Samara Karoo Reserve is an award-winning conservation project on 67,000 acres of heart-stoppingly beautiful wilderness in the Great Karoo of South Africa. Founded in 1997 by Mark and Sarah Tompkins, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalysing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation area to three million acres within a global biodiversity hotspot. Today the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations – comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, which are home to over 60 mammal species, including the Big Five and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Two intimate lodges welcome just 26 guests at a time for slow, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters. To immerse oneself in this landscape of infinite horizons is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset, a deep reconnection with nature and a heart-lifting vision of hope for the future. Each guest that visits Samara plays an important role in safeguarding the landscape in perpetuity.
HOSPITALITY PARTNERSHIPS
At Alladale, we embrace collaboration with conservation groups, NGO’s and companies that believe in the restorative power of nature. Our partnerships enable us to continue regenerating the Reserve’s ecosystems, while sharing the wild side of the Highlands with curious, conscious travellers.
“Over the years, our weeklong retreats to Alladale have offered our clients some of the best nature experiences in the UK”
Tom Mabbett
Operations Manager & Tour Leader, NatureTrek
HOSPITALITY PARTNERSHIPS
We believe a wider, global consciousness is needed in today’s world. We are always inspired by the determination and daring of visionaries, tireless in their quest to restore ecosystems while driving community development through nature recovery.
SAMARA KAROO RESERVE
BULLO RIVER STATION
Bullo River Station is 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness, carved with gorges and waterfalls. Located at the confluence of the Bullo and Victoria Rivers in the Northern Territory, Bullo is one of the most breath-taking and beautiful properties in Australia. The station is managed with a philosophy of partnership, where we never take too much or work it too hard, to ensure its rich treasure trove of nature is here for generations to come. The comfortable lodge can accommodate up to 24 guests, and each of the 12 ensuite rooms have AC, opening onto either the palm fringed pool or a calm shady lawn. Owners Alexandra and Julian Burt believe cattle grazing and conservation work in concert – and to this end, a partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) was formed. AWC’s work includes scientific monitoring, feral species eradication, fire management and weed control, all of which help to deliver increased diversity of native flora and fauna, leading to a positive outcome for the ecological health of this incredible landscape.
HIDDEN VALLEY WILDERNESS LODGE
A Partnership Rooted in Wild Conservation
Tucked deep within Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge is a sanctuary of untouched rainforest, cascading waterfalls and meandering trails. Spanning 7,200 acres of pristine wilderness, it mirrors Alladale’s commitment to rewilding and conservation, making this partnership a natural synergy of vision and values. For over two decades, Hidden Valley has been a steadfast guardian of Belize’s biodiversity, offering immersive nature-based experiences while protecting the region’s diverse wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and over 200 bird species. Through carefully managed conservation initiatives, the reserve plays a vital role in preserving this fragile ecosystem. Much like Alladale, Hidden Valley champions local culture and sustainability, weaving Belize’s rich heritage into its culinary offerings and immersive guest experiences. Locally sourced ingredients bring authentic Belizean flavours to life, while traditional storytelling and guided explorations deepen visitors’ connection to the land. Hidden Valley offers an exclusive, deeply personal holiday, where visitors can experience private waterfall excursions, guided hikes and holistic wellness experiences. This is a place to disconnect from modern distractions, reconnect with nature and embrace the wilderness – a philosophy connected by a shared mission: to protect the wild, celebrate local heritage and create unforgettable journeys in some of the world’s most spectacular natural settings.