Samara Karoo: Unique Experience in Conservation and Wildness

Located in a vast expanse South AfricaGreat Karu, Samara Karoo Reserve It is a model for protection and environmental restoration. The story of Samara is a unique story, a passionate revival project that began in 1997. Samara founders Sarah and Mark Tompkins were inspired by a long-standing story of Karoo, a wilderness, a wilderness, millions of bisons once grazed, the now-extinct Quagga Quagga rovers, and the Black Lions’ Regaining the Black Lion-like Sepreeme. Over the course of five years, the couple purchased 11 farms, totaling 27,000 hectares, with the aim of restoring the land to its natural state and reintroducing wildlife that has disappeared due to centuries of agriculture and hunting.

Through habitat recovery and animal reintroduction, support Ecological Tourismthey successfully reintroduced the first cheetahs, black rhinos, elephants and lions, inhabited these lands for more than a century and have become one of the major conservation destinations in South Africa.

Samara Karu’s Protection

At the heart of the Samara mission is a deep commitment to conservation. The reserve has implemented a series of conservation plans, focusing not only on animal species, but also on the restoration of the land itself. Extensive steps have been taken to restore the landscape to its natural state, efforts have been made to eliminate alien plant species, restore native vegetation and prevent soil erosion. As a result, the reserve has seen excellent recovery in its flora and fauna.

Re-wild: Bring back lost species

At the heart of Samara’s conservation strategy is re-wildness – reintroduction of species that once roamed the area but have been deported to the wild. Over the past few decades, Samara has been committed to reintroducing key species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological harmony.

One of the most groundbreaking reintroductions of Samara is the reintroduction of Cheetah, which has not been seen in the region for more than 100 years. In 2004, a Cheetah named Sibella moved to Samara. Surviving the savage attack, Sibella flourished in the hands of dogs and hunters, in the Samara, continuing to produce descendants that constitute a significant part of the Cheetah population in South Africa. The Reserve has about 50 pups born, and the Reserve’s Cheetah’s Re-Wild Plan has gained international recognition for its success in breeding and releasing these fragile cats back into the wild.

The return of the Lions Club in 2014 marks another milestone in Samara’s review plan. The lack of lions has been the case for nearly two centuries, and their reintroduction has proved to be a crucial step in restoring the balance of predators. Lions not only regulate herbivore populations, but also maintain the health of the reserve grass by controlling the number of herders.

In 2017, the elephants were estimated to return to the landscape for the first time in 150 years and transferred a small group of six people. The recent reintroduction of four more elephants marks another milestone that will help build a herd of elephants in the newly opened reserve.

After a long absence, the black rhino was also reintroduced to Samara, and the reserves have become one of the only places guests see this severely endangered species in their natural habitat. The Cape Mountain Zebra is another success story of Samara’s review efforts. Once it is approaching extinction, the zebra species is now thriving in reserves.

Samara’s Rebirth is an ongoing project. The looming plan for looming reserves adds an additional 4,000 hectares, which opens up the possibility of adding more iconic species, such as brown hyena and possible African wild dogs.

Other wildlife in Samara

There are more than 60 different mammal species in the reserve, which can almost guarantee the gaze of various wildlife. In addition to the so-called five giants (little, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), Samara also has homes for giraffes, springboks, black wild antelope, Eld, Elland, Kudu and others. You will also find smaller, more elusive African species, such as Pangolin, Aardvark and Black-footed cats, which all promote ecological diversity in the reserve. Certain special species, such as the Cape Condor, have returned on their own, which proves the success of the revival of the reserve.

Vegetation biome in Samara

Samara is not only a haven for wildlife, but also a place of extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity. The reserve covers five of the nine vegetation biomes in South Africa, each providing a unique landscape and ecosystem.

There are some mountain grasslands that occupy the higher elevations of the reserves. Extensive plains and rolling hills provide homes for grazers like Blesbok, Gemsbok and zebras, as well as endangered blue cranes for birds in South Africa. Along the river valleys and downhill are subtropical bushes, a dense, rich habitat with species such as rhino, kudu and Eland. It is also found here that Spekboom is an indigenous evergreen plant, an environmental miracle worker, with the potential to solve carbon emissions like other plants – removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere like a carbon sponge.

