Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve, the ultimate luxury big five African safari adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
This reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years.
Luxury Safari accommodation is offered in 7 different lodges on this private game reserve. Choose a lodge that compliments your ideal African experience.
Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man’s dream, and the success of many people’s passion.
Steeped in pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.
Shamwari is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.
Shamwari 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 adventure. And what’s more…
Award Winning Game Private Reserve.
• One of the Biggest private game reserves in the Eastern Cape.
• 5 of South Africa's 7 biomes are found on Shamwari.
• A private game reserve that boasts many high profile animals including the Big 5.
• Very accessible with frequent daily flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
• Transfers arranged with Avis in chauffeur driven vehicles.
• Unique selection of 5 Star game lodges.
• Malaria Free area.
• Natural extension to the famous Garden Route.
• Family safari destination – children welcome.
• Spas : 3 Luxury Spas and a unique bush spa.
• Two unique Born Free Sanctuaries
EAGLES CRAG LODGE
Ultimate Luxury personified in a contemporary African design.
Eagles Crag is nestled in a valley and provides the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travellers. Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximize the privacy of the guest in the most tranquil of settings. The en-suite suites boast a private deck with pool, as well as, indoor and outdoor showers. Decorated in light and contemporary colours, with wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides, these suites provide stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
Our luxury spa offers a wide variety of personalized treatments. The upper floor dining room and lounge, and ground floor library, lounge and cocktail bar, all further compliment the guests "African bushveld experience".
There are various dining venue options to enjoy the exquisite cuisine served at Eagles Crag. There is the upper floor dining room, the expansive balconies with stunning views of the cliff, the lower deck and the outdoor boma under the stars around the fire.
The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Exclusivity, privacy and serenity
ACCOMMODATION
The lodge boasts an authentic African Experience, secretly hidden in a gorge, filled with temperate forest vegetation and looking out onto a cliff-face and riverbed.
• 9 Detached luxury suites.
• Plunge pools on private decks, which are accessed through large fold-away glass walls.
• Raised wooden decks between all rooms and public areas.
• Air-conditioning (hot & cold),ceiling fans.
• International direct dial telephones.
• Indoor & outdoor shower facilities .
• Mini-bar.
• Tea/coffee making facilities.
• Private safe facilities.
• Bird spotting scope.
• Internet access.
• Hairdryers.
• Fitted International adaptors.
Facilities and Services
• Spa with 2 Treatment Rooms, Hydro Bath, Sauna and Steam Bath.
• Gift Boutique.
• Library/meeting room.
• Dining Room on upper level with fireplace and fold-away glass walls out onto the balcony.
• Outdoor dinners in boma or on lower level deck with fold-away glass walls leading out ontothebalcony.
• Bar/Cigar Lounge featuring a fireplace & big screen televison with glass fold-away wallsleading out onto the
deck.
• Large lounge with fire place and large outdoor deck upstairs
• A Birders paradise with beautiful views from the decks.
• Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle
LOBENGULA LODGE
Classical African elegance in ethnic thatched surrounds.
Lobengula Lodge is a truly classical African experience. Tucked away deep in the valley bushveld, this ethnically decorated thatched lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway. Two of the 5 luxury suites have private plunge pools whilst the remaining 3 suites are situated adjacent to the large swimming pool. The Chief suite boasts a large lounge with fireplace and private pool.
Lobengula Lodge serves lavish meals either on the main deck, in the diningroom beside the fireplace or in the outside boma under the stars. A selection of fine and rare South African wines are available from the cellar. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
After a game drive guests can relax, swim or enjoy a drink at the pool bar. The magnificent wooden deck overlooking the dense African bush is beautifully appointed for meals or mystical African storytelling in front of the fireplace. Guests are also invited to pamper themselves in the spa or workout in the gym.
Valley Bushveld tranquility
ACCOMMODATION
• 6 Spacious, individually decorated African thatch suites with private verandas overlooking African bushveld.
• 1 x Premier Suite with private pool, 5 x Luxury Suites, 2 with private pools.
• Satellite T.V. in all rooms
• Indoor & Outdoor showers
• International direct dial
• Air-conditioning in all rooms, ceiling fans,
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Hairdryers
• Private safe
• Mini-bars
Facilities and Services
• Spa : 2 Treatment Rooms, Steam Room, Sauna
• Swimming pool with sunken cocktail bar
• Gift Boutique
• Internet access
• Small Fitness Centre
• Wine cellar
• Boma / Dining Room / Deck
• Personal ranger service – only 6 people per vehicle
• Perimeter electric fence
LONG LEE MANOR
Refined Elegance from a bygone era.
Gracious living
Long Lee Manor, originally built in 1910, offers a distinctive Colonial experience. This splendidly restored Edwardian Manor House offers guests refined comfort, congenial service and enticing cuisine in the African bush. Long Lee Manor accommodates 38 guests in 15 elegant en-suite rooms and 3 luxury suites.
Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room, under the Pepper Tree, or around the open blazing fire at the Barn. A river boma offers an outdoor option for meals. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported
French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Between game drives guests can laze around one of the two pools, relax in the beautifully appointed garden lounge, or experience a rejuvenating treatment in our spa.
Long Lee Manor is a reminder of an era of gracious living - positioned as the flagship of Shamwari - it overlooks a water hole and the sweeping plains leading down to the Bushmans River.
ACCOMMODATION
• Twin Bedded luxury Palm Court Rooms
• 4 Twin Bedded Luxury Garden Rooms with mini bar
• 7 Twin Bedded Luxury Sidbury Rooms
• 1 Honeymoon Suite (upstairs with balconies, mini bar)
• 1 x Manor Suite (upstairs with balconies, mini bar)
• 1 X King bedded Sidbury Suite – with lounge, mini bar & patio
• Rooms have ceiling fans and air-conditioning (hot & cold)
• Satellite T.V
• International direct dial
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Hairdryers
Facilities and Services
• 2 Swimming pools
• Perimeter Electric fence
• Private conference facilities
• Internet access
• Spa Facilities– 2 Treatment/Therapy rooms, Steam Bath, outdoor Jacuzzi
• Curio shop
• Outdoor dining under the Pepper Tree
• Original 1916 Barn, with conferencing and outdoor dining facilities
• Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle
• Safe-keeping facilities in all rooms
BUSHMANS RIVER LODGE
Sweeping views of the Bushmans River
Bushmans River Lodge is a Victorian homestead that offers an intimate atmosphere that is a welcoming reminder of true South African hospitality. Beautifully decorated in an artistic ethnic theme, this lodge is another representation of the true uniqueness of Shamwari.
This 4-bedroom lodge is ideal for small groups of friends or couples and offers a very private experience. Dining is varied between the dining room, the verandah, which is adjacent to the pool, or the stunning boma under thatch overlooking the Bushmans River. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor and can be enjoyed in the cosy lounge with fireplace.
The ideal family lodge for an intimate experience.
Activities from the lodge include morning and evening game drives or walking safaris, accompanied by your personal ranger. Shamwari Game Reserve prides itself on the knowledge and professionalism of their rangers.
ACCOMMODATION
• Tastefully restored private lodge with 4 luxury twin rooms
• Air-conditioning (hot & cold).
• Satellite T.V.
• International direct dial
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Private verandah
• Hairdryers
• Private safe
Facilities and Services
• Boma overlooking the river for outdoor meals and game viewing
• Swimming pool
• Lounge with bar facility
• Internet access
• Outdoor & indoor dining
• Guests can book treatments at Long Lee Manor Spa.
• Personal ranger service – only8 passengers per vehicle
• Gift Boutique available at Long Lee Manor
• Perimeter electric fence
RIVERDENE LODGE
A colonial African experience in an elegantly restored frontier homestead.
The colonial-style, Riverdene Lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility ensures entertainment for the whole family.
Rooms are fully air-conditioned; all feature television, telephone and small lounge area, en-suite sandstone bathroom and private balconies leading onto the landscaped gardens.
There are two elegantly furnished casual lounges as well as a magnificent rim flow swimming pool to entice guests to relax and restore their energy.
The lounge opens onto an outdoor barbeque area. Meals can also be taken in the spacious dining room or the magnificent stone boma under thatch with a deck overlooking the Bushmans River. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
As with all the lodges at Shamwari, guests receive personal attention from their assigned rangers for the duration of their stay.
ACCOMMODATION
• Restored settler lodge with 9 luxury suites, all with own individual patio
• 1 x disabled-friendly room
• Air-conditioning (hot & cold), ceiling fan
• Satellite T.V. in all rooms
• International direct dial
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Hairdryers
• Private safe facilities
• Fitted International adaptors
Facilities and Services
• A truly unique, educational and fun family safari
• Swimming pool
• Internet Access
• Indoor & outdoor dining facilities
• Beautiful garden to relax in
• Lapa overlooking Bushmans River for outdoor dining or game viewing
• Guests can book spa treatments at the Long Lee Manor Spa
• Personal ranger service – 9 passengers per vehicle
• Gift Boutique
• Perimeter electric fence
Children's Facilities
• Children’s co-ordinator
• Child minding facilities
• Children's gift pack
• Visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre
• Exclusive visit to the Shamwari Wildlife Hospital.
• Visit to Shamwari Film Studio
• Childrens Activities
• Children’s menu available
BAYETHE LODGE
Bayethe Lodge offers the ultimate in luxury tented accommodation.
