San Rock Art

    Guests can hike to a cave with rock art, including a painting of a cheetah, for a fascinating insight into the region’s cultural past.

     

    Dining

    Our food philosophy is grounded in the distinctive flavours and culinary heritage of the Karoo, with ingredients sourced from local producers.

     

     

  • THE OSTRICH BARON'S PALACE

     

    Welcome to The Ostrich Baron’s Palace, situated on a working farm between Oudtshoorn and De Rust.

    A truly memorable Klein Karoo experience awaits your stay!

     

    The Ostrich Baron’s Palace, one of only ten remaining ostrich feather palaces, offers 7 elegantly appointed ensuite rooms, where historic character meets warm, attentive hospitality.

     

    The beautiful building itself, inspired by the grandeur of the original feather palaces, is a true landmark in the area – an unmistakable beacon set against the Karoo landscape that guests cannot miss. Surrounded by mountain views and known for its exceptionally clean air, the area is steeped in the rich history of the ostrich industry, once celebrated for its feather boom and iconic feather palaces.

     

    Our farm is actively involved in the production of sheep, ostriches, alfalfa, tobacco, onions, and carrot seeds, providing guests with a genuine connection to farm life and the rhythms of the Karoo.

     

    Guests are invited to slow down and truly experience the charm of the Karoo – whether it’s sitting on the stoop with a morning coffee, taking in uninterrupted views of the surrounding area, or simply enjoying the peaceful farm atmosphere. The wide-open landscapes, fresh country air, and golden sunsets create a sense of space and tranquility that is increasingly rare. Evenings are equally special, with clear skies ideal for relaxed, traditional Karoo braais and stargazing.

     

    To further enrich our guests’ stay, we offer traditional Karoo braai experiences, showcasing local flavours in a welcoming farm setting.

    In addition to the Guest House, we offer:

     

    The Ostrich Baron’s Palace Cottages – three fully equipped self-catering cottages, each accommodating up to 4 guests, ideal for couples and small families.

     

    Two fully equipped self-catering farmhouses – accommodating 10 – 11 guests each, perfectly suited to larger families and groups.

     

    View the experience here

    Video Credit  Jan Bester

     

    To further enrich our guests’ stay, we offer traditional Karoo braai experiences, showcasing local flavours in a welcoming farm setting.

    We would be honored to welcome your guests and to collaborate with you in offering a truly memorable Klein Karoo experience.

     

  • RATES 2025 & 2026

    Karoo Suite

    Karoo Suite

     

    Per person sharing | Guests 12+ year, R 25,290
    Per person single occupancy, R 25,290
    Per extra child aged 3-12 years (max. 2), R 10,115

    Karoo Family Suite

    Family Suite

    Per suite | 1-4 guests, R 70,000
    Per extra child aged 3-12 years (max. 1), R 10,115

     

     

    The Manor

    The Manor

     

    7-8 guests exclusive-use, R 137,500
    5-6 guests exclusive-use, R 123,750
    1-4 guests exclusive-use, R 96,250
    Per extra child aged 3-12 years (max. 2), R 10,115

     

     

    Tented Suite

    Tented Suite

     

    Per person sharing | Children 16+ years, R 17,800
    Per person single occupancy, R 22,250

     

     

    Exclusive use

    Plains Camp

     

    7-8 guests exclusive-use, R 128,000
    5-6 guests exclusive-use, R 115,200
    1-4 guests exclusive-use, R 89,600

     

    Rates are per person per night sharing unless otherwise stated, quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) and inclusive of VAT at 15%.

     

     

Tour Map

Google Map for Karoo Lodge, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

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