Savannah in Samara has open plains, tall grasses and scattered trees, and is home to herbivores such as giraffes and buffaloes. In this dynamic ecosystem, predators such as lions and cheetahs entangle their prey. The Nama Karoo biome is characterized by plains and rock outcrops. The area is ideal for safari and bird watching and is home to Hardy Springbok, Gemsbok and Steenbok. Finally, despite its relatively smallness, the forests of the reserve offer shaded areas and abundant flora, including wild olives and yellow woods – a quiet retreat for wildlife and visitors, as well as the locations of Vervet Monkeys and Fruit Bats.

Community and protection

At the heart of Samara’s success is its commitment to the local community. The reserve provides a range from hotel to conservation, ensuring that locals benefit directly from the reserve’s tourism industry. Samara’s training program also provides employment opportunities, from mentoring and hospitality to wildlife monitoring.

Additionally, Samara Karoo supports local schools through environmental education programs – increasing a deeper understanding of wildlife and habitat and encouraging future generations to become advocates of wildlife.

Visit Samara

Samara Karoo’s private reserves can be reached through Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) or by a three-hour drive from renting a flight. The reserve opens year-round and each season has its own special attractions, from spring blossom to winter wildlife. Families are welcome and activities can be tailored to suit all ages.

Where to live

Samara Karoo Reserve offers a range of accommodation options:

Karoo Lodge

This well-renovated farmhouse offers ten suites, including family choice, all combining traditional Karoo style with modern South African design. Extensive renovations in 2023 have expanded and upgraded facilities with a focus on sustainability.

Manor house

The estate is an elegant 4 villa, booked on an exclusive use basis, which is a great choice for families and groups seeking privacy. It features four suites, a 21 million private infinity pool and a dedicated staff team. Guests can enjoy a personalized experience, from private dinners under the stars to tailor-made guides.

Star bed

Sleep under the stars on an elevated platform overlooking the plains. Samara’s star bed on the Milk River is the ultimate romantic wilderness experience. Arrive at sunset for picnic dinners and drinks, watch as wildlife drinks from the river, enjoy the magnificent view, and then drifts into a thick mohair blanket to sleep.

Plain Camp

Without Wi-Fi, no electricity, and no high-tech distraction, Plains Camp is an off-grid experience focusing on walking the safari and reconnecting with nature. This is a brand new ecotourism product located in a remote area of ​​the reserve with magnificent views and abundant wildlife. Four luxurious tents sleep 8 guests, providing a unique explorer-style experience.

Activities in Samara

A variety of activities are offered so guests can truly explore the beauty and wildlife of the reserve.

Game Drive

Led by expert guides, the game drives bring visitors into the diverse habitats of the reserve, targeting the Big Five and smaller elusive species.

Walking safari

For those seeking closer experience on the land, Samara offers a walking safari. These guided tours allow guests to track animals on foot and experience the wildlife of the reserve up close.

Cheetah tracking

Cheetah Tracking is one of Samara’s iconic experiences. Guests can follow these amazing predators through the reserve and observe their hunting techniques and social behaviors. An unforgettable experience.

Vision for the future

Sarah and Mark Tompkins, founders of Samara envision a future, part of a thriving wilderness corridor, a series of interconnected protected wildlife areas. The reserve involves a long-term initiative to create a land corridor that connects Karu’s Kamdeb National Park with the Mountain Zebra National Park, opens up historical candidate routes and returns more land to nature.

Samara Karoo Private Game Reserve is a very special destination that allows guests to truly experience the rugged and wild beauty of Karoo. Samara is where nature flourishes with its excellent conservation efforts, reintroduction of wildlife and amazing landscapes. Not only does Samara offer an unforgettable experience, but by visiting the reserve you are supporting the ongoing conservation of South African wildlife and being part of an inspiring conservation story.