Do you hear that? It’s the call of the wild. Answer it by indulging in a once in a lifetime luxury safari in South Africa. Feel in tune with nature by opting to stay at an exclusive tented camp – whether you prefer keeping it simple or living it up in the lap of luxury, Shamwari has the perfect accommodation option for you.
Return to Nature for the Luxury South African Holiday of a Lifetime
Are you in desperate need of a vacation to wash away the stresses of daily life – to reconnect with the natural world around you and re-evaluate what truly matters? Located in the very heart of South Africa’s scenic Eastern Cape Province, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a five-star establishment that will soothe your tired body, mind and weary soul.
Forming an extension of the famous Garden Route, Shamwari is a must-visit vacation destination for everyone with a true passion for nature and all its creatures. You’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas, plentiful wildlife, as well as ecological diversity everywhere you look. Get ready to see exclusive sights and scenery limited to the region and make treasured memories that will remain with you for life.
In terms of accommodation options, Shamwari offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of seven distinct South African safari lodges, plus a back-to-nature Explorer Camp. We’ll be taking a closer look at the unique Explorer Camp and luxury tented camps, Sindile and Bayethe. If you’re looking for information regarding our more traditional accommodation options, please visit our lodges page or contact our reservations/help desk.
For the Intrepid Adventurers – Book a Stay at the Explore Camp
It is recommended that guests with a deep love of adventure visit during South Africa’s summer months, as Shamwari’s celebrated Explorer Camp is operational from October to May. Staying at this camp will entitle you to a guided walking safari across the surrounding African landscape, allowing you to see and experience nature like never before. There may be plenty of safari camps in South Africa, but none can quite compare to this.
Shamwari is passionate about conservation and one of our core beliefs is that travel should be simplified by returning to the basics. The Explorer Camp package reflects the ideals of our safaris and provides an awe-inspiring encounter with the natural world.
Those interested in the Explorer Camp itinerary are requested to stay a minimum of two nights, as the trail is operational on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as Friday and Saturday. For those who just can’t get enough of the South African bush, the option to extend to a third night (on the Sunday) is available upon request.
Shamwari’s Explorer Camp is situated on a plateau, that’s set amongst the grounds’ only basalt and granite extrusions, making for one unbelievable setting. Three tents are available, sleeping two individuals each. They are located within close proximity of each other, without intruding on the other’s privacy. This keeps the experience cosy and intimate, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness without interruption. Despite the camp being discreetly fenced in for your safety, it retains its African explorer ambience.
Shared facilities include a dining and lounge tent, plunge pool and viewing deck. Mouth-watering meals are served around the campfire, accompanied by the finest silverware, so that you can enjoy an authentic camping experience, without missing out on any luxuries. Mornings at the Explorer Camp are started with freshly brewed coffee and tea, served right in front of your tent. What could be better than waking up with nature and a hot drink?
If you’re looking to feel even more like the explorers of old, why not sip on a classic gin and tonic, served in crystal glassware, while overlooking your magnificent surroundings from the viewing deck?
*Please note that, as a precaution, only those aged 16-65 are permitted to stay at the Explorer Camp and join in on the walking safari.
The Tents
The Explorer Camp tents can be described as rustic, yet chic, with an undeniable adventurous ambience about them. They are comfortable and come equipped with every modern amenity you could want and need during your stay.
All three tents include:
- 2x single beds, convertible to a king
- En-suite bathroom with a shower
- Guest amenities, such as insect repellent, shampoo, shower gel and other essential items
- LED light for night-time use
Prices start at R4 900 per person sharing per night. Click here to book your luxury safari in South Africa at Shamwari’s Explorer Camp.
For the Ones Who Crave Tranquillity – Book a Stay at Sindile
Maybe you’re not that big of an adventurer, but you’re still looking to immerse yourself in Africa’s natural beauty. Sindile, the newest of Shamwari’s luxury tented camps (built 2019), makes the perfect tranquil retreat and is especially popular amongst couples.
