At a Glance
- Track wild cheetahs on foot in a top South African luxury safari reserve.
- Samara Karoo blends five-star eco-tourism with exclusive big cat encounters and conservation travel.
- Explore South Africa’s Great Karoo through a guided, off-grid safari in rewilded wilderness.
Set in the vast, untamed beauty of South Africa’s Great Karoo, the award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve offers a rare fusion of eco-luxury and wildlife adventure.
Spanning 67,000 acres, this private reserve has become one of Africa’s most pioneering rewilding projects, with ambitions to expand into a 3-million-acre conservation corridor within a global biodiversity hotspot.
Established in 1997, Samara has reintroduced over 60 mammal species—ranging from Big Five to cheetahs—across five distinct biomes.
With only three intimate lodges on site, the reserve delivers meaningful and exclusive safari experiences designed to reconnect guests with nature, purpose, and themselves.
The cheetah trail: Walking with predators in complete comfort
At the heart of Samara’s offering is the Cheetah Trail, a three-day slackpacking safari that invites guests to track Africa’s fastest land animal on foot.
Reintroduced to the area in 2004 after a 130-year absence, the cheetahs of Samara are habituated yet fully wild—allowing for close, respectful encounters under expert guidance.
Daily walks cover 10–15 km and are accessible to anyone with moderate fitness. Nights one and three are spent at the luxury Plains Camp, complete with cozy beds, sheepskin throws, heated bucket showers, and a deck overlooking the serene Karoo plains.
Night two is under the stars at a mobile fly camp, offering an unplugged escape where the silence speaks louder than technology.
Where nature meets new-age luxury
Samara’s version of luxury redefines indulgence—not through excess, but through stillness, space, and sustainability.
With no Wi-Fi and minimal distractions, guests are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the rhythms of nature.
From sipping sundowners on a deck with panoramic views to hearing lions roar as you drift to sleep, the Samara safari experience is not just about spotting wildlife—it’s about feeling part of the wild.
Trackers and guides enrich the experience with stories of Karoo life, conservation education, and unique geological insights.
Conservation tourism that leaves a legacy
Samara’s commitment to responsible tourism has placed it at the forefront of conservation in South Africa.
Its cheetah programme, big cat tracking, and wilderness education initiatives are drawing eco-conscious travelers seeking both adventure and impact.
With rates starting from R31,500 ($1,776) per person for the full three-night trail (including all meals, drinks, and guided experiences), the Cheetah Trail package offers one of the most authentic and luxurious eco-travel experiences in Africa.
