Samara Karoo Reserve: Refined Luxury Rooted in Sustainability

The Background

The reserve, a 67,000-acre family-run project in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, was founded in 1997. Owners Sarah and Mark Tompkins set about their rewilding project with the aim of transforming 11 former livestock farms into a wilderness sanctuary. Their property is part of The Great Karoo, an immense, semi-desert natural region. The vast open space was once home to dramatic herds of springboks migrating across the countryside.

Thanks to the sterling work of the Samara Karoo Reserve team, the land is now recovering from years of agricultural exploitation. Animals such as zebras, elands, springboks, and black wildebeest, along with the big five, are now thriving on the land again. They are still in the process of acquiring neighbouring properties to further expand their rewilding efforts and aim to create South Africa's third largest protected area in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Karoo Lodge

Their main accommodation site, Karoo Lodge, has been a labour of love for the owners who have spent seven months meticulously restoring this original farmstead. Sustainability initiatives have been introduced, such as an innovative wastewater recycling system, as well as having the whole lodge powered by 100% renewable energy. The areas that have been given a refresh include their rustic dining room, bar, library, and gift shop. The new "Story Room”, meanwhile, showcases their pioneering conservation work.

The suites are thoughtfully decorated with handmade four-poster beds, while cushions are hand-embroidered with indigenous plants. Every small detail has been taken care of: they have water bottles for game drives, insect repellents and bed netting are provided for a peaceful night’s sleep, and bath salts are available if you fancy sinking into a tub of aromatic water while admiring the dramatic landscape. 

At night, staff members will guide you to the main building for dinner and drop you off again post meal. On the food front, four-course menus are offered each night, with a strong focus on local produce, such as Karoo lamb chops. 

For families and larger groups, The Manor is a must-visit. It is an exclusive-use four-suite luxury villa, ideal for those wanting privacy and total immersion in the Karoo scenery. Notable highlights include a 21-metre infinity pool, a private chef, a private butler, a dedicated guide and tracker, in addition to private use of a safari vehicle. 

Plains Camp

Adventurous travellers should consider the Plains Camp - an off-grid, unique tented camping experience which caters up to a maximum of eight people. This ‘explorer-style’ safari is cocooned away in a more remote part of the reserve and is devoid of electricity and internet. Lighting, meanwhile, takes the form of candles and oil lanterns. 

The en-suite tents, decked out with private terraces, are designed to blend in with the surroundings while simultaneously offering more of a glamping-style escape. 

The focus here is on walking safaris. Aside from making the most of the luxurious elements, guests are strongly encouraged to immerse themselves in the natural landscape and demonstrate eco-consciousness. 

The most remarkable part is that three-course meals are served each evening with crisp linen and well-polished cutlery (just watch out for the hovering insects flocking to the lights). 

Most guests tend to stay longer at Plains Camp over the traditional lodging. 

Game Drives

If you have visited Kruger National Park on safari, Samara Karoo Reserve will feel worlds apart. At Samara, there are far fewer vehicles and the landscape is more diverse, encompassing four distinct biomes. Each sighting feels much more in tune with nature and more intimate. The guides and trackers are knowledgeable and plan itineraries daily, so you rarely repeat activities you've already experienced.

Highlights include an iconic mountain-top picnic on the "Samara Mara" plateau. This experience features an action-packed drive up and down the steep mountains with expansive views of the surrounding area. They also offer nocturnal drives, for spotting caracals and aardvarks, while their well-known cheetah conservation projects include opportunities to track cheetahs on foot with an expert tracker. 

Animal spotting aside, no visit is complete without experiencing sundowners at their panoramic viewpoint. The back of a safari vehicle is magically transformed into a mobile bar where premium local rums such as Afrikanis Rum can be sipped in style. 

Conservation Efforts

Where the staff truly excel is their ability to spotlight their conservation work without ever sounding overly preachy. 

Planting the indigenous Spekboom plant - a popular activity among guests - was a particularly memorable experience that did well to highlight their efforts in preventing soil erosion. 

Elsewhere, they've successfully reintroduced multiple species that had been extinct locally for over 100 years, such as the lion, cheetah, black rhinoceros, and elephant. This has in part been achieved by the creation of a self-sustaining ecosystem where the flora and fauna can thrive. 

Beyond this, Samara uses tourism revenues on very worthy causes such as anti-poaching efforts, water catchment management, and waste reduction efforts.

Getting There

The nearest airport is in Port Elizabeth - a scenic two hour and 30-minute drive from the airport to the reserve. It’s worth noting that even when you reach the front gate, it takes another 30-40 minutes to reach Karoo Lodge. If you’re booking four or more nights, your transport is taken care of as soon as you reach Cape Town or Johannesburg. The nearest large town, meanwhile, is Graaff-Reinet, which is approximately a 40-minute drive away.

Fact Box

Rates: ZAR 20,230 / ca. £840 per person / night sharing on an all-inclusive basis (luxury suite, all meals + drinks, daily game drives, bush walks and conservation activities); 2-night minimum stay. 4-night stays include flights from Cape Town / Johannesburg + road transfers to Samara www.samara.co.za