Shamwari Game Reserve

(Eastern Cape - South Africa)

General Description

Shamwari Game Reserve is a 25,000 hectare, malaria free private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The reserve is the recipient of numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years.

It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, and a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to a time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20,000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.

Accommodation

Accommodation consists of six different lodges. Eagles Crag Lodge is a wonderful design of thatch, stone and glass for the most discerning of travellers. Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximise the privacy of the guest in the most tranquil of settings. The en-suite rooms boast a private deck with pool as well as indoor and outdoor showers. 

Long Lee Manor, an Edwardian Manor House originally built in 1910, offers a distinctive Colonial experience and is capable of accommodating 38 guests in elegant en-suite rooms, all with air-conditioning and heating, as well as family suites for the children.

Bushmans River Lodge is a beautifully restored Victorian homestead, home to four deluxe en-suite air-conditioned rooms.

Lobengula Lodge truly is a traditional African experience. Tucked deep in the valley bushveld, this thatched and beautifully decorated lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway. The five luxury rooms are en-suite, with air-conditioning and heating, whilst the Chief suite boasts a private pool and a large private lounge with fireplace.

Riverdene Lodge sleeps a total of 18 guests. Rooms are fully air-conditioned, and all feature television, telephone and a small lounge area.

Baythe Lodge is a splendid stone walled and thatch roofed lodge. Each of the nine tents are nestled along the bed of the river, camouflaged under trees allowing 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.

Dining

Wake up to a scrumptious breakfast. Dinners are served around outside in the Lodge boma areas or in the Lodge dining rooms. Barbecue styled dinners are also a popular choice.

Facilities (dependent on choice of accommodation)
- Swimming pool

- Plunge pool
- Dining room

- Lounge

- Library

- Boma

- Spa

- Tennis

- Gym facilities

Activities

- Game drives twice daily

- Nature Walks

- Traditional dancing and culture village

There are many activities available in the local area (mostly at an additional cost)

- Guided game drives into Addo

- Elephant Back safari

- Helicopter trip

- Cultural, historical and agricultural tours

- Township tours

- Canoeing trip

- Mountain hike

- Day visit to private reserves nearby

Child Policy

Children under the age of 12 are only accepted at Long Lee Manor.

Environmental Policy

The conservation department at Shamwari has a highly effective team, including a qualified wildlife veterinarian, ecologist and environmentalist. The Wildlife Department also boasts a breeding centre, an education centre and an anti poaching unit. To ensure the lasting sustainability of the reserve as an ecosystem rich in biodiversity, the ecology department strives to protect and where necessary to improve the environment. The Wildlife Department has received the Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice and Dr Johan Joubert, the Wildlife Director, was voted one of South Africa's Top Ten Conservationists, awarded by the Endangered Wildlife Trust.