Set within the remote plains of Samara Karoo Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Samara Plains Camp offers a stripped-back, adventurous safari experience that is all about exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot. Located within 27,000 hectares of restored conservation land, the camp provides access to one of South Africa’s most ambitious rewilding projects, where cheetahs, rhinos and lions now roam alongside zebra, black wildebeest and springbok.
Positioned beneath shady trees with expansive views across the plains, Plains Camp feels remote and intimate. Designed in classic explorer style, the camp is entirely off-grid and intentionally low impact, encouraging guests to slow down and connect deeply with the surrounding environment.
The central mess tent comprises an open-sided lounge and dining space, as well as a small farm-style plunge pool and a firepit for evenings spent beneath the stars. Cooked over the campfire, meals are fresh, hearty and often enjoyed outdoors, whether around the campfire or out in the bush during the course of the day’s activities. With a strong focus on personalised guiding, the experience feels private and immersive throughout.
Accommodation consists of 4 Meru-style safari tents, including a family tent, each set apart for privacy. The comfortable tents feature ensuite bathrooms with bucket showers, and shaded verandas overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The overall emphasis is on authentic safari living, where the sounds, scents and vast open spaces of the Karoo remain ever-present.
Daily morning bush walks alongside experienced guides are at the heart of the Plains Camp experience, while afternoon game drives will get you closer to the reserve’s cheetahs. Scenic wilderness picnics, mountain hikes, San rock art excursions, and spekboom planting further deepen the sense of connection to the Karoo. Fly camping and a 3-night cheetah trail excursion can also be arranged.
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
