Rewilding at Samara Karoo Reserve's NEW Plains Camp
Samara Karoo Reserve in South Africa’s Great Karoo region is one of the country’s most diverse safari destinations – a landscape of space, stars and silence brought back to life by a pioneering rewilding project. Now home to the Big Five, 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, Samara provides a uniquely soulful safari for discerning visitors.
Samara’s biodiverse location, intimate lodges, and meaningful safari expeditions already allow adventurous travellers to connect even more deeply with nature in one of the last great wilderness areas in South Africa. The new eco-conscious, explorer-style Plains Camp evokes the era of mobile safaris with a focus on grounding experiences in Nature for up to eight guests. The launch of this off-grid experience is sweetened by the favourable exchange rate in South Africa.*
Located in the southern section of the reserve on the Plains of Cambedoo and nestled against a low hill with sweeping mountain views, the camp benefits from no light pollution and undisturbed privacy. Designed with sustainability in mind, the camp is atmospherically lit with candles and oil lamps and consists of a mess tent, swimming pool area and four guest tents, all with spectacular views.
This area is teeming with wildlife. Large resident herds of zebra, black wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest meander these plains, alongside giraffe, ostrich and smaller creatures like bat-eared foxes. Nearby thickets and waterholes provide opportunities for tracking elephants, white rhinoceros and black rhinoceros. Cheetah and lion are also often found in the area, as are iconic Karoo birds like the korhaan and blue crane.
Guided bush walks depart every morning, focusing on things often unseen from the safari vehicle. Tracks, flowering bushes, ostrich eggs and beetles are identified by the knowledgeable guide and tracker team, bringing to life the semi-arid landscape. Afternoon game drives with wildlife tracking, sundowners and stargazing complete the experience.
Back at camp, guests have access to home comforts including fully-catered meals cooked over the fire, a well-stocked bar, a deliciously-refreshing plunge pool and comfortable areas in which to relax – all furnished in a Karoo style by local artisans. Each of the four guest tents comprises a bedroom area leading to a bathroom with indoor loo and outdoor “bucket” shower with hot water on request.
As a purpose-driven business committed to sustainability across its operations, Samara’s focus with Plains Camp was to create an ecologically-sensitive camp that rests lightly on the Earth and embodies a uniquely Karoo experience. To this end, innovative technologies to manage environmental resources and minimise carbon emissions have been deployed, and the majority of furnishings have been sourced from within the Eastern Cape Karoo.
With no WiFi or electricity, Samara’s Plains Camp is a space to switch off from stress of modern life and reconnected with nature in elegant simplicity.Nightly all-inclusive rates at the new Plains Camp start from R10,000 pppn (£425 pppn).
* Current exchange rate in South Africa** (1 GBP = 23.49 ZAR)
