Set in the heart of the Great Karoo, Samara is not just a safari destination. It's a place where landscapes are being restored, wildlife has returned, and every guest becomes part of a much larger story. With a commitment to personalised service, thoughtful hospitality and exceptional experiences, Samara offers guests a journey that is both grounding and unforgettable. Here are ten reasons why a safari at Samara is unlike any other.
01. A pioneering conservation journey
The story of Samara is the story of fulfilling an ambitious conservation dream – rewilding and restoring 67,000 acres of former farmland in the Great Karoo. Samara's bigger vision is to create an ecological corridor across 3 million acres. This larger landscape will sustain large populations of wildlife, including three species which are endemic to South Africa – black wildebeest, Cape mountain zebra and blesbuck – plus the full suite of predators including African wild dog.
02. A place of great diversity
Located at the meeting point of 5 vegetation biomes (Nama Karoo, Savannah, Grasslands, Thicket and Forest) in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot, Samara's 67,000 acres exhibit an astonishing array of topographies, elevations and habitats. Five ephemeral river systems wind through dense valleys, whose flat mountain-tops shimmer with golden grasslands, giving way to typical Karoo plains stretching as far as the eye can see. As a result, Samara is one of the most diverse safari destinations in South Africa.
03. Unrivalled cheetah viewing on foot
Samara is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to view wild cheetah, especially on foot. Starting with the iconic Sibella, who in 2004 was the first wild cheetah reintroduced into the Great Karoo in 130 years, Samara has a storied history of cheetah conservation success. More than fifty cheetah cubs have been born on the reserve and subsequently translocated across Southern Africa to contribute to the genetic integrity of cheetah populations elsewhere. Tracking cheetahs on foot at Samara is an unforgettable experience and provides unparalleled opportunities for photography.
04. The luxury of time and space
The incredible scenery at Samara is balm for the soul. Guests enjoy unhurried moments on the vast, scenic reserve with no sightings restrictions or time constraints. Only up to 40 guests at a time have access to Samara's 67,000 acres of land, with no traversing by other lodges and no queuing at sightings. Time and space are truly the new luxuries, and Samara delivers in spades.
05. Unusual arid-adapted wildlife
Located in a semi-arid region with a unique assortment of habitats, Samara is home to many species that are not found in better-known safari destinations. Antelopes like gemsbok, black wildebeest, eland, blesbuck, red hartebeest and springbok are found in large herds here, alongside the endangered Cape mountain zebra and desert-adapted black rhino. Typically elusive species like aardvark, aardwolf, black-footed cat, bat-eared fox and meerkat also thrive in the Karoo landscape. Samara is well-placed to offer intimate sightings of these fascinating creatures. Opportunities for birding abound too – with 225 species recorded on the reserve, including Karoo endemics and several endangered species, a birdwatching excursion at Samara is full of promise.
06. The Samara Team
Family-owned and run, Samara embodies warm, authentic Karoo hospitality at its best – from the expert guides and trackers to the lodge hosting team and the project's founders, the Tompkins family, who are based on-site. A loving energy permeates the Samara Team and makes guests feel like they are part of the extended Samara Family.
07. Enthralling experiences
Samara offers activities for all ages and interests – including bush walks, a star bed, fly camping, overnight trails, conservation experiences, kids' activities, game drives, spa treatments, Spekboom planting and more. Conceived as a love letter to the Karoo region, the Samara experience celebrates Karoo culture, stories and traditions with activities designed to enthral, entertain and educate.
08. Three compelling lodges
Three lodges with a true sense of place appeal to a variety of travellers. Karoo Lodge is where the Samara Story began – a lovingly-reimagined farmstead with an authentic, layered aesthetic. The exclusive-use Manor offers a more contemporary take on Karoo style for multi-generational families and small groups. Rustic eco-luxe Plains Camp embraces the safari of yesteryear with a focus on walking safaris in a tented environment.
09. Malaria-free
Being free of malaria and other tropical diseases, Samara is the perfect destination for multi-generational families, families with young children, honeymooners and babymooners. Children of all ages are welcome at Samara. Every kid is enrolled in the Samara Cubs Programme, with activities on offer ranging from walking-stick carving and rock painting to storytelling and orienteering.
10. Commitment to responsible tourism
"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." – Anna Lappé
Samara is a purpose-driven business dedicated to positive impact for biodiversity conservation and local communities. A member of The Long Run, Samara is dedicated to achieving holistic sustainability across the "4Cs": Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Staying at Samara acts as a direct contribution towards this vision.
Samara Karoo Reserve is a leading conservation journey to restore 67,000 acres of South Africa’s Great Karoo landscape and beyond through rewilding and responsible tourism. Staying at one of Samara’s lodges acts as a direct contribution to this vision.