Samara Karoo Reserve

A Loyal Ambassador for Vuyani Safe Haven Since 2010

About Samara Karoo Reserve

Founded in 1997 by Mark and Sarah Tompkins, Samara Karoo Reserve is a pioneering conservation project near Graaff-Reinet. Over 27 years, the Tompkins family has restored 67,000 acres of land—removing alien plants, rewilding the area, and reintroducing species like cheetah, elephant, and lion. Today, Samara actively champions ecological restoration and sound land management across five of South Africa’s nine vegetation biomes.

A Relationship Rooted in Care and Commitment

The connection between Samara and Vuyani Safe Haven began during the 2010 Football (Soccer) World Cup, when overseas trainers hosted a football youth academy at Samara. Vuyani entered a team, and the partnership grew from there—with Sarah Tompkins personally endorsing and championing the relationship ever since

The Impact of Samara’s Support

Samara’s unwavering support has enriched the lives of Vuyani’s children in many meaningful ways:

Volunteer Engagement

Vuyani children took part in ecological activities like spekboom planting and soil restoration, while volunteers from Samara brought creativity and care through visits and art classes.

Annual Celebration | Christmas Party

A yearly highlight for our children is Samara’s joyful Christmas party.

Pack for a Purpose

Samara encourages guests to bring much-needed donations for Vuyani through this global initiative.

Nature Outings

Regular visits to Samara provide our children with exposure to wildlife, conservation, and outdoor learning.

Generous Giving

Inspired by their time at Samara, many guests have contributed to Vuyani’s building projects and our Buy-a-Brick Campaign.

Fundraising Advocacy

Samara has been instrumental in connecting us with supporters and facilitating meaningful contributions.

From Vuyani to Samara: A Full-Circle Journey

Nosipho, who grew up at Vuyani, exemplifies the power of this partnership. Supported by Vuyani, she studied hospitality at the SA College of Tourism and completed her learnership at the Drostdy Hotel.

Today, she’s a junior chef at Samara—once a guest at Samara’s Christmas parties, now proudly serving the next generation of Vuyani children.

A Partnership That Keeps Giving

Despite the conclusion of the formal Volunteer Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samara’s commitment has never wavered.

The Tompkins family continues to show heartfelt support:

Isabelle and Sienna Tompkins celebrated their 21st birthdays with a visit to Vuyani’s children with all their friends and more recently Sienna did the same for her 30th Birthday!

Henry Tompkins recently organised a Devonshire Jesters Football Club fundraiser in support of Vuyani and raised more than £500.