The camp is secluded deep within the veld, providing the ultimate private retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Sindile was inspired by a lone leopard’s hideaway – it blends in effortlessly with the surrounding foliage and boasts impressive views of the Bushman’s River and its surrounding plains.
Nine luxurious free-standing tents, elevated above the encircling bush, make up this thoughtfully designed camp. Due to their raised position, all tents enjoy unrestricted views, unspoilt by light pollution or other man-made structures. Sindile’s environmental impact is low, thanks to its harmonious and hospitable design, meaning you can relish in a guilt-free stay.
A stay at Sindile will also give you access to a variety of world-class shared facilities, which include: a gift boutique, Relaxation Retreat spa, reception area and lounge, dining room with a fireplace, deck with a firepit, boma, bar and lounge with a fireplace and big screen TV, as well as WiFi connection. Both Sindile’s dining area and bar are positioned in such a way that they look out over the reserve, so you have dinner with a view to look forward to.
*Please note that no children under the age of 16 are permitted to stay at Sindile Luxury Tented Camp. For a family-friendly luxury South African holiday, consider Riverdene Family Lodge or one of Shamwari’s other accommodation options.
Luxury South African tented accommodation has never looked so good. Sindile’s nine premier tents sleep a maximum of two adults each and every tent comes equipped with:
- Air conditioning
- Electronic safe
- En-suite bathroom with a bath and shower
- Fitted international adapters
- Hairdryer
- Indoor fireplace
- International dial telephone
- Lounge area
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Outdoor shower
- Private deck with a lounging area underneath a pergola
- Private heated plunge pool
- Private minibar
- WiFi
Prices start from R11 000 per person sharing per night. To book your luxury safari in South Africa at Shamwari’s Sindile Luxury Tented Camp, click here.
Pronounced “By-ye-ti”, this luxury tented lodge’s name translates to “I salute you” and is considered to be one of the most welcoming African greetings found in the region. You’ll love reconnecting with nature without worrying about contracting malaria, as Shamwari is located in a malaria-free zone.
Bayethe Tented Lodge gives guests the chance to rest and relax far away from everyday stresses. Out here, it’s just you, unspoilt nature and unimaginable luxury for kilometres around. The dense foliage of this distinct location makes Bayethe a secluded tented paradise that provides you with ample privacy and superb views of the South African bush.
12 superior tents, sleeping a maximum of two adults each, make up this tented lodge.
Staying at Bayethe also gives guests access to numerous top-class shared facilities that include a Bush Relaxation Retreat spa, gift boutique, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, outdoor deck, lounge area with a TV and WiFi.
*Please note that no children under the age of 12 are permitted to stay at Bayethe Tented Lodge. If you’re looking for accommodation that’s suitable for younger children, consider Shamwari’s excellent Riverdene Family Lodge.
The Tents
Bayethe’s 12 superior tents all come equipped with a variety of features that help make your stay a comfortable one, including:
- 3 of the rooms have indoor showers
- Air conditioning
- Coffee and tea making facilities
- Electric blankets
- Electronic safe
- En-suite bathroom with a bath
- Fireplace
- Fitted international adapters
- Hairdryer
- International dial telephone
- Minibar
- Outdoor shower
- Private deck
- Private plunge pool
- WiFi
Prices start from R8 220 per person sharing per night. Click here to book your luxury safari in South Africa at Shamwari’s Bayethe Tented Lodge.
Start Packing for Your Luxury Safari in South Africa
So whether you’re a fan of something a little more rustic or wish to spend your vacation living in the lap of luxury, Shamwari has a tented camp to suit your needs. If you’re looking for something other than a luxurious tented camp, consider one of Shamwari’s five remaining accommodation options – there’s a five-star lodge for everyone.
We look forward to hearing from you and can’t wait to meet your acquaintance.
Shamwari Reservations and Help Desk
Telephone: +27 (0) 42 203 1111
E-mail: [email protected]
*All rates indicated in this blog are subject to changes without prior notice. For the latest prices, please contact the Shamwari reservations/help desk.
