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Snapshot Safari & Citizen Science

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Snapshot Safari’s premise is simple – thousands of camera traps set up across sub-Saharan Africa collect a multitude of images per day as wildlife moves past, triggering motion-sensor cameras. All this data can be used for valuable research, conservation and management decision-making. Sorting through it all, however, can be impractical and costly. The solution? Outsource … Continued

Rewilding in action

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As 2019 has drawn to a close and we step into 2020 we feel grateful that so many more people have become part of Samara’s journey. Thank you to our extended Samara family for helping us on our mission to rewild an extraordinary yet fragile part of South Africa. It is no exaggeration to suggest … Continued

The complete Samara packlist: Our safari essentials

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Knowledge is power, so to ensure you don’t forget the essentials when planning your trip to Samara, we’ve put together a handy Karoo safari packlist with the help of some of South Africa’s top travel bloggers and safari enthusiasts. 1. Light, casual clothing Leave the heels and glad rags behind – when you’re out in … Continued

Responsible ethical tourism

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In today’s search for holidays with purpose, ‘responsible and ethical tourism’ has become something of a buzzword. The concept that one’s mode of transport, accommodation and sightseeing should have no negative impact on local people, wildlife and land – indeed, that it should positively affect them – is gaining traction among socially- and environmentally-aware world-wanderers. … Continued

Heritage Day Cup 2019

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From the inception of the Heritage Day Cup concept, Anneley Gradwell’s plans have been ambitious. In recognition of the challenges facing the community of Graaff-Reinet and particularly the youth, she has sought to provide a platform to enable young people to see a future for themselves. After 2018’s inaugural tournament with 8 teams participating in … Continued

Romantic Settings at Samara

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We present our list of Samara’s top romantic settings – the perfect getaway for a proposal, honeymoon, anniversary, or even just to treat that special someone.

Choosing a malaria-free safari

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Most travellers are familiar with the irksome high-pitched hum of a mosquito on the prowl – a serious nuisance guaranteed to ruin a good night’s sleep. If mosquitoes – Spanish for ‘little fly’ – were just an annoyance with no potential for serious harm, we might be more tolerant of them. But in some areas, … Continued

Introducing the first Big Five destination in the Great Karoo

By ffc_content

Throughout Samara’s 21 year-journey, our conservation focus has been on taking things slowly. As philosopher Lao Tzu once said – ‘Adopt the pace of Nature. Her secret is patience.’ Portions of the land on the 11 former livestock farms making up the reserve were badly degraded, and after removing the sheep and goats, the next … Continued

Spekboom: 5 Things You Didn’t Know

By ffc_content

Also known as Pork Bush or Elephant’s Food, this indigenous evergreen is an environmental miracle worker, with the potential to tackle carbon emissions like no other plant can. Whether you’re a succulent fan or have yet to hear about this magnificent tree, here are 5 things you probably didn’t know about this wonder plant. 1. Spekboom is … Continued

Five reasons to visit the Eastern Cape

By ffc_content

Its private conservancies and SANParks reserves are malaria-free, making these a fantastic destination if you’re travelling with small children or want to avoid taking antimalarials. The Eastern Cape’s long rugged coastline has some of the least developed and wildest beaches and the north of the province includes the wide, open spaces and sparse beauty of … Continued