Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari is an award winning private game reserve based in the Eastern Cape and it is one of the most exclusive 5-star private game reserves in the country. Shamwari Game Reserve is more than 7,000 hectares and has a huge selection of wildlife, including the Big 5 and an impressive selection of bird species. Shamwari Game reserve is home to five of the eight biomes in South Africa and provides rich vegetation types, which make an ideal home for the wildlife, flora and magnificent bird life to adapt.

The safari drives at Shamwari are three to four hours long and take you to all the hot spots around the game reserve. Shamwari is a populated game reserve and therefore there is an excellent chance that you will be able to see the big 5 on the safaris.  The high standard safari drives take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are three to four hours long. The safaris are led by an experienced game ranger, highly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. You will learn about all the aspects of wildlife at Shamwari Game Reserve. At Shamwari there are six exquisite 5 star lodges, surrounded with breath taking views and scenery. The setting at Shamwari is truly magical. The service and hospitality is on point and here you will experience a true South African Safari in pure luxury at a 5 star safari destination.

This 5 star experience will have you blown away from the minute you arrive at Shamwari Game Reserve. The best time to arrive will be around 1pm in time for welcome drinks and lunch. You will be shown around the lodge and checked into your room. Then you will have some time at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the lodge. In the afternoon it will be time for your first safari drive. After the safari, it’s time to relax before dinner is served in the dining room.

The next morning, it’s your wake up call, bright and early for the morning game drive. The days will be similar at Shamwari Game Reserve. There are two safari drives, one in the morning with coffee and tea and one in the evening, with a sundowner stop at sunset. The food is outstanding and breakfast, 3 course lunches and 3 course dinners will be served daily in the lodge. After lunch you can spend the day at the lodge, lounging at the swimming pool and enjoy the incredible views and scenery. You can book a SPA treatment or take part in the different activities Shamwari Game Reserve has to offer. In the afternoon, the second game drive will take you over the beautiful African landscapes, into the sunset. After dinner, you have time to enjoy the night out in the wild and watch the stars, or listen to the animal sounds.

Your final day will start off with a sunrise safari and then you will have breakfast. You will then have some time to relax at the lodge, before you depart to your onward journey.

There are great activities at Shamwari Game Reserve. The game drives, nature walks and bird watching are the three main activities at Shamwari. You will find luxurious swimming pools, relaxation lounges and viewing decks where you can unwind and enjoy the incredible scenery. Some lodges have a SPA and some lodges have in-room treatments. There are plenty of kids activities and programs to learn more about the wildlife. Child mining can also be arranged at Shamwari.

At Shamwari Game Reserve the game drives and all meals are included. Drinks, additional activities and SPA treatments are excluded. Children are welcome at Shamwari Game Reserve, but children under the age of 4 years aren’t allowed on the game drives. It is for their own safety. On the guided nature walks, no children under the age of 16 and over the age of 65 are allowed, a pregnant woman isn’t allowed either. Exclusive packages for groups and families can be arranged with private safari drives and exclusive accommodation. Transfers are available on request.