Bayethe is a splendid stone walled and thatch roofed lodge with a large deck area overlooking a waterhole. There is a double volume lounge and dining area which spills out onto the deck which is adjacent to the outside boma for traditional fireside dining under the stars. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
The 9 luxury tents are camouflaged under trees allowing for ample privacy and unsurpassed comforts. Each tent is air-conditioned and heated and has an en-suite bathroom, shower, private plunge pool and viewing deck.
The 3 premier tents at Bayethe Hills are the ultimate in tented luxury. These tents offer the additional luxuries of a fireplace, satelite TV, plunge pool and hammocks suspended out of the wooden decks.
Early morning and evening game viewing drives in open game viewing vehicles as well as guided nature walks and bird watching are all part of this magnificent experience.
ACCOMMODATION
• 9 luxury thatched tents
• Wooden floor, canvas sides, sliding wooden doors and thatch roof.
• 3 Tents have double beds& 6have twin beds
• Private decks and plunge pools
• 3 tents have indoor shower, 6 tents outdoor shower
• Air-conditioning (hot & cold)
• Electric blankets
• International direct dial telephones
• International adaptor plug points
• Hairdryer
• Mini-bar
• Private safe facilities
• Tea/coffee making facilities
ACCOMMODATION AT BAYETHE HILLS
• Situated 100m from Bayethe Reception
• 2 Tents have double beds & 1 tent has twin beds
• Wooden floor, canvas sides, aluminum sliding doors, thatch roof.
• Electric blankets
• Air conditioning
• Fire places
• Plunge pools
• Private decks
• Hammocks
• Privatesafe
• Mini bars
• Satellite TV
• Hair dryers
• Inside bath, outside shower
• Tea/Coffee making facilities
• International dial direct telephones
Facilities and Services
• Indoor dining or outdoor dining on deck, or in the boma
• Fireplace in lounge and indoor dining room
• Satellite TV in lounge
• Separate deck area overlooking waterhole
• Gift Boutique
• Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle
• Bayethe Bush Spa overlooking the water hole offers a range of treatments.Guests are also able to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their rooms
SARILI LODGE
The perfect combination between a colonial and bush experience. Perfect for families or small parties.
With African travel becoming a family affair, Shamwari Game Reserve will open Sarili, a new luxury lodge exclusively for families soon.
An environmentally friendly private African thatch designed villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River with expansive views of the plains, the lodge is positioned in the southern region of the Reserve. The décor emulates an old traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment.
The lodge consists of five suites and can sleep a maximum of ten (10) guests. The lodge features a child friendly swimming pool, dining and lounge areas, courtyard barbeque area and special children’s menu. Child minders are available at an additional cost.
Shamwari offers a special “Kids on Safari” programme where kids aged 4 and older have a chance of a lifetime to view the Big 5, view a special educational film and visit the Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Sarili Lodge operates independently, with a full staff compliment including its own Management team, chef brigade, hosts and hostesses and experienced field guides. Dinner is alternated between the in and outdoor facilities, weather permitting.
ACCOMMODATION
• 3 King Bedded Rooms
• 2 Twin Bedded Rooms
• Private Mini Bars
• Private Patio / Balcony
• Air conditioning
• International dial telephone
• Tea/Coffee making facilities
• En-suite bathroom
• Electronic safe
• Hairdryer
• Fitted international adaptors
Facilities and Services
• Bar / Lounge area with fireplace
• Dining Area
• Swimming Pool with shallow area (cold)
ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
When you visit Shamwari Game Reserve, we would want you to have the 'safari of a lifetime'. We will assign a personal game ranger to your group of 6. Your game ranger and lodge manager will design your daily program with you.
We want you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. To achieve this goal, we have brought together the best that the area has to offer. There is great game viewing, in modern open game viewing vehicles that have been especially converted to maximise comfort and viewing potential. Your personal game ranger will provide insightful and valuable information about the fauna and flora.
In between game drives your time is filled with relaxing, reading, spa treatments, swimming, enjoying delicious cuisine, a game walk, or a visit to one of the two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary’s.
KIDS ON SAFARI
A truly unique, educational and fun family safari
The colonial-style, Riverdene Lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility will ensure entertainment for the whole family.
Upon arrival, the children’s co-ordinator will discuss activity options with the family taking the family’s size, children’s ages and the weather into consideration. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than four years as they are too young to join game drives.
Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift pack.
Exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre
Activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.
Shamwari Wildlife Hospital
Different types of wild animals or raptors that are being cared for at the time, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild.
Shamwari Film Studio
Children will be given a sneak preview of the film footage of the new “Shamwari – a wild life” series, which is due for airing in August/September 2008 on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet.
Exclusive access to one of the Shamwari Film Studio crew members is available to film and produce a high quality DVD of your Family Safari experience. Advanced bookings are essential as the filming and production of the DVD is at an additional cost. You enjoy the moment while we record the memories.
Children can partake in various social, sporting and arts and cultural activities under the supervision of our children’s co-ordinator. Options could include: African bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star-gazing and African story-telling
