Samara Private Game Reserve

Game viewing

The complex and diverse ecosystem at the Samara Private Game Reserve provides habitat for over 60 mammal species. Among more common species, such as the Kudu and Duiker, the secretive Aardvark and the once-endangered White Rhino roam. Giraffes can be seen, while Cheetah hides in the grass, waiting for an opportunity to stretch their legs and test the speed of the Hartebeest.

Guests have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Samara Private Game Reserve as they explore the untouched Plains of Camdeboo. Fossils which predate the dinosaurs and well-preserved Khoisan paintings offer a fascinating insight into some of the historical intricacies of our Earth’s past.

Night Aardvark Safari

The Aardvark is one of the most widespread mammals in Africa, but also one of the most unseen creatures.  Guests may experience these amazing creatures in their natural environment by joining an exciting Night Safari through the Samara Private Game Reserve.

Walking Safaris

The Walking Safaris at the Samara Private Game Reserve specialise in getting closer to nature and learning to track animals and approach them on foot.   Guests can study the finer detail of the bush and experience the feeling of wide open spaces with its tranquillity and peace.

Biome Walks

The scenic Samara Private Game Reserve is unique as it is home to four Biomes: Nama-Karoo, Plateau Grassveld,  open Savannah and Thicket.   During the Biome Walks, guests are taken on a memorable walk accompanied by one of the lodge's highly qualified rangers, who shares his extensive knowledge of the individual characteristics of each of these biomes.

Landscape Safaris

The Landscape Safari at Samara provides guests with the feeling of being on top of the world.  Visitors travel up the steep mountain pass in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy the magnificent scenery of this landscape. Surrounded by mountains with the Plains of Camdeboo spread out below,  one can imagine the largest migration of Springbok, which used to take place across the Karoo.

Cheetah encounters

The Samara Private Game Reserve is home to the endangered Cheetah. Born a wild Cheetah, Sibella’s life nearly ended at the hands of hunters. After being savagely treated in captivity, she was fortunate enough to be rescued and underwent life-saving surgery and rehabilitation at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust.

In December 2003, the Cheetah Sibella , together with two males, was released into the Samara Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Despite suffering the occasional twinge from her previous injuries, Sibella has proved herself to be a capable hunter and has successfully reared 18 cubs in the time she has been at Samara.

As such, this wonderful Cheetah epitomises the spirit of Samara as she plays a vital role in the rejuvenation of a once endangered existence.  This exceptional cat has contributed to 2% of the wild Cheetah population in South Africa.   It has been estimated that the last wild Cheetah in the area was seen 125 years ago.

Part of Sibella’s and Samara’s Cheetah conservation success is based on the fact that the Samara Private Game Reserve is free of predators.   Without the pressure of natural predators such as lion and spotted hyena, the Samara Cheetah populations have been able to thrive.

The Samara Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa works closely with the Endangered Wildlife Trust to ensure that this highly endangered species is given the best chance of survival.

Bird watching

Over 200 species of birds are home on the Samara Private Game Reserve, which makes it a beautiful bird watcher’s paradise.  In August, guests are most likely to view the endangered Blue Crane flocks of 250 – 300 birds, and may be lucky enough to observe Black Eagles soaring below from Eagles’ Rock, one of the reserves magnificent viewpoints.

Thinking Safari

Guests staying at the Samara Private Game Reserve, South Africa, have the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts and plant a spekboom to off-set their carbon footprint.  Reading animal tracks and viewing ancient bushman paintings are also available to guests.

Children activities

• Play dough
• Samara puzzles
• Treasure hunts
• Crafting with African beads
• Spekboom planting
• Spoor Identification
• Tracking
• Orienteering – knowing your way home
• Tennis
• Croquet
• Table tennis
• Bushman paintings – paint your own
• Face painting - camouflage
• Cheetah tales
• Star naming and stories
• Trampoline