Samara Karoo Reserve
GREAT KAROO, SOUTH AFRICA
Samara Karoo Reserve
Eco Lodges
since june 2020
Award-winning Samara is a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in South Africa’s Great Karoo region. Founded in 1997, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalysing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation estate to 3 million acres for the benefit of people and planet.
Today the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species including lion, elephant and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Three intimate lodges welcome guests for considered, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters. As a purpose-driven business, Samara measures its success through the triple bottom line of financial, social and environmental health. Every guest stay contributes to building an ecotourism model with tangible impact – one that conserves biodiversity, supports rural communities and celebrates the soulful magic of the Karoo.
CONSERVATION
67,000 acres across 5 vegetation biomes restored into a born-again wilderness teeming with biodiversity.
The first cheetah, lion, black rhinoceros and elephant in over 100 years reintroduced back onto the landscape.
COMMUNITY
Green jobs and skills development programmes for 100 team members, mostly from the local area.
Annual sports tournament in the local community of Graaff-Reinet for 700 children.
CULTURE
Preservation of cultural sites on the reserve, including San rock art and historical buildings.
Conceived as a “love letter to the Karoo”, the Samara experience celebrates Karoo stories and traditions through guest activities, cuisine and design.
COMMERCE
Behind-the-scenes conservation work is integrated into the guest experience with tailor-made conservation safaris.
On-site farming project delivers fresh vegetables, grass-fed beef and Karoo lamb to the lodge kitchens.
Samara Karoo Reserve Highlights
-
![]()
Samara offers unrivalled wild cheetah viewing on foot thanks to a successful reintroduction programme.
-
![]()
Guest accommodation is in one of three intimate lodges, each with a true sense of place, enjoying exclusive traversing over Samara’s 67,000 acres.
-
![]()
As one of the most diverse safari destinations in South Africa, Samara offers a feast for the eyes, especially when venturing off the safari vehicle for a bush walk.
-
![]()
Every guest is given a Spekboom to plant as part of Samara’s land rehabilitation programme.
