For the first time in 180 years, lions will roam the plains of Camdeboo in South Africa’s 27 000-hectare Samara Private Game Reserve. This milestone event will take place in August and the lions translocated to the region will be the first of their kind seen here since about 1840 before farmers and settlers moved into the region and prepared the land, which included eliminating the lion population. South Africa currently has only about 3000 wild lions of the estimated 20 000+ wild lions roaming Africa today – an incredible decrease of almost 50% in the last couple of decades. The reintroduction of the lions adds to Samara’s commendable reputation for conservation activity.
Samara has a history of restoring and rehabilitating its vast stretch of land in South Africa’s Great Karoo. From vegetative restoration, to the reintroduction of cheetahs in the early 2000s and elephants only last year, Samara has taken an active role in countering the issues related to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the history of illegal poaching and wildlife trade that has ravaged so many areas of the country, and indeed, the continent. Bringing lions back to their old territories is expanding their natural range and increasing the chance of building a genetically diverse, healthy population of wild lions in Africa.
At Samara, the lions are joining a host of free-roaming wildlife species as they recreate a Karoo that once was, 200 years ago. Springbok and eland, black rhino, aardvark, Cape mountain zebra, leopard, cheetah (first in 130 years), among a host of wild and wonderful creatures. Last year’s elephant arrival was a momentous occasion, marking the reintroduction of elephant at Samara for the first time in two centuries. And in August, with the arrival of Africa’s apex terrestrial predator, Samara Private Game Reserve will be home to the famous Big Five.
Where can you go to see this magnificent, rolling landscape of iconic semi-arid Karoo dotted with thriving wildlife, geometrical mountains, and succulent plant species that burst into colour in season? Samara has two luxurious lodges, both of which are designed to make the absolute most of these special Karoo surroundings. “Encircled by a natural amphitheatre of mountains,” Karoo Lodge is the 5-Star embodiment of cosy farmhouse comforts combined with luxurious guest amenities in 9 double ensuite bedrooms. Manor House is an elegant statement, a 5-Star villa built on an old homestead with the care and style that has created this 4-bedroomed exclusive-use home amid the rugged mountains and untamed plains of Samara’s piece of paradise.
Oh, and there is a star bed for those who crave the ultimate in romance and adventure. Sleep out on a wooden platform under the stars, adorned with a four-poster bed, and be lulled to sleep by the secretive sounds of the Karoo at night. Soon to be complete with the lion’s roar.
