Why Choose Shamwari for Your South African Safari?

South Africa – and more specifically, the magnificent Eastern Cape – has an abundance of unique experiences to offer tourists. With the diverse Garden Route located close by, along with an assortment of both relaxing and exhilarating activities, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is situated in the perfect, malaria-free area of the province.

Whether you’re looking to go on a family holiday, enjoy a getaway with friends or find the perfect location for your corporate retreat, a getaway to Shamwari promises to be memorable for all. A vacation spent at Shamwari is made even better when treating yourself to one of our special offers or package deals.

There’s an offer (and a lodge) to suit every need. Be sure to check out our current South African Residents Specials at Bayethe (reopening December 2021), Long Lee Manor, Sindile and Sarili Private Lodge.

Discover why your travel party should pay Shamwari a visit on your next South African safari trip…

Girl with landscape

Want to Enjoy a Wildlife Safari? Shamwari Is Great for Game Viewing!

Shamwari is truly a private game reserve unlike any other. Five of the country’s eight biomes can be found within the 250 km2 grounds. This ensures guests get to encounter a wide variety of uniquely South African wildlife, birdlife, as well as ecological diversity during their visit.

Included with every stay is two wildlife safari game drives per day: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Our game drives are scheduled around the times when the wildlife are most active. All Shamwari game viewing vehicles are comfortably equipped and open, providing guests with uninhibited views of their surroundings.

Animals you can look forward to seeing include:

  • All members of the iconic Big Five
  • Various ungulates, such as zebras, giraffes, kudus and bushbucks
  • Monkeys
  • Albany adders (a type of endemic puffadder snake)
  • Smaller (but still significant) creatures like the Addo flightless dung beetle
  • Over 275 distinct bird species

Each game drive is between three and four hours long, taking guests through the whole reserve. The morning game drives feature a coffee/tea stop and the afternoon game drives a sundowner stop.

Should you have a specific area of the natural world that piques your interest, please feel free to inform your designated game ranger/guide before your drive. They will do their utmost to incorporate it along the way, if at all possible.

elephant game drive

Enjoy a Walk on the Wild Side

Aside from interactive game drives, Shamwari also offers professionally guided wildlife safari walks. During these walks, guests can look forward to rangers/guides sharing their expert insights into the creatures and plant life found across the reserve. Each walk is unique and stands out for a different reason.

See the natural world from an entirely different perspective as you get up close and personal with birds, animal dung and tracks. You haven’t lived until you’ve witnessed a herd of buffalo grazing lazily in the sun, with oxpeckers perched upon their backs, from ground level.

landscape image

It’s Conveniently Close to the Coast

Did you know that Shamwari forms part of a natural extension of the Garden Route? The Garden Route is celebrated the world over for its pristine 300 km coastline. Those looking to enjoy a bush and beach holiday will be pleased to hear that Shamwari is located under an hour’s drive from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and the nearby surfers’ paradises of Jeffrey’s Bay and Cape St Francis.

The coastal winds in the region tend to reach high speeds, which is great news for vacationers looking to enjoy some windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing or another wind sport. Dolphin and whale watching, either from the coast or on a boat, is another popular activity along the Garden Route. Anglers will also be happy to hear that there is plenty of fish eager to bite in the region.

So whenever you and your travel party are looking to spend the day working on your tan or want to take part in some more adventurous water activities, you’re never too far away from an incredible beach.

beach surf

Shamwari Is Centrally Located Within the Greater Eastern Cape Region

Shamwari isn’t just situated close to amazing beaches, it’s within reach of a host of fascinating locations and activities. Places of interest within the greater Eastern Cape area (and Garden Route) include:

  • Numerous excellent wineries, breweries and restaurants – an epicurean’s dream
  • The Tsitsikamma forest – why not go on a thrilling Canopy Tour and see the forest from the treetops?
  • The Baviaanskloof Wilderness
  • The Drakensberg Mountain slopes
  • A part of the vast Great Karoo

To make the most of your time within the Eastern Cape, consider going on a road trip – ending in the best South African safari experience at Shamwari. This way, your travel party will get to take in the majesty of this hidden gem amongst the provinces, as well as the world-famous Garden Route. The memories you make – and views you take in – along the way will remain with you for life.

kid and parents with landscape

Experience the Finest Service and Dining During Your South African Safari

From the moment you arrive up until you have to say goodbye, the 325+ strong local Shamwari staff will make your stay on the reserve a wonderful one. No matter what your age or needs, our team stand at the ready to accommodate you. You may arrive at the reserve as a stranger, but you will leave as a dear friend.

During your stay, your travel party won’t just enjoy one of the best South African safaris in terms of awe-inspiring game drives, luxurious facilities and world-class service – you’ll also be treated to delectable, fresh meals daily. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all lovingly prepared with the greatest care by our chefs and kitchen staff.

This is what one of our most recent guests (September 2021) had to say about their Shamwari experience:

“Shamwari Reserve is absolutely gorgeous! I stayed in the Sindile Tents and they are stunning. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Shannon the massage therapist was fantastic.
The food was 5 star and so beautiful. Mino the Ranger was amazing. [His] love for Shamwari is infectious. I can’t wait to go back.” – coriekap on TripAdvisor

person with food mugs

Shamwari Promises to Be a Fantastic Intergenerational Retreat

While the adults enjoy some quiet time lounging by the pool, indulging in one of our safari spa treatments, or enjoying a private meal, our qualified childminders will keep an eye on the kids. Young ones can also take part in our Kids on Safari Programme. Be sure to pay a visit to our Safari Adventure Centre at Riverdene and allow your brood to run wild.

Adults and children alike will enjoy visits to our Born Free Big Cat Rescue Centre and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Here you’ll learn more about species conservation, habitat protection, as well as the humane, compassionate approach we take when dealing with animal welfare.

As Shamwari is situated in a malaria-free area, nobody has to worry about taking any anti-malarial medications before, during or after your visit. You and your loved ones can simply enjoy a perfectly safe and luxurious stay while learning more about our remarkable natural world.

*Please note that childminding is available at an additional cost. Regrettably, no children under the age of four are permitted on any game drives.

kids running image section

What Are You Waiting For? Book One of the Best South African Safari Experiences of Your Life Today!

Don’t miss out on a world-class December holiday to end off 2021. Spoil yourself and your loved ones with a South African Safari retreat without equal. Book online today or get in touch with the Shamwari Reservations Department at +27(0) 42 203 1111 or [email protected].

Limited rooms are available over the holiday season, so act fast to avoid disappointment! We can’t wait to give you a warm Shamwari welcome.