Samara Karoo Reserve, a Big Five game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape, is launching a Cheetah Trail experience in September. The three-night guided hiking adventure offers an opportunity to explore the reserve's 67,000 acres of diverse landscapes and wildlife on foot.
Samara is renowned as one of the best places in Africa to view wild cheetahs, the continent's most endangered big cat. The Cheetah Trail enables guests to immerse themselves in the ecosystem, learning about cheetah conservation efforts and tracking these creatures alongside experienced guides.
The Cheetah Trail offers a moderate level of hiking, with daily distances of 10 to 15 kilometers (roughly six to 10 miles). Guests will traverse various biomes, from grasslands to mountains, encountering a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (elephants, rhinos, Cape buffaloes, lions and leopards), as well as vast herds of antelopes and zebras and over 225 bird species.
Luxury digs
Accommodations are provided in Samara's luxurious Plains Camp and a mobile fly camp, offering guests a comfortable and immersive experience in the heart of the wilderness. The Samara Cheetah Trail package includes accommodations, all meals and selected drinks, fully guided hikes, a Samara-branded daypack and transportation within the reserve.
Bookings for the Cheetah Trail are now open for dates from September, excluding the peak Christmas/New Year period. The launch rate is $1,714 per person for the three-night package, valid through Dec. 15. Guests must be 16 years or older.
For more information or to make reservations, travel professionals can contact Samara Karoo Reserve at +27 (0) 49 940 1111 or reservations@samara.co.za.