safari for the soul
A leader in luxury conservation-driven tourism in the heart of South Africa’s breathtaking Great Karoo region, Samara Karoo Reserve has pioneered the rewilding of this uniquely biodiverse semi-arid ecosystem since 1997.
Today Samara offers a private luxury safari experience where every guest’s stay is thoughtfully-tailored – combining exceptional wildlife encounters, world-class comfort and personalised service in one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations.
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Experience Samara
Unique Diversity
Located at the meeting point of 5 vegetation biomes, Samara exhibits an astonishing array of topographies and habitats, supporting diverse wildlife species specially adapted to the region.
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.
The Luxury Of Time And Space
One of the largest private reserves in South Africa, Samara offers landscapes that are balm for the soul. Guests enjoy unhurried moments on the vast reserve with no sightings constraints.
Pioneering Conservation
The story of Samara is the story of fulfilling an ambitious conservation dream – rewilding and restoring 67,000 acres of the Great Karoo within a greater plan to link together 3 national parks.
Enthralling Experiences
Slow, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters are a Samara hallmark, with guests encouraged to take the time to breathe in the magic of this special landscape, guided by those who know and love it.
Intimate
Luxury Lodges
- 3 Camps
- All-Inclusive
- max. 40 guests
Whilst on safari at Samara you will bask in the exclusivity of being one of few people in a vast wilderness. With just three intimate luxury lodges on the vast reserve, it will feel like you have Samara’s 67,000 acres all to yourself.
Impact
By choosing to visit Samara, guests actively contribute to the ongoing restoration and preservation of the Great Karoo’s unique biodiversity, ensuring its magic endures for future generations.
Samara is one of those places your heart always yearns to return to. It has become the benchmark to which we compare other reserves we visit. It is a magical place.
Christine V, Samara Guest
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Stay 3 nights at Samara and only pay for 2, valid for new bookings travelling between 01 June and 30 September 2026.
Spend 4 nights at Samara and receive a complimentary return flight between Johannesburg or Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, as well as a return road transfer to Samara.
Spend 7 nights at Samara, only pay for 6 and receive a complimentary return flight between Johannesburg or Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, as well as a return road transfer to Samara.
Samara Stories
Samara’s journey is a rich tapestry of stories, each one a love letter to the Karoo.
10 reasons to safari at Samara
Travel
There are few places in South Africa where conservation, wilderness and a deep sense of purpose come together as seamlessly as they do at Samara.
Remembering Mark Tompkins
Humans of Samara
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Samara’s founding father Mark Tompkins.
