Looking for a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day gift, a luxury long weekend escape, or the ultimate Great Karoo safari experience? This May, Samara Karoo Reserve invites wine lovers and travellers alike to indulge in its celebrated Wine in the Wilderness weekends – two exclusive escapes that combine the best of South African wine with the soulful rhythm of the Karoo.
Set against the wild beauty of the Samara Karoo Reserve, located in South Africa’s Great Karoo, these immersive weekends are curated in partnership with two of South Africa’s most iconic, multi-generational wine estates – Creation Wines and Simonsig Family Vineyards. The result? A glorious fusion of heritage, sustainability, fine dining and unforgettable wilderness moments.
A Unique Wine & Safari Experience in the Great Karoo
A mere 53km from Graaff-Reinet, this all-inclusive wine and safari experience has been timed to coincide with the Graaff-Reinet Stoep Tasting Festival. Each weekend is a fully hosted 3-night escape featuring:
- Guided game drives and wilderness walks
- Wine-pairing dinners and exclusive tastings
- Fireside storytelling and conservation conversations
- A day trip to the Stoep Tasting wine festival
- Full-board accommodation at the Karoo Lodge
Guests can choose from two tailored Wine in the Wilderness packages:
- Fly-In Package: R33 000 per person, departing from the Cape Winelands, directly to Samara’s private airstrip, via Air du Cap. (Minimum 4, maximum 5 guests). Lift-off is on the Friday, returning on the Monday.
- Self-Drive Package: R19 500 per person – ideal for those exploring the Eastern Cape by road.
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Choose Your Wine Weekend:
16–19 May 2025: A Taste of Adventure with Creation Wines
From the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Creation Wines brings bold innovation and sensory storytelling to the Karoo. Hosted by fourth-generation winemaker, Glenn Martin, this weekend will be filled with wild cheetah tracking on foot, creative wine pairings and philosophical reflections on land, sustainability and flavour.
23–26 May 2025: Heritage in Harmony with Simonsig Family Vineyards
Led by third-generation winemaker, Michael Malan, Simonsig brings a taste of Stellenbosch’s rich winemaking history to the Karoo. Think long-table dining under Karoo skies, soulful wines, daily game viewing and conservation talks that speak to Samara’s own legacy of land stewardship and rewilding. With Samara being a pioneer in conservation-led travel, this experience is sure to be a memorable one.
A Wilderness Celebration of Wine, Family & Conservation
More than just a weekend getaway, Wine in the Wilderness is a celebration of the values that matter: Family, connection and the land we all call home. Guests will enjoy:
- A Friday evening wine pairing feast
- A Saturday visit to the Graaff-Reinet Stoep Tasting Festival (transfers included)
- A serene Sunday wilderness picnic
- Daily opportunities to spot cheetah, lion, black rhino and over 60 mammal species in the reserve, whether it be on a daily game drive, or a bush walk
And, in between it all, you can rest, enjoy spa treatments and indulge in slow time in nature and luxury hospitality at one of South Africa’s most breathtaking conservation destinations. With over 67 000 acres of wild terrain and a growing reputation for cheetah conservation, Samara offers luxury safaris with purpose.
Book Your Wine in the Wilderness Weekend Now
Spaces for Wine in the Wilderness at Samara Karoo Reserve are limited and booking is essential. This is the perfect Father’s Day weekend, romantic escape or gift to yourself.
Email: reservations@samara.co.za
Call: +27 (0)49 940 1111
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