Samara Karoo Reserve in South Africa is unveiling a new wilderness experience: the Exclusive Cheetah Trail, a three-night, four-day immersive walking safari that offers adventurers a unique opportunity to explore some of the reserve’s most remote and untouched areas on foot.

Spanning approximately 30 kilometres, this intimate journey takes guests through terrains inaccessible by vehicle, fostering a deep personal connection with the vast semi-arid landscapes of the Great Karoo.

Guided by expert trail leaders, participants will traverse footpaths and game trails in a 27,000-hectare Big Five reserve tracking the continent’s most endangered big cat, the cheetah. Guests may also encounter other members of the Big Five, various antelope species, and over 225 bird species. The experience goes beyond mere observation; it’s about understanding the intricate ecosystems and the importance of preserving them.

Giraffe tracking and bush walk at Samara

Samara Game Reserve elephant tracking part of walking safari

Sarah Tompkins, director of Samara Karoo Reserve, explains: “The Cheetah Trail 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. 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.”

This walking safari is about wildlife sightings and an educational journey where guests learn to read the land by spotting tracks and identifying flora and fauna. The trail offers the chance to visi tancient cave paintings, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage and adding a historical dimension to the adventure.

Samara Karoo Reserve’s Accommodations That Blend Comfort with Nature

The expedition begins and concludes at Plains Camp, Samara’s new off-grid eco-camp, approximately 53 kilometres from Graaff-Reinet and a 2.5-hour drive from Port Elizabeth. The camp features four luxurious walk-in tents with en-suite bathrooms, a communal dining tent, and a plunge pool. Designed to provide comfort without detracting from the natural environment, the camp ensures guests can relax after a day of exploration.

Samara Plains Camps dining mess tent, Maike McNeill

Samara Plains Camp tent beds, Maike McNeill

One night is spent at a remote fly camp under the stars, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience. Evenings are marked by high tea and refreshing gin and tonics, adding a touch of indulgence to the rustic setting.

Fly camping at Samara

Sustainable Tourism and Conservation Efforts

Samara Karoo Reserve places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible tourism. By limiting group sizes and focusing on low-impact activities like walking safaris, the reserve aims to minimize its ecological footprnt. The Exclusive Cheetah Trail aligns with these principles, offering guests a meaningful experience that also contributes to conservation efforts, particularly in protecting the endangered cheetah population.

Read More: Living Inside The Cheetah’s Lair In South Africa 

Running from October 2024 to May 2025, the Cheetah Trail combines expert guidance from seasoned trail leaders, eco-friendly lodging, and teh chance to encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife in its natural habitat. ◼

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© This article was first published online in Sept 2024 – World Travel Magazine.