October 2024 marks the launch of an exciting new offering from the award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve: the Cheetah Trail, a 3-night, 4-day immersive walking safari designed for small groups of up to 8 guests. Revered as one of Africa’s premier destinations to view the continent’s most endangered big cat, the iconic cheetah, Samara offers a unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat – against the backdrop of the breathtaking Great Karoo wilderness and its expansive, starry skies.
Conveniently located just 53 km from Graaff-Reinet and a 2.5-hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Samara Karoo Reserve is easily accessible, making it an ideal stop on any Garden Route adventure.
The 27,000-hectare Big 5 reserve will take guests on an intimate journey by foot, offering a deeply personal connection to the region’s rich history, where prehistoric creatures once roamed and ancient cave paintings remain as a testament to a distant past. Guided by expert trail leaders, guests will explore the vast semi-arid landscapes of this Global Biodiversity Hotspot, tracking cheetahs, the Big Five, and various antelope and bird species, while uncovering the intricacies of Samara’s unique ecosystems and geology.
Covering 30km over two days, the Cheetah Trail isn’t just a hike – it’s a curated wilderness experience. The route follows exclusive footpaths and game trails through remote, untouched areas of the reserve that are inaccessible by vehicle. Along the way, guests will learn to read the land – spotting tracks, identifying flora and fauna, and discovering ancient rock formations. While physically engaging, the walk is designed to be enjoyable and suitable for most fitness levels.
Guests will start and end their journey at Plains Camp, Samara’s new off-grid eco-camp offering spectacular views of the rewilded landscape. With four luxurious walk-in tents featuring en-suite bathrooms, and a communal dining tent complete with a farm-style plunge pool, every comfort has been thoughtfully provided. On the second day, guests will embark on the ultimate slack-packing adventure, spending the night at a remote fly camp under the stars—a truly magical experience enhanced by a traditional bucket shower beneath a Jacketplum tree, and stories around the campfire told by local Khoisan guides. High tea and refreshing G&Ts await hikers upon arrival at camp each day, providing the perfect reward after a day’s adventure.
Sarah Tompkins, director of Samara Karoo Reserve, describes the experience:
“The Cheetah Trail is perhaps the most thrilling guest experience we’ve ever launched. It allows our visitors to not only encounter the incredible diversity of our 66 mammal species and 225 bird species on foot, but also to engage deeply with the Karoo’s fascinating geology and distinct biomes. From veld grasses and succulents to Karoo bushes, these natural treasures are best appreciated up close. The trail opens up areas of the reserve that are off-limits to vehicles, offering our guests a truly unparalleled experience. We’ve designed the Cheetah Trail as a grounding, humbling journey into nature – away from the distractions of modern technology, where the vast open spaces provide an opportunity for true reflection and rejuvenation, and to come within a short distance of cheetah.”
With its combination of adventure, luxury, and connection to nature, Samara Karoo Reserve’s Cheetah Trail promises to be an unforgettable experience for those seeking a deeper bond with South Africa’s wild beauty.
