A lifetime ago I found myself on a slow train between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) that stopped in bleak, dusty railway towns like Noupoort and De Aar in South Africa's Karoo desert.
The Karoo semi-desert can be unforgiving country, similar to the Australian outback, but it is also home to Samara Karoo Reserve (
www.samara.co.za), one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations.
Samara is not only a game reserve - it also invites food and wine lovers to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Great Karoo semi-desert, "where sustainable, farm-to-table dining meets the wild beauty of the African bush".
Nestled in 67,000 acres of soulful wilderness, Samara offers big five wildlife encounters paired with an immersive food and wine experience that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage, exceptional local produce, and boutique South African wines from the Cape winelands.
And from May 16, Samara will host “Wine in the Wilderness” experiences to coincide with the “Stoep Tasting Wine Weekend” in nearby Graaff-Reinet.
Samara’s cuisine is rooted in the traditional flavours and ingredients of the Karoo, showcasing the area’s farm-to-table culture.
Executive chef Vandeline Pienaar uses Karoo lamb , along with indigenous herbs and plants such as spekboom.
Signature dishes include Karoo lamb burger with agave buds and
Amagwinya (dumplings) with spekboom salsa.
Guests can enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a centuries-old shepherd tree, enjoy a picnic on the mountain plateau, or dining beneath the stars.
Each meal is paired with a curated selection of boutique South African wines, many sourced from family-owned vineyards practicing regenerative viticulture.
For those seeking a unique local flavour of the Karoo, Samara has partnered with Leonista Agave Spirit, South Africa’s award-winning organic agave distillery for a safari tasting; "pairing the bold flavours of Leonista with a wilderness experience".

For The Stoep festivities, Samara offers “Cheetahs and Cultivars” experiences in collaboration with renowned South African winemakers. The first weekend (May 16-18) will see Samara partner with Creation Wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On the second weekend (May 23-25), Samara will welcome Simonsig Family Vineyards of Stellenbosch.
The reserve offers accommodation in two lodges. The Karoo Lodge is a renovated farmhouse with a veranda while the Manor House has an infinity pool.
All units have air-conditioning, a patio, tea-and-coffee making facilities. All meals and selected drinks are included and guests can join two daily game activities with an experienced game ranger. Port Elizabeth is a 2.5 hour drive and there is a private air strip located 20 minutes' drive from the lodges.
Such unique experiences do not come cheap, but I'd bet they will be truly memorable. I'd certainly be tempted.