A visit to Samara and the Great Karoo is a great addition to a Cape Town-to-Kruger or Garden Route itinerary. Our local town, Graaff-Reinet, is the 4th oldest in South Africa and full of history and heritage. Alternatively, combine malaria-free bush and beach by combining Samara and the coast, for instance at Plettenberg Bay or Knysna.

For first time visitors to South Africa keen to spot the Big Five, we can confirm that Samara is home to all five (elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) but please note that due to historical persecution in the area, leopard are seldom seen. Given the wealth of biodiversity and experiences on offer at Samara, as well as the vastness of the reserve, our focus is not on ‘ticking boxes’ and pursuing the Big Five ad nauseam – accordingly, you are unlikely to see all five during one game drive. If this is what you are after, but you are still interested in experiencing Samara’s unforgettable vistas and intimate wildlife encounters, we recommend pairing Samara with another reserve that offers a more traditional Big Five experience. There are plenty across South Africa, including in the Eastern Cape just a few hours’ drive from Samara. We will be happy to assist you in selecting one to suit your needs.