Fly Camping
Samara's fly camping experience is an immersive adventure encompassing a guided bush walk and a sleep-out in one of Africa's most exquisite wildernesses.
In the safari days of yore, explorers setting up camp in big game country had to make do with little more than a fly sheet to protect them from the elements and the wildlife. Fly camping takes its name from this tradition.
Although today’s camps are typically more substantial, there’s an undeniable thrill to going back to basics. Samara’s fly camping excursion pays homage to these origins and takes full advantage of the reserve’s vastness and diversity, offering an experience that is simple yet spectacular.
The adventure begins with a guided bush walk through Big Five territory with an armed ranger and tracker team. The opportunity to explore Samara on foot is a thrilling one, awakening the senses and showcasing the landscape from a different perspective. At dusk, guests arrive at their private camp, where tents have been set up and the fire is ready to be started. Here you will be treated to sundowners and a traditional South African braai, cooked over the fire by your ranger and tracker (with optional assistance from any budding chefs in the group!).
Your evening will be spent around the campfire, sharing safari stories, watching the stars appear and listening for the nightly chorus of jackals and nightingales punctuated by the occasional roar of a lion – a sound you are unlikely to forget. You’ll retreat to the comfort of your tent, where your bed will have been prepared for you – foam mattress, soft linen and extra blankets to ward off the night air. The smell of firewood and coffee, and the sounds of an African dawn, will coax you out of your tent to take in the magic of the sunrise. You can then choose either to walk or drive back to the lodge.
Immersive wilderness experience
Embrace the undeniable thrill of going back to basics.
Important information
- Available October to May annually.
- A surcharge applies
- Guests must be booked into Karoo Lodge or The Manor for a minimum of 3 nights in order to book the fly camping experience. Fly camping is not available to guests staying at Plains Camp.
- Fly camping is subject to availability and must be requested at the time of booking accommodation.
- The fly camping experience has a 6-guest maximum. Guests must be medically-fit and comfortable with walking for 3-5 hours across varied terrain.
- A minimum age restriction of 16 years applies.
- Fly camping is weather-dependent, and will not be offered in the event of serious rain or high wind. If you are unable to experience fly camping on your original requested night due to prevailing weather conditions, you may swap for another night of your stay, subject to not clashing with another prior fly camping booking.
- Please note that there is no Wifi, mobile phone signal or electricity on the fly camping experience.
- Please note that ablutions are simple, consisting of a washbasin and portable chemical loo.
A wild night around the campfire
