Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / South Africa / Graaff-Reinet / Samara Karoo Reserve
Samara Karoo Reserve
Graaff-Reinet, South Africa · Independent · High Luxury
In 2004 Samara put the first wild cheetah back into the Great Karoo in 130 years. Sarah and Mark Tompkins had started in 1997, joining 11 farms into 67,000 acres that cross five of South Africa's nine vegetation biomes. Elephants came home in 2017 after about 150 years away, lions in 2019 after 180, and in 2021 a leopard walked back in on its own. Guests stay at Karoo Lodge, take The Manor as a private villa, or sleep in four off-grid tents at Plains Camp, opened in 2023.
- Opened 2005
About Samara Karoo Reserve
- The 2004 release was the first wild cheetah in the Great Karoo in 130 years, on land Sarah and Mark Tompkins began assembling in 1997.
- In 2013 Samara reintroduced desert-adapted black rhinoceros, a subspecies with fewer than 5,000 animals left, on one of the few private reserves to hold them.
- Elephants returned in 2017 after about 150 years, lions in 2019 after 180 years, and in 2021 a leopard appeared of its own accord, the first recorded on the reserve.
- Eleven former farms make 67,000 acres and five of South Africa's nine vegetation biomes. More than 60 mammal species and 225 birds have been recorded.
- Three lodges share the reserve. Karoo Lodge has eight suites and two family suites, The Manor is a private villa for eight, and Plains Camp is four off-grid tents from 2023.
History
Sarah and Mark Tompkins founded Samara in 1997, assembling 11 farms and 67,000 acres in the Great Karoo near Graaff-Reinet, land that crosses five of South Africa's nine vegetation biomes. In 2004 they reintroduced the first wild cheetah the Karoo had seen in 130 years. Desert-adapted black rhinos followed in 2013, an elephant family in 2017 after an estimated 150-year absence, and lions in 2019 after 180 years. A leopard returned on its own in 2021, the first recorded on the reserve.
The first lodge opened in 2005. Guests now choose among three places: Karoo Lodge, with eight suites and two family suites in the old homestead; The Manor, a private villa that sleeps eight; and Plains Camp, four off-grid tented suites, launched in 2023.
Experiences
- Exclusive traversing rights — The three intimate lodges enjoy exclusive traversing rights over the 67,000-acre reserve, offering an uninterrupted wilderness experience without other vehicles.
- Guided exploration of the reserve — Guests can explore the 67,000-acre reserve during their stay, guided by those who know and love the landscape.
Amenities
- Guided experiences on the reserve
- Exclusive traversing rights over the 67,000-acre reserve
- Return road transfer to Samara (with 4-night offer)
Awards
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
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