PRIDE OF THE EASTERN CAPE
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa coupled with responsible tourism and the most luxurious means of experiencing your African safari adventure. Situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve is the malaria-free, safari holiday you’ve been searching for. Accommodating family, friends or business associates, our facilities, coupled with our spectacular location and passion for the environment, make this an unforgettable destination.
+27 (0) 42 203 1111
reservations@shamwari.com
Accommodation
Shamwari Game Reserve incorporates 6 luxury lodges, all of which are 5 star graded. Each one has its’ own unique energy and essence, designed in harmony with their surroundings, where guests can experience nature in supreme comfort.
Eagles Crag Lodge –Surrounded by imposing mountain cliffs, this lodge boasts elegant ambience amid nature’s beauty. Each suite, a secluded haven to unwind in sheer comfort.
Lobengula Lodge – An exclusive Villa tucked away in the valley bushveld, ideal for a private tailor-made safari experience.
Bayethe Tented Lodge –Offering the ultimate in luxury tented accommodation, these designer tents are shrouded by rich vegetation providing privacy and seclusion.
Long Lee Manor –Refined elegance from a bygone era, offering colonial style accommodation and overlooking magnificent plains teeming with wildlife.
Riverdene Family Lodge – Warm and welcoming child friendly accommodation, which includes luxury amenities and our ‘Kids on Safari’ programme.
Sarili Family Lodge – Overlooking the Bushman’s River and scenic plains, this lodge offers contemporary comfort, ideally suited to families, groups and friends.
Conservation Principals
We pride ourselves and our actions in conserving a vanishing way of life. Join us for a once in a lifetime experience to empower, engage and educate yourself with our conservation efforts at one of our awareness centres.
Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre – An educational awakening about the plight of a rapidly depleting species, and what we can do to help.
Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary – A public awareness and rescue effort aimed at shining a light on the circumstances of wild animals confined in impoverished, captive environments.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre – A first-hand encounter with our passionate on-site vets, who care for young, injured and abandoned animals, which are to be re-released back into the wild.
Activities
Whether you’re looking for an exhilarating outdoor adventure, or relaxing quality time with loved ones, Shamwari Game Reserve has something for you. Our 5-star accommodation, coupled with the exciting safari activities on offer are sure to provide you and your travelling party with a holiday experience to remember.
Abundance of Activities
Along with the never-ending views of the vast plains, you can enhance your stay even further by partaking in:
Game viewing
With two game drives per day, morning and evening, you can embark on an intimate guided tour of this pristine land. Survey the areas, witness the birds of prey or spot one of the Big 5 from the comfort and safety of our open game vehicles. Our rangers and guides are passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable in their respective fields of expertise. Expect to take away new insights, an appreciation for Africa, and an unforgettable experience.
Spa treatments
Many of our lodges boast their own Relaxation Retreats offering personalised treatments to suit your specific needs. Some of the therapies available include massages, body scrubs, healing facials, manicures and waxing. The retreats pamper and allow you to relax amongst the sights and sounds of nature.
Conservation experiences
Become part of the solution when it comes to nature conservation, by helping to conserve a vanishing way of life. Shamwari Game Reserve is proud to be associated with institutions that strive to promote awareness and provide information and education. There are 3 such facilities available to our guests: The Ian Player Rhino Awareness centre, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries.
Enhance your holiday experience at Shamwari Game Reserve by incorporating one of our many safari activities into your itinerary. Contact us today to book your spot in the wild.
Bird Watching
For a truly African safari experience, consider Shamwari Game Reserve as your next destination. Not only do we offer unforgettable views and 5-star luxury accommodation, but we also have a host of activities available, including bird watching.
Flocks in Abundance
This malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is home to a host of wild game, Big 5, and beautiful birds. Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike are treated to an array of birds of prey sightings, including:
- Black Shouldered Kites
- Booted Eagles
- Pale Chanting Goshawks
- Secretary birds
Additionally, Shamwari Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve, which means it’s the ideal opportunity to catch sight of:
- African Darters
- African Shelducks
- Hamerkops
- Malachite Kingfishers
- Three-banded Lapwings
Birds of this region
These are a few special birds that we are privileged to see here. Specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds, will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment.
- Olive Bush Shrike (Ruddy form)
- White Backed Night Heron
- Black Harrier
- Denhams Bustard
- Narina Trogon
Be Prepared
Whether you set out on a game drive, go on a guided walk or simply watch from your balcony, bird watching is such a relaxing activity. In order to get the most from your safari experience, we highly recommend that you come fully prepared with these items:
- Binoculars
- Bird reference book
- Cameras and lenses
- Personal notebook
- Warm clothing
Shamwari Reservations
Contact Us
Our rangers are experts at navigating the Shamwari terrain and are readily available to answer any questions you may have. If there is a certain species you’re hoping to spot, or an area you wish to visit, chat to your coordinator to make arrangements. We do suggest mentioning any special requests you may have when you make your booking. That way, we can advise you on the ideal time of year to visit, which lodge to stay at, and make any other arrangements that might be needed.
Game Drives
At Shamwari Game Reserve, we not only offer our guests 5-star luxury accommodation but pride ourselves on presenting wildlife interaction that is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Coupled with the African horizon and spectacular skies, we offer game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime.
