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Samara is located in the Eastern Cape province, which routinely ranks as one of the poorest in South Africa. Unemployment in the province stood at 39.5% at the end of 2019, compared to 29.1% nationally, with 36% of households wholly dependent on social grants for survival (Stats SA). These rates will undoubtedly have been exacerbated … Continued
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Conservation is Samara’s raison-d’être. The reserve was born out of a conservation vision to restore and rewild a unique part of South Africa – a region that once witnessed the most impressive land-based migration on Earth, the springbok migration. Consulting expert ecologists throughout the land acquisition process, Samara’s founders sought to secure key conservation territory … Continued
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Collectively, The Long Run members help to conserve over 21 million acres of biodiversity, celebrating 120 different cultures and improving the lives of 750,000 people. By joining this movement, we have committed to a continuous journey of improvement towards excellence in sustainability by achieving a balance in the 4Cs – Conservation, Community, Culture & Commerce. … Continued
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Why the fearsome reputation? Although petite in stature (standing just 20-25 cm tall, and up to 70 cm long – tail included), this speckled feline is a remarkable predator. Research shows that the average black-footed cat (also known as small-spotted cat) has an astounding 60% predation success rate. In comparison, lions succeed in catching prey … Continued
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A vast semi-desert stretching across four provinces, the Karoo is South Africa’s answer to the Australian Outback or North America’s Chihuahan Desert. Characterised by extensive open plains bordered by dolerite-capped mountains, the infinite horizons of the Karoo have a unique, humbling kind of magic – yet they are right on the doorstep of metropolitan South … Continued
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However researchers from Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth were able to obtain permits to visit Samara during lockdown in order to conduct essential, time-bound research. The team, led by Professor Graham Kerley, serviced a large array of camera traps that have been collecting data on the use of grasslands by the populations of black … Continued
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We received many responses, not all of which were correct, reflecting not only the difficulty of identifying animals in fleeting sightings (which often happens with shy or nocturnal creatures) but also the confusion surrounding the various members of the Hyaenidae family. So we decided to do a little explainer on this species and the various … Continued
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We found the first litter, belonging to female Inara (formerly known as ‘75’), on top of the Samara Mara last month. At around seven weeks of age, they’re already displaying the inquisitiveness cats are famous for – they were highly curious about us, showing absolutely no fear. The half-siblings with whom they share a father, … Continued
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This series of short videos has been specifically designed for our younger audience but is also (we’re told!) just as entertaining for adults. Scroll down for the videos of Bush Lessons 1-8, filmed during lockdown at Samara. Samara Private Game Reserve is a luxury Big Five safari destination with a difference. Guests are invited behind … Continued
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It’s impossible to dip your toe in South African cuisine without experimenting with a traditional braai. Named for the practice of grilling meat over the fire, braaing is a veritable cornerstone of South African culture. A typical braai includes meat (of course), vegetables, fish and even sandwiches (braai broodjies). Traditionally a wood fire is tended … Continued
