Enjoy a private safari experience at Shamwari

Exclusive safari experiences at Shamwari Private Game Reserve gives you a private introduction to South Africa’s breath-taking wildlife. If you’ve been dreaming about this and want to tick it off your bucket list, this private safari experience is definitely for you!

Personalized Safari Experiences – The Best Way To Experience Nature And Wildlife

A private safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is the perfect solution for guests who prefer not to share their game drive experience with strangers. The private safaris are available at an additional charge during our low season and occasionally during peak season as well. Treat yourself to a more personal and intimate encounter with our wildlife!

What’s more, rangers will be able to fully concentrate on you and your specific preferences with regard to your safari experience. The amount of drives is the same; the main difference is that you get a private vehicle for yourself, so it’s only you and your designated ranger. Would you rather spend more time watching the elephants playing in the water? Or maybe leave the ellies behind and go look for the lions … All these possibilities are at your fingertips if you indulge in a private game drive.

A stunning private view of our elephants.

Private Safari Honeymoon

Are you planning on coming to Shamwari for your honeymoon? This private safari experience lets you and your partner share close and personal encounters with wildlife. A romantic getaway in the bush is a wonderful way to connect on a different level with each other and your surroundings. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of South Africa’s magical landscapes while your guide takes care of the logistics.

An intimate view of a couple with the sunset as a backdrop.

Some advantages of going on private safaris:

• Personalize your wildlife viewings
• Flexible schedules
• Private ranger/guide and safari vehicle

This activity lets guests live and take home an awe-inspiring personal experience, shared with no one or with loved ones. There is no need to worry about getting the best seats, there are no mixed conversations, just a fully-tailored and personal experience between guides and guests.

Exclusive Safari Game Drives In General

When at Shamwari, guests will enjoy two daily game drives: one in the morning and another one in the afternoon. Since these are the times when animals are the most active, guests will be able to appreciate and enjoy wildlife at its best.

Game drives are interactive activities during which guests may engage in conversations with their guides, who are truly passionate about wildlife and have a lot of knowledge to share. Because Shamwari is home to five of South Africa’s eight biomes, guests will be taken through various landscapes: plains, rocky paths, valleys, and mountainous areas. This naturally diverse environment is home to many species of plants, birds, and animals.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the well-known Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). During your stay, you will probably encounter a few of these big animals, as well as a few of the lesser-known but equally incredible smaller species.

Stunning black and white view of lions in the wild.

It is important to highlight that we try to keep everything as untouched and natural as possible in our 25,000-hectare reserve. Therefore, we cannot control what animals you might or might not encounter whilst out on a game drive.

Moreover, while on a game drive or safari, guests learn a lot about wildlife and its conservation, which is one of Shamwari’s main goals: to highlight the importance of conservation and how to contribute to it. This also connects directly to Shamwari’s mission: Conserving a vanishing way of life.

How Long Do Game Drives Last?

Each game drive lasts for about three hours. Depending on whether guests go out in the early morning or late afternoon, there will be a morning coffee break or an afternoon picnic.

What Will I Find In The Vehicle?

Shamwari’s vehicles are open game viewing vehicles, which means you might get cold or even a bit wet on some days. For this reason, you will find ponchos (for rainy or misty days) and blankets (for cold days).

The animals at Shamwari are used to the shape of the vehicles, so they do not see vehicles as a threat. In addition, the Shamwari rangers and guides respect the animals’ territory; game drives are driven on dirt roads throughout the reserve and have as little impact as possible on the environment. It is important to remember that you are welcomed into the home of the wildlife during your game drive.

When on a game drive, you will have nothing to worry about. Feeling peckish? No problem! Rangers also carry a picnic basket with water and other beverages, as well as some snacks. Enjoy the beauty of the bush and its surroundings while refueling for your next adventure. Your ranger will stop at a beautiful setting in the reserve where you can enjoy your snacks and drinks with wildlife roaming in the distance.

View of staff and guests around a fire.

What Should I Bring Along To An Exclusive Safari Game Drive Experience?

Among our recommendations, we suggest:

• Camera – you will want to make sure you capture all those magical safari moments.
• Binoculars –sightings can be near or far so it’s best to have a set of binoculars on hand to help you spot the animals.
• Warm clothing – regardless of the season you visit the bush, it does get cold both during the early morning and late in the afternoon, so it is wise to always have something warm to wear on a game drive.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat to protect your head, eyes, and face from the harsh African sun.
• Insect repellent – always useful for keeping those irritating mosquitoes and other insects away from you.

Other Important Facts To Take Into Consideration

• Unfortunately, children under four years old are not allowed to go on game drives. It is always crucial to listen to the ranger. Sometimes guests will be required to keep quiet during a sensitive sighting and it is important to avoid making sudden movements, to prevent disturbing the animals. Children do not always understand the importance of these “restrictions”. However, the little ones can stay at the lodges with a childminder (additional charges may apply).
• While on a game drive, it is important to keep your mobile phone on silent mode.

Other Activities: The Walking Safari

During a stay at Shamwari, guests can also book the Walking Safari Experience in addition to the game drives.

These are professionally guided bush walks during which our rangers share their expertise and intimate knowledge of the reserve. While walking, you get to appreciate the little things that are usually missed while in the vehicles: footprints, insects, birds, and smaller interesting plants. Guests are encouraged to connect with nature; enjoy the scents, notice the wind’s direction and soft caress, and listen for a specific bird call.

Important Things To Know

• Children under sixteen, adults over sixty-five, and pregnant women are not allowed on walking safaris.
• Please request this activity when booking.

Close-up view of animal footprints.

Bonus: The African Safari Special

If you are planning on visiting us between the 1st of May and the 31st of October, take advantage of our African Safari Special. You can get up to 15% OFF your stay at selected Shamwari Private Game Reserve lodges. You will get 10% OFF when booking three consecutive nights and 15% OFF if you book four or more nights!

The bush is an incredible place to visit all year round. What’s more, if you visit us during the low season, you will not only get these amazing discounts, but you will also be able to enjoy our private safaris. Another advantage of booking your stay during the low season is that the lodges aren’t very busy, so you get more private and intimate moments. Privacy, comfort, AND discounts!

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway and you are not fond of very high temperatures, this is the ideal time for you to visit.

Are you ready to have the ultimate bush experience in South Africa? Then go ahead and book your spot at Shamwari!

*Please note that these specials cannot be combined with each other or any other promotions in the marketplace.