Drive through the Wild
Our game viewing drives are available for morning and evening trips, as this is when the animals are most active. Our vehicles are open and comfortable and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by one of our trained game rangers who’ll take you and your party through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way.
If you have a particular area of interest, you’re welcome to inform your guide who will include it along the journey, if possible.
In order to ensure that you have a memorable experience, we want you to be prepared and comfortable. We highly recommend you bring:
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Warm clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hat
The game drives themselves last for approximately three to four hours and takes you through the reserve. Included on the game drive is a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sundowner stop in the evening.
Unfortunately, no children under the age of 4 are permitted on the game drives; however, we can arrange a childminder at an additional cost.
Walking Safaris
In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Game Reserve also offers professionally guided walking tours. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and educate you on the area and its history.
Unfortunately, no children under the age of 16 or adults over the age of 60 (unless provided with a doctor’s certificate of fitness) are permitted on these walks. We regret that for safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted on these walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to pack?
As Shamwari is a malaria free area, there is no need for you to pack any preventative tablets or syrup, other than your prescription medication. However, we do highly recommend that you bring:
- Cameras, lenses and binoculars
- Light clothing for summer safaris
- Bathing suits for the pool areas
- Walking shoes
- Sunscreen and hats
- Warmer clothing for winter stays
What is the climate like?
South Africa enjoys a warm climate year-round. During winter, expect to experience temperatures that range between 7 and 22°C. During the summer months, temperatures can reach between 16 and 36°C.
What can my children do at Shamwari?
There are a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. Shamwari has an entire lodge and programme dedicated to entertaining little ones. Click here for more information.
Can I take my toddler on a game drive?
Unfortunately not. When on a game drive, we’re often required to be quiet and still, which can be a challenge for young children. Therefore, as safety is our primary concern, no children under the age of 4 are permitted on game drives.
We do have childminding services available on request, in addition to a host of kid’s activities to keep them occupied.
What is the best time of year for game viewing?
Game viewing is not affected by the weather, seasons or time of year. Animals are active 365 days a year. If there is something you are specifically looking to see, consult with one of our safari experts upon making your booking.
Additionally, it’s recommended that you bring warm clothing along with for the trip as it may get cold, regardless of the time of year.
How do I get to Shamwari Game Reserve?
For an additional fee, private road transfers and charter flights can be arranged and booked with your accommodation. Alternatively, if you are driving to Shamwari, click here for directions.
What will the daily programme be?
Your allocated ranger will draw up a customised programme for you on the day of your arrival, which includes game drives and guided walks. For a guideline of what’s available, click here
What are the requirements to enter South Africa?
Entry into our beautiful country is usually hassle-free. Please note that all visitors need to be in possession of a valid passport, however, visas are not required, depending on which passport you are travelling on and the number of days you intend to be in South Africa.
Please take note: As of June 2015, people travelling with minors (people under the age of 18) are required to be carrying an unabridged birth certificate, in addition to their passport.
Furthermore, as per South African law, upon your arrival in the country, you need to ensure that your passport has at least two full pages open for stamps upon your arrival in South Africa.
Please contact your nearest South African Embassy or consulate, for the latest visa requirements. Additionally, travellers over 1 year of age coming from a high-risk area need to bear a Yellow Fever inoculation certificate. Alternatively, click here for more information.
What are facilities like in South Africa?
At Shamwari Game Reserve, our 5-star luxury lodge accommodation is accredited by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa annually. Thorough inspections have been conducted in accordance with South African tourism standards. South Africa is home to a world-class infrastructure including transport, telecommunications, banking, manufacturing, mining and medical facilities.
Travelling to South Africa
Gaining access to South Africa is as easy as hopping on a plane to one of the many airports in the country. However, in order to get to Shamwari Game Reserve, you can utilise the N2 highway by car or bus.
Alternatively, visitors can fly to Port Elizabeth airport and either hire a car or utilise our transfer service at an additional fee.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ, with the exception of Pretoria (230 V) and Port Elizabeth (200/250 V). Most plugs have 3-pin or 2-pin. Adapters can be purchased but may be in short supply. US-made appliances may need a transformer. However, a limited number of adaptors are available in each room.
Additionally, most hotel rooms have 110V outlets for electric shavers and appliances. All of Shamwari’s six lodges are currently equipped with standby generators, as a precaution against a power outage.
Please be sure to check your device specifications and requirements, before utilising our power supply source.
Driving
In South Africa, we drive on the left hand side of the road and wearing a seatbelt is compulsory.
Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving license issued and valid in their own country. However it must be in English and have the photograph and signature of the holder.
If yours doesn’t meet these requirements, an international driver’s license is required.
People and Language
South Africa is a nation that is home to a vast amount of cultures. In total, we have 11 official languages, including English, which is widely spoken throughout the country. The local population groups and cultures include Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Afrikaners, English, Cape Coloured, Indians, Khoi and San.
Food and Water
South Africa’s tap water is one of the safest and cleanest in the world. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is closely monitored via inspections.
Restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and visitors are usually very impressed with the standard and choice of award-winning cuisine on offer. The country’s many cultures make for varied traditional fare, which is worth exploring.
Shamwari reservations
Contact Us
+27 (0) 42 203 1111
reservations@shamwari.com