When it comes to bucket list travel experiences, few things can rival the thrill of walking with cheetahs in the wild.
I was recently invited by Samara Karoo Reserve to experience their 3-night Cheetah Trail, and it turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
Samara Karoo Reserve, an award-winning Big Five game reserve, is set against the stunning backdrop of South Africa’s Great Karoo, a global biodiversity hotspot. This semi-arid paradise stretches across vast landscapes, dramatic escarpments, rugged mountains, and sweeping grasslands.
While it is home to the Big Five—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard—it is also a sanctuary for herds of springbok, black wildebeest, Cape Mountain zebra, eland, blesbok, and flocks of endangered blue crane, Cape vultures, and black eagles.
But what truly sets Samara apart is its commitment to cheetah conservation. Known as one of the best places in Africa to view wild cheetahs, the reserve provides a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.
The Cheetah Trail Experience
The Cheetah Trail is a 3-night, 4-day slackpacking adventure designed for those who appreciate the magic of a walking safari. Led by expert guides, the experience combines the freedom of exploring a Big Five reserve on foot with deep insights into the Karoo’s rich history, flora, and fauna. Daily treks cover 10-15 km, depending on the wildlife’s movements, making each walk an unpredictable and thrilling experience.
Accommodation during the trek is at Plains Camp, an off-grid yet luxurious tented camp with breathtaking views. Each tent is equipped with a flushing toilet, a magnificent outdoor shower filled with hot water twice daily, and plush beds adorned with crisp linen and sheepskin throws. Though there’s no electricity, the camp exudes a charm that blends rustic adventure with refined comfort.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
After a full day of travel—from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) by air, followed by a three-hour drive to Samara—I finally arrived at the reserve’s entrance. The journey continued along a rugged dirt road for another hour to the main camp, then an additional 45 minutes to reach Pleins Camp.
Just before sunset, we received a safety briefing and settled in. Our first dinner under the vast Karoo sky, filled with stars, set the tone for the incredible journey ahead.
The anticipation was palpable as we drifted off to sleep, listening to the nocturnal sounds of the wild.
Day 2: Walking with Cheetahs
The day began at 5:00 AM with tea, coffee, and rusks at the base-camp tent. Conversations buzzed with excitement as we shared stories of the mysterious sounds we had heard outside our tents overnight.
We had barely left the camp when we encountered two cheetah brothers lounging just five meters away. They were unbothered by our presence, playfully grooming each other—an absolutely breathtaking sight. Did you know that cheetahs, the oldest cats on Earth, don’t roar? Instead, they communicate through purrs, chirps, and meows.
Guided by the incredibly knowledgeable Christiaan Swanepoel and tracker Henrico Thys, we spent the morning trekking through the vast Karoo landscapes, learning about the reserve’s 66 mammal species, 225 bird species, and an array of succulents and veld grasses.
After returning to camp around 10:30 AM, we enjoyed a lavish breakfast spread, including croissants, homemade muesli, and a full English breakfast.
The afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool before embarking on another exhilarating walk at 3:00 PM.
Along the way, we marveled at a herd of giraffes grazing nearby and even spotted a Karoo Cape Tortoise.
Fun fact: South Africa is home to nine of the world’s thirteen tortoise species, making it the tortoise capital of the world!
That night, we were supposed to sleep under the stars, with only mosquito nets separating us from the night sky, while our guides kept watch. However, a sudden storm forced us to retreat to camp, where we enjoyed a cozy dinner before falling asleep to the distant rumble of thunder.
Day 3: Tracking Elephants and Lions
With another early start at 5:00 AM, we set out in a 4×4 before continuing on foot to track elephants. After two hours, we finally located them—camouflaged perfectly in the thick bush, barely visible but unmistakable by their deep, resonant calls.
Next, we ascended the steep mountains to the Camdeboo Plains, where we encountered a pride of lions basking in the sun after a recent kill.
Their full bellies were evident as they lounged, indifferent to our presence. In the distance, we spotted a rhino, completing the iconic safari experience.
A highlight of the day was brunch on the grassy plains, complete with a bar offering everything from Amarula—fondly called “Elephants’ Milk” by the barman—to bubbly, coffee, and wine.
The panoramic views of the Karoo were simply unforgettable.
On our return journey, we spotted warthogs, more rhinos, countless antelope species, an eagle, and more giraffes.
Once again, rain prevented us from sleeping under the stars, but the magic of the Karoo remained undiminished.
There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunset over the Karoo!
Day 4: Farewell to Samara
Our final morning was graced with gentle rain—a poetic farewell from the Karoo. After a last cup of coffee, we bid farewell to the wonderful Pleins Camp staff and made our way to Karoo Lodge for one last incredible breakfast before heading home.
A Journey to Remember
I’ve been fortunate to embark on many remarkable press trips, but my experience at Samara Karoo Reserve will always hold a special place in my heart. Walking alongside cheetahs, tracking elephants on foot, and being surrounded by the reserve’s breathtaking biodiversity was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
For those who love walking, wildlife, and the serenity of unspoiled landscapes, the Cheetah Trail is truly a soul-enriching adventure. The hikes are not overly strenuous, and each step immerses you deeper into the ancient wonders of the Karoo.
Thank you, Samara, for an unforgettable experience. Another visit is most certainly in my future!
Interested to know more about my three essential items for a slackpacking adventure? You can read my post HERE.
The Samara Cheetah Trail Package includes:
Accommodation at Plains Camp – off grid, luxury tented camp (1st & 3rd night) | Mobile fly camp (2nd night) OR alternatively all 3 nights at Plains Camp.
- All meals and selected drinks
- Fully guided
- Samara branded day pack
- SADC launch rate – R14 995 per person for the 3-night trail, valid until 15 December 2025.
- Ts & Cs apply. Guests must be 16 and older.
No Samara Cheetah Trail over peak season (Christmas and New Year) | Booking is essential.
Easily accessible from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Cape Town and Johannesburg, Samara Karoo Reserve is just 40 minutes from the historical town of Graaff-Reinet.
To make your reservations contact:
Samara Karoo Reserve: Reservations: +27 (0) 49 940 1111 | reservations@samara.co.za |www.samara.co.za
Follow Samara Karoo Reserve HERE on Facebook & HERE on Instagram
