Shamwari Private Game Reserve has opened reservations for Sindile, one of the new luxury tented camps.
The exclusive camp offers just nine luxury tents and will open on 20 December this year.
Named for the matriarch of Shamwari’s leopards, the camp mimics a solitary leopard’s sanctuary. It’s set in deep bush, on a ridge, providing excellent vantages over the Bushman’s River and surrounding plains.
Sindile is isiXhosa for ‘survivor’, testament to the celebrated leopardess that survived numerous lion maulings to raise the five litters of cubs which comprise Shamwari’s leopard population today.
Each free-standing tent is elevated above the bush, allowing uninhibited views, unsullied by any man-made structures during the day or light pollution at night. Set on platforms, the harmonious, intimate design minimises the environmental footprint.
Each guest tent can accommodate two people and has a fireplace, heated plunge pool and generous lounge area.
The dining room and bar are situated to make the most of the surrounding scenery, with focal points including a large harvest table and fire pit.
“We thought very carefully about the situation of this new tented camp and it is exceptional. It combines the peace and solitude of the bush with some of the best views on the reserve,” says Shamwari CEO, Joe Cloete.
“Its design is the culmination of everything we’ve learnt at our other tented camps and luxury lodges, combining the romance of being under canvass with a premium hospitality experience.”
Luxury tented camps
Sindile is part of the second phase of a two-year US$25 million investment programme at Shamwari.
The first phase saw upgrades to Eagles Crag, accentuating its reputation for exclusivity and luxury and Riverdene Family Lodge, which was rebuilt to set a new standard for family safaris.
At the same time the hospitality offering was overhauled, including new, bespoke menus at each of the lodges, upgrades to the spa offering and extensive staff training.
The second phase includes renovating