Plains Camp at Samara

• Property TypeGame Lodge
• Guests8
• Bedrooms4
• Bathrooms4
• Minimum Stay1-2 Nights
• + 
• • FEATUREPool

About Plains Camp at Samara

A spectacular African escape awaits at the acclaimed, malaria-free Samara Karoo Reserve, situated near the historic town of Graaff-Reinet. This distinguished private reserve offers a truly memorable safari for travellers who seek both authenticity and elegance.

Stretching across 67,000 acres of rehabilitated wilderness, the reserve spans five diverse vegetation biomes, including the rare Samara Mara, and is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five.

Accommodation

Plains Camp delivers an off-grid experience defined by simplicity, natural beauty, and a sense of deep reconnection with the land. With no electricity or Wi-Fi, guests are invited to unplug entirely and immerse themselves in the peaceful rhythms of the wilderness. The emphasis here is on stillness, introspection, and the timeless ritual of walking safaris.

Accommodation is offered in four spacious tented suites, each featuring a well-appointed bedroom, private en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, cosy fireplace, and a comfortable seating area. These luxury tents provide a classic explorer-style stay, where the true indulgences are the open skies, vast silence, and unhurried time.

Set in a secluded section of the reserve, the camp offers sweeping views and regular wildlife sightings, including iconic species such as lion, elephant, and rhino. With a strong eco-conscious ethos, this unembellished yet refined camp allows nature to take centre stage.

Samara Karoo Reserve artfully blends awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife encounters with gentle sophistication and a deep conservation mission, offering more than a safari, it offers a profound and soulful journey.

Activities

Guests may enjoy immersive game drives through rich and varied terrain, accompanied by experienced guides. Walking safaris provide a slower, more intimate encounter with the bush and its subtler inhabitants. Wilderness picnics invite you to pause and savour meals in the open, surrounded by untamed beauty.

Cheetah tracking on foot offers a thrilling and rare wildlife experience guided by conservationists. Winter months present the best opportunity to observe the elusive aardvark in its natural habitat. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant birdlife, with opportunities for both casual and serious birding. For those seeking active exploration, hiking trails traverse the rugged landscape, revealing hidden corners of the reserve.

Location & Attractions

Samara Karoo Reserve occupies 67,000 acres of unspoiled Big Five wilderness in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, a short distance from Graaff-Reinet. The closest national airport is in Port Elizabeth, situated approximately 270 kilometres away, a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the reserve gate. Port Elizabeth is well connected with regular flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, ensuring easy access for travellers.