– a celebration of wine and the wild, of heritage and sustainability –
Samara Karoo Reserve, in partnership with Creation Wines and Simonsig Family Vineyards, is delighted to invite you to its popular Wine in the Wilderness experiences running again this May – two exclusive weekends combining heritage and sustainability, fine wine and the art of safari.
Taking place over two weekends of the renowned Graaff-Reinet Stoep Tasting festival this immersive series brings together the culture of two multi-generational wine estates with Samara’s own family-run conservation journey in the Great Karoo. All share a common ethos – of land stewardship, commitment to excellence and responsibility to future generations.
The two 3-night weekends have been caringly curated as all-inclusive experiences encompassing a wine-pairing dinner and hosted tasting, daily game drives and wilderness walks, fireside conservation storytelling and a day’s excursion to Graaff-Reinet’s Stoep Tasting Festival, plus accommodation on a full board basis at the Karoo Lodge.
For the 3-night weekend experience during 16 – 19 May or 23 – 26 May 2025 guests can choose from:
- A fly-in offer from the Cape Winelands at R33,000 per person (applicable to minimum 4 / maximum 5 guests per party); air charter by Air du Cap, travelling between Cape Winelands Airport and Samara’s private airstrip on the Friday and returning on the Monday.
- OR a self-drive offer at R19,500 per person (no guest minimum applicable).
Choose your journey:
- 16 -19 May 2025 – A Taste of Adventure: from the cool-climate slopes of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, Creation Wines will bring curiosity, creativity and innovation to the Great Karoo. Hosted by fourth-generation winemaker Glenn Martin, this weekend’s wine-pairing experience will blend wine with sensory exploration and shared philosophy – rooted in Creation’s commitment to a deep respect for land. Expect a creative alchemy of food and wine, unforgettable cheetah tracking on foot and fireside storytelling on wine, family and sustainability.
- 23 – 26 May 2025 – Heritage in Harmony: founded in 1968 by Frans Malan, Simonsig Family Vineyards is a cornerstone of South African wine. Today, third-generation Michael Malan leads the cellar with a deep respect for tradition and commitment to ethical, sustainable winemaking. Hosted by Michael, this weekend’s wine-pairing will explore the balance between time-honoured practices and a future-focused philosophy – a natural synergy with Samara’s long-term rewilding journey. Expect long-table dining under Karoo skies, exceptional daily game viewing and an exploration of the diverse terroir of the Stellenbosch region.
Each journey includes a Friday evening feast for the senses wine tasting and pairing dinner hosted by Samara’s celebrated wine-maker partner, a Saturday admission to Graaff-Reinet’s renowned Stoep Tasting wine festival including transfers and a Sunday morning wilderness picnic. Plus with Samara being widely regarded as one of the best places on the continent to view wild cheetah, guests will also enjoy daily game drives and bush walks to track these graceful predators and the reserve’s other wild inhabitants – from the charismatic lion and black rhinoceros to vast herds of springbok and flocks of Blue Crane.
The rest of your time at Samara is to be enjoyed at your leisure, from exploring its spectacular wilderness to indulging in a healing spa treatment.
Booking is essential and terms and conditions apply – to make your reservation contact:
Samara Karoo Reserve
Reservations: reservations@samara.co.za | +27 (0) 49 940 1111
www.samara.co.za
Facebook | Instagram: @samarakaroo
For further information please contact Theresa Gibbon on theresa@theresagibbonpr.co.za or 082 820 8437.
