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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Experiences – Family Vacations, Wildlife & Safari, Romantic Escapes, Cultural Journeys

Getaway Experiences
  • Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles, providing opportunities to see Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and other wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species.
  • Learn and explore about the conservation efforts, participate in eco-friendly practices, and even visit the Born Free Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre, which houses rescued big cats.
  • Experience guided bush walks with trained rangers who provide insights into the smaller details of the reserve.
  • Dedicated birding guides take guests on outings to spot a wide variety of birds, including raptors, waterfowl, and more.
  • Experience cultural interactions and learn about local Xhosa culture, including traditional dances, crafts, and cuisine.
Highlights
  • Premier safari & holiday destination
  • A chance to see the Big 5
  • A range of accommodation options where each lodge offers a unique experience
  • Experience the serenity and tranquility with a picturesque backdrop
  • Some of the lodges offer supervised kid’s club 
  • A Born free center and a Wildlife Rehabilitation center
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Services & Amenities
  • Tariffs & Packages
Overview
shamwari private game reserve

Discover Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a quintessential safari and holiday destination nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, renowned for its ecological diversity and cultural richness. Spanning 25,000 hectares of pristine, malaria-free wilderness, Shamwari is home to Africa’s iconic Big Five. 
Immerse yourself in luxury at one of Shamwari's seven exquisite lodges and an exclusive explorer camp, all meticulously crafted to offer a five-star experience. Each lodge exudes its own distinctive charm, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings, promising guests the ultimate in comfort and serenity amidst nature’s embrace.

As an extraordinary highlight, Shamwari boasts the renowned Born Free big cat sanctuary, one of only two in the world, alongside a remarkable Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

Experience Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where luxury meets wilderness, and every moment is a celebration of nature’s beauty and tranquility.
Location

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located an hours drive (approximately 75 kms) from Port Elizabeth Airport in Eastern Cape  Province of South Africa. 

Rooms

Shamwari has 6 lodges and 1 explorer camp each providing diverse experiences. They range from exclusive tranquillity to fun family enjoyment, from the back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp to contemporary lodges overlooking the river.

  • Long Lee Manor

    Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari you’ll find the exquisite Long Lee Manor. This newly redesigned lodge boasts Edwardian styled suites and a stupendous rim-flow pool. Long Lee Manor redefines elegance in nature. In addition to the rolling landscapes, the extravagant Long Lee Manor boasts the original Manor House and offers several unique features that will keep you comfortable during your stay. The accommodation is tastefully designed to enhance its location, while the Manor House has been lovingly restored to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage, adding a bit of romance to any stay.

  • Riverdene

    Riverdene Family Lodge has a welcoming ease and warmth and is a place where families are always at home and where guests become friends. Here you will enjoy sunsets under the expanse of the African sky, leaving you and your loved-ones with memories to treasure forever. Surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, Riverdene Family Lodge overlooks the widespread bushveld of the Eastern Cape. The newly renovated lodge is the ideal place for families to bond for hours as gentle giants roam in the distance, while children can engage in the Kids on Safari programme.

  • Explorer Camp

    Enjoy and experience adventure Inspired by Nature. During South Africa’s summer season, Shamwari Private Game Reserve expands its offering even further by opening the Explorer Camp.This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes guests on a guided walking safari of the surrounding land, allowing you to get up close and personal with nature.We firmly believe that travel needs to be simplified by going back to the basics. This package not only reflects the core ideals of our safaris, but aims to deliver an eye-opening encounter with nature.The wilderness bush camp itinerary comprises a minimum two-night walking trail with a picturesque background. The Explorer Camp is discreetly fenced for safety reasons but retains true explorer ambiance. The tents are placed in close proximity without encroaching on the other tents’ privacy, while the camp is located on a plateau set among the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari – a truly magical setting.

  • Bayethe

    The Bayethe Lodge at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa is a luxurious accommodation option nestled in the heart of the Eastern Cape. It offers a unique safari experience with its tented suites that combine the comforts of modern amenities with the ambiance of the African bush. Each suite features a private plunge pool, outdoor deck, and spacious interiors decorated in a style that reflects the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy thrilling game drives to see the Big Five and other wildlife, as well as guided bush walks and bird watching excursions. Shamwari is renowned for its conservation efforts and commitment to sustainable tourism, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking an authentic safari adventure.

  • Eagles Crag

    Eagles Crag Lodge is another exquisite accommodation option within the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It's known for its stunning location and luxurious amenities, offering guests a secluded and exclusive safari experience. The lodge features nine spacious suites, each with its own private plunge pool and viewing deck overlooking the surrounding bushveld. The suites are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment while providing modern comforts such as air conditioning, underfloor heating, and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. Eagles Crag Lodge emphasizes luxury, privacy, and an authentic safari experience, making it a popular choice for discerning travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Eastern Cape wilderness.

  • Sindile

    Shamwari’s new luxury tented camp is a secluded, luxury getaway set deep in the African veld. The camp mimics a solitary leopard’s sanctuary, blending with the surrounding bush while providing excellent vantages over the Bushman’s River and surrounding plains. The nine luxury free-standing tents are elevated above the surrounding bush, allowing uninhibited views, unsullied by any other man-made structures or light pollution. The harmonious, intimate design minimises the environmental footprint. The dining area and bar are situated to make the most of the views over the reserve, with focal points including a large harvest table and fire pit.

  • Sarili

    Sarili is an oasis of exclusive luxury overlooking the grassy plains of Africa and the Bushman’s River, a sumptuous six-bedroomed villa from where you and your family and friends can watch Africa’s iconic Big Five. Perched on the banks of the Bushman’s River, Sarili Private Villa provides the perfect exclusive bush experience, with magnificent African wilderness at your doorstep. The modern interiors coupled with exclusive amenities, mean you’re never too far from superior comfort in the heart of the Eastern Cape.

Services & Amenities
  • 6 Lodges and 1 Explorer Camp
  • All Inclusive basis 
  • Game Drives in the 25000 hectare private game reserve
  • Spa Treatments

Tariffs & Packages

Estimated Average Price: From ZAR 33,000 per night including taxes. (The Shamwari Private Game Reserve has a minimum 2 nights stay policy).


 
Terms & Conditions:
  • The estimated average price listed is for the base category room and is only indicative and may /may not include taxes. Please speak to or mail our luxury travel consultants with your dates of travel or fill out our enquiry form and we will revert with the best currently available price / offer for the chosen room category
  • The exclusive and/or special offers, if listed, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without prior notice. Proof of eligibility maybe required to avail of some types of special offers (eg: honeymoon offers)
  • The booking, payment and cancellation policies of the hotel/s will apply and our luxury travel consultants will advice you of the same at the time of reservation
  • Check in time for most hotels worldwide is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 hrs. Early check in will be on request and is subject to availability
  • We do not levy any booking fees or service charges