Samara Private Game Reserve is a passionate conservation undertaking, a leader in its area and a catalyst for change in the Great Karoo region of South Africa. 70,000 acres have been restored over 20 years in the area that previously witnessed one of the world’s largest migrations – when millions of springbok would roam these plains in search of new pastures. As well as the multitude of antelope, herds of elephant moved through the verdant river systems, special desert- adapted black rhino thrived in the dense thickets, and the predators – Cape lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, even wild dog – accompanied the melee of prey species across this breathtaking landscape. Resurrecting this malaria-free ‘Serengeti of the South’ and returning the landscape to its former glory forms an integral part of our vision. 

Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of mountains, Karoo Lodge sits in perfect harmony with the reserve's pristine wilderness. Combining colonial comforts with the essence of Mother Nature, this converted farmstead treats you to exceptional service, enabling you to relax and allow the tranquillity of the Karoo to envelop your senses.

• 70,000 acres of wilderness
• Landscapes to take your breath away
• Conservation commitment
• Wilderness picnics
• Walking safaris
• Be part of the Samara vision

"Heart-stoppingly beautiful" is how award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is best described. Elegant lodges provide luxury accommodation nestled between an amphitheatre of mountains on 70,000 acres, where wildlife roams again. An amazing life-changing and wonderfully relaxing experience awaits, so come and walk with wild cheetah as you celebrate the rebirth of a unique piece of Africa and experience a luxury safari in the Graaff-Reinet region of the Eastern Cape.

Tracking Wild Cheetah and Rhino on foot

Experience an exhilarating walking safari by tracking wild cheetah and rhino on foot - both black and white. Get within metres of these endangered and iconic species in their natural environment.

Bush Walks and Fly-Camping

We encourage getting off the vehicle and getting close to nature by exploring it on foot. Study the finer detail of the bush and experience the feeling of wide open spaces around you - no vehicles, no noise, no rush. Day-long hikes to fly-camps set up in the wilderness can be arranged on request.

Bird Watching

There are over 220 species of birds recorded on the reserve, with new additions being discovered on a monthly basis, so this is a bird watcher’s paradise. In winter you are most likely to view the endangered Blue Crane in flocks of up to 200 individuals and may be lucky enough to see Black Eagles soaring below you from Eagles’ Rock, one of our magnificent view points.

Tracker Academy

Samara is home to the Tracker Academy, a division of the SA College for Tourism and funded by the Peace Parks Foundation, which trains 16 young individuals per year in the ancient art of tracking. Accompany the trainee trackers on their morning walks, led by Master Tracker Pokkie Benadie, and learn about the secrets of the bush. Subject to availability.

Cheetah - the first wild cheetah back in the region in 125 years

White Rhino & Desert-Adapted Black Rhino (1 of only 2 private reserves in SA to be home to the latter subspecies)

Aardvark - daytime sightings are more likely during winter 

Buffalo, Black Wildebeest, Cape Mountain Zebra, Plains Zebra, Giraffe, amongst others

Animals you cannot find in Kruger, e.g. Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Eland

Over 200 species of bird