Cheetah Trails and Garden Route
Tour Overview
Set out on an extraordinary journey through two of South Africa’s most captivating regions—the remote wilderness of the Great Karoo and the lush, coastal beauty of the Garden Route.
This independent tour blends conservation, wildlife, and coastal escape, with experiences designed to reconnect you with nature.
Begin at Samara Karoo Reserve, a pioneering conservation project set on 67,000 acres of restored wilderness in the heart of the Great Karoo. With five distinct biomes and over 60 mammal species—including the Big Five and wild cheetah—Samara offers one of South Africa’s most diverse safari experiences. Here, guests can participate in the unforgettable thrill of tracking cheetah on foot, a rare and intimate wildlife encounter that supports ongoing preservation efforts in this Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
Founded in 1997, Samara is at the forefront of rewilding in southern Africa, with a long-term goal to expand to a 3-million-acre conservation corridor. Its dramatic landscapes, from semi-arid plains to mountainous escarpments, provide a stunning setting for game drives, bush walks, and meaningful conservation travel.
Bonus Offer: Enjoy a complimentary flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town with a 4-night stay at Samara Karoo Reserve.
After your safari, unwind in Sedgefield, a peaceful eco-paradise on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. Perched above the coastal lakes and forested headlands of the Greater Knysna Area, this region is ideal for walking, biking, birdwatching, kayaking, or simply slowing down to appreciate the view.
The Garden Route is known for its spectacular diversity—dramatic shorelines, forested ravines, sandy beaches, fynbos-covered hills, and nearby natural wonders like the Little Karoo and Tsitsikamma rainforest. From Swartvlei Beach to fossil dunes, this is a place where slow travel meets spectacular scenery.
Whether you want to track wildlife, hike through floral kingdoms, kayak a quiet lagoon, or watch the sun set over the ocean, this journey offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
This independent tour is fully customizable—talk to us to tailor it to your style of travel.
Video Highlights
Viva's Best Bits...
Samara offers unparalleled Cheetah viewing. The chance to observe and learn about cheetah behavior in their natural habitat is truly extraordinary.
The majestic views over the mountains, beaches, lagoons and fynbos are spectacular! Fynbos on Sea also offers adventures to keep you busy for days.
Samara's efforts in rewilding is truly inspiring. The reserve has taken the lead in restoring the semi-arid yet biodiverse landscape, home to the Big Five and over 60 mammal species.
