Samara Karoo Private Wildlife Reserve

A South African safari at Samara isn’t just about spotting the Big Five; it’s about contributing to something so much bigger. Since the reserve was founded in the 1990s, every effort has been made to rewild the property, from planting indigenous trees to reintroducing wildlife. This rewilding has made Samara a distinct property in the realm of sustainable safari tourism in Africa.

Must-Visit Areas in Samara Karoo Private Wildlife Reserve

Due to Samara’s extensive size and low-impact ecotourism model, you’ll get to experience intimate sightings of wildlife – you’ll feel like the only one in the wilderness. Here are three areas not to miss:

Eagle Rock: Sundowners in the Bush

A Samara safari can include a visit to Eagle Rock. This viewpoint on a surrounding escarpment can be the site of a romantic sundowner; marvel at how golden hour paints the reserve. This is a perfect bucket-list experience, especially during a couple’s safari.

Walking Routes

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is a walking safari. This on-foot exploration can bring you closer to the animals that call this region home, including cheetahs. Samara offers the unparalleled experience of cheetah tracking on foot, an activity that will take you across the terrain with a guide in search of these big cats. You’ll spend time watching these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

Star Bed: Marvel at the Milky Way

Be enchanted by a mesmerising canopy of stars during Samara’s star bed experience. Located on the Milk River, you and your partner will arrive to a sunset picnic. As the sun goes down, watch the wildlife arrive at the banks of the river for a drink. As stars replace the sun, you’ll stargaze from the comfort of the plush, four-poster bed.

When’s the Best Time to Go to Samara Karoo Private Wildlife Reserve?

The best time for game viewing at Samara is during the winter months of June, July, and August. While the early morning and evening temperatures are cold, the days are mild. The lack of rainfall causes animals to congregate around water sources.

Summers in the Karoo – December to February – are hot and punctuated by thunderstorms. The transition months – March to May and September to November – are the autumn and spring seasons and can be fantastic choices for a Samara safari. Game viewing is still good and the weather is temperate.

Wildlife Found in Samara Karoo Private Wildlife Reserve

Over the years, Samara has introduced many species to the reserve; this work has made the reserve a Big Five safari destination (although leopards are difficult to spot). Cheetahs are the stars at Samara, as are the more unusual species such as the aardvark and black-footed cat.

As you travel across the reserve, you’ll come across incredible herds of desert-adapted antelope, including springbok and red hartebeest. Birders will have 225 species to spot during game drives and walking safaris – look out for eagles, kingfishers, vultures, and bustards.

How to Get to Samara Karoo Private Wildlife Reserve

Samara is situated near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape on the edge of the Great Karoo. You can fly to Samara’s airstrip, which is just a 20-minute road transfer to the lodges, via a charter flight. Alternatively, you can fly to the Graaff-Reinet Airport, followed by a one-hour road transfer to the reserve.