Lioness Sikelele basks in the sun. After an absence of more than 170 years, lions were reintroduced to Samara Private Game Reserve in 2019, where the population of prey species is large enough to support a sizeable lion population.
Lioness Sikelele basks in the sun. After an absence of more than 170 years, lions were reintroduced to Samara Private Game Reserve in 2019, where the population of prey species is large enough to support a sizeable lion population.
Courtesy David Niederberger/Samara Private Game Reserve
Samara's lion population has changed the dynamics of the 27,000-hectare (67,000 acre) reserve. Because of their feeding habits there are now more carcasses for scavengers to feast on, resulting in some herbivores being preyed upon less.
Samara's lion population has changed the dynamics of the 27,000-hectare (67,000 acre) reserve. Because of their feeding habits there are now more carcasses for scavengers to feast on, resulting in some herbivores being preyed upon less.
Courtesy Marnus Ochse/Samara Private Game Reserve
Cheetahs were reintroduced to Samara in 2003 after a 130-year absence. Starting with three cheetahs, the population has grown considerably.
Cheetahs were reintroduced to Samara in 2003 after a 130-year absence. Starting with three cheetahs, the population has grown considerably.
Courtesy Sacha Specker (Black Bean Productions)/Samara Private Game Reserve
Since lions were reintroduced, three litters of cubs have been born. The latest cubs, including the one pictured, were born in September 2021.
Since lions were reintroduced, three litters of cubs have been born. The latest cubs, including the one pictured, were born in September 2021.
Jo Munnik
Around 50 cheetah cubs have been born in the reserve since the animal was reintroduced. One legendary female called Sibella raised 19 of her own cubs to adulthood.
Around 50 cheetah cubs have been born in the reserve since the animal was reintroduced. One legendary female called Sibella raised 19 of her own cubs to adulthood.
Courtesy David Niederberger/Samara Private Game Reserve
Samara's 27,000 hectares (67,000 acres) contain a wide variety of ecosystems for animals, including forests, grasslands and mountains. Five of South Africa's nine types of plant habitats all exist within its borders.
Samara's 27,000 hectares (67,000 acres) contain a wide variety of ecosystems for animals, including forests, grasslands and mountains. Five of South Africa's nine types of plant habitats all exist within its borders.
Courtesy Bryn North/Samara Private Game Reserve
In 2013 Samara reintroduced the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samara.co.za%2Fconservation%2Fsuccesses%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">black rhinoceros</a>. The desert-adapted animal is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which estimated in 2020 there were just over <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iucnredlist.org%2Fspecies%2F6557%2F152728945" target="_blank" target="_blank">3,000 adults</a> left in the wild.
In 2013 Samara reintroduced the black rhinoceros. The desert-adapted animal is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which estimated in 2020 there were just over 3,000 adults left in the wild.
Courtesy Mitch Reardon/Samara Private Game Reserve
The so-called "Founders Pride" was started when male Titus and female Sikelele were introduced in January 2019, with female Sheba following a few months after.
The so-called "Founders Pride" was started when male Titus and female Sikelele were introduced in January 2019, with female Sheba following a few months after.
Jo Munnik
A young cub alongside an adolescent male. The first cubs to be born at Samara in nearly 200 years are now approximately two years old.
A young cub alongside an adolescent male. The first cubs to be born at Samara in nearly 200 years are now approximately two years old.
Jo Munnik
Visitors to the reserve can take part in bush walks and hikes. They can also <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samara.co.za%2Fexperience%2Fconservation-safari%2F%23conservationjourney" target="_blank" target="_blank">contribute to conservation efforts</a> during their stay, including getting involved in wildlife monitoring, planting and even animal translocation.
Visitors to the reserve can take part in bush walks and hikes. They can also contribute to conservation efforts during their stay, including getting involved in wildlife monitoring, planting and even animal translocation.
Courtesy Samara Private Game Reserve
Elephants are one of the megaherbivores living in Samara. Isabelle Tompkins describes them as "ecosystem engineers," knocking down trees and creating new habitats at ground level, while promoting grasslands.
Elephants are one of the megaherbivores living in Samara. Isabelle Tompkins describes them as "ecosystem engineers," knocking down trees and creating new habitats at ground level, while promoting grasslands.
Courtesy Neverlit Photography/Samara Private Game Reserve
Giraffes are named among Samara's "Funny Five" (a play on the iconic "Big Five") and listed alongside the warthog, wildebeest, monkey and aardvark for their interesting characteristics.
Giraffes are named among Samara's "Funny Five" (a play on the iconic "Big Five") and listed alongside the warthog, wildebeest, monkey and aardvark for their interesting characteristics.
Jo Munnik
Sarah and Isabelle Tompkins say proceeds from Samara's luxury safari business is ploughed into its conservation projects.
Sarah and Isabelle Tompkins say proceeds from Samara's luxury safari business is ploughed into its conservation projects.
Courtesy Sacha Specker (Black Bean Productions)/Samara Private Game Reserve