Looking for something totally unique and off the beaten track in South Africa – Samara might be what you are looking for. Samara Karoo Reserve is a vast 67,000 malaria free private reserve which has been unrivalled in its success re-wilding large areas of over used farmland, and now is a wildlife haven. Due to its semi-desert location the wildlife species here are unique and certainly offer a diversity not seen in other areas.
This amazing reserve has everything from San rock art to some of the best star gazing in the country – as well as unique wildlife species such as cheetah (now unfortunately rare to see), rhino, aardvark, endangered blue cranes, black footed cats and much more. This is for those that have been on many safaris focussing on the cats and now want to see the more specialised species – although Samara Karoo does have lion, elephant and buffalo.
Samara has done amazing work re-introducing cheetah to this area where they were previously extinct for 130 years – one of the highlights here is tracking cheetah on foot, settling a short distance away from them when you find them – to have a totally relaxed and ethical wildlife experience. Cheetah are not aggressive and if treated with respect allow humans to sit quietly near them, observing them in total tranquility, a truly humbling experience.
Samara’s desert adapted herbivores are also beautiful and wonderful to see from springbok and gemsbok to black wildebeest and red hartebeest – these antelope are incredibly photogenic and when combined with the dramatic scenery here make for lovely game viewing.
Samara Karoo also has accommodation options suited to a variety of people, while never over crowding this private reserve. Karoo Lodge is just ten suites designed around a renovated farm house – with all the history of the area attached. A wonderfully unpretentious and luxurious stay which suits a diversity of guests.
Of course Samara Karoo also has The Manor – for those wanting utter privacy this four suite villa has a team of private staff and its own private guide and infinity pool.
Now our personal favourite is Plains Camp – this is for the more adventurous souls who want to go off grid, stay in a true tented camp, and focus on walking safaris. It feels like the first camps that were set up for safaris and offers guests a chance to really connect with nature and disconnect from their worries.
Samara Karoo is rich in history which all of their guides are knowledgeable on – the San rock art sites are stunning and numerous fossils have also been found in this area. Due to the amount to see here we always recommend staying longer if you can, slowing down and really appreciating where you area. We always feel this allows for a more connected safari where you have time to really decompress.
Like all the best places in Africa Samara takes some time to reach, but don’t worry we specialise in seamless logistics so we’ll ensure your journey there is smooth. The simplest route in is from Port Elizabeth – our driver will collect you and drive you 2.5 hours into this amazing amazing reserve.
