Walks from a dedicated trails camp in Samara Karoo

Samara Karoo Reserve is a rewilding success story, and since its creation in 1997 reintroductions have resulted in healthy populations of cheetah, elephant and white rhino in a reserve that now extends to 27,000ha of Great Karoo veld. What makes it fascinating to explore on foot is the reserve’s location at the nexus of five vegetation biomes: Grasslands, Nama Karoo, Savanna, Thicket and Forest. These are habitat for a rich range of wildlife that also includes gemsbok and eland, lion buffalo and giraffe. There are less spotted animals present such as aardwolf, porcupine and bat-eared foxes and the birdlife includes specials such as the African olive pigeon.

Opened in 2023, Plains Camp is made for trails. Located in a remote corner of the reserve, the camp has four canvas tents inserted sensitively on a fixed site on a low hill. Each tent has a plumbed en-suite and its own fireplace for chilly evenings. As is essential in these times, the camp is designed with best sustainability practices. Off-grid power, rain water capture, and the latest in wastewater treatment are all part of that, while the furniture and fittings have not travelled far, with most sourced from crafts folk in the nearby historic town of Graaff-Reinet.

As walks are the main activity at Plains Camp, the minimum age is 16, and maximum number of guests is 8. Special launch pricing is available until 30 Sept 2023.

Samara Karoo is a 2.5 hours drive from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) airport, and also has a private airstrip. Road and air transfers can be arranged on request. Guests check-in at Num-Num House, close to the reserve entrance off the R63 road, where there is secure parking for self-drivers.

From there, transfers to Plains Camp are made by open game viewing vehicle, the journey taking around 40 minutes.

Each morning, guests will explore on foot from camp, returning to a cooked breakfast before some R&R at the camp and a game drive/walk combo in the afternoon. There’s the option to take a packed breakfast for a longer walk – very tempting to stay out if you find a fresh track of a rhino, cheetah or leopard.

• Luxury en-suite tented accommodation as specified
• Daily morning bush walk with experienced guide and tracker
• Daily afternoon game drive with experienced guide and tracker
• Internal transfer to Plains Camp
• Three meals and safari activity snacks daily
• Soft drinks, house wines and selected spirits and beers
• Specialty teas and local coffee
• Use of a pair of binoculars per suite per stay
• Value Added Tax at 15%

• Conservation contribution of R450 per person per night
• Transfers to/from the Samara property
• Fine wines and premium brand spirits
• Gift shop purchases
• Gratuities