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Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve is a conservation orientated 5-star safari destination. Situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and home to vast herds of wildlife, birdlife and incredible ecological diversity, with 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes found here.

Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve

Room Information

Eagles Crag
Nine luxury lodge suites. Seven suites with king beds and two with twins. Sleeps two per room.

Bayethe Tented Lodge
Twelves detached tents. Two rooms types: Bayethe Hills (three superior tents) and Bayethe Luxury (nine luxury tents). Sleeps two per room.

Long Lee Manor
Ten suites & five luxury rooms. Sleeps two per room.

Riverdene Family Lodge
Nine luxury inter-leading rooms. Six twin-bedded luxury suites, three twin-bedded luxury suites with an extra sleeper couch. Sleeps two adults, sharing with one child.

Sarili Lodge
Five rooms. Two Luxury rooms with balconies overlooking the river. Two Luxury, courtyard facing rooms with an inter-leading passageway, and one Suite, with a balcony and river view.

Explorer Camp 
Exclusive luxury tents uniquely decorated and equipped with en-suite facilities. The camp operates from October to April and invites guests to get up close and personal with nature.

Things To Do

Game Drives: View the African wildlife at its most active on a guided morning or evening game drive. The expert game ranger will escort you in a spacious safari vehicle through the reserve and share their wealth of knowledge about the animals you may encounter. Each ride last for approximately three to four hours with a complimentary snack break to regain your energy.

Walking Safaris: Walk among the flora and fauna on a professionally guided walking safari. Gain an up-close perspective of landscape as your guide points out tracks, rare birds, and animal hideouts. You might even see the Big 5.

Birding: With different bird species specific to this region of Africa, expert guides will help you find types like the Black Harrier, White Backed Night Heron, and Narnia Trogon. If there is a certain type of bird you are hoping to spot this BYOB (bring your own binoculars) tour, guides will do their best to coordinate an exclusive sighting.

Spa: Invigorate the mind, body, and soul with one of Shamwari Game Reserve’s spa treatments. Luxury wellness retreats are also offered to provide guest with a full relaxation and revitalization experience surrounded by the Eastern Cape.

Rhino Awareness Center: The Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre aims to inform the public about the current plight of the rhinos in South Africa. As part of the safari experience you will have an opportunity to tour the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and lend a hand with the care for these animals.

Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries: tour the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries situated in the game reserve. The Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre are a collaborative effort with the Born Free Foundation that aims to “Keep Wildlife in the Wild.”

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: The goal of the Wildlife Rehabilitation center is to care for sick, injured, and orphaned animals until they are healthy again and can be released back into the wild. During your time at Shamwari Game Reserve you will be able to visit this sight and see firsthand how these animals are cared for.

Pro Photo Safaris: Capture the perfect picture on a unique, two-day photographic al tour with experienced photographers Iky and Ryan from Iky’s Photographic. Inherit their 30+ years of photography skills as you journey past some of the best photo subjects in the world, South African wildlife.

Details

Location:

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Price:

$$$$

Available Amenities:

24 Hour Reception

Currency Exchange

Eco-Friendly

Internet Access

Laundry Services

Mini Bar

On-Site Activities

On-Site Parking

On-Site Dining

Safe

Spa

Swimming Facilities

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Price Guide

$ = Up to $299
$$ = $300 to $599
$$$ = $600 to $999
$$$$ = $1000 to $2499
$$$$$ = $2500+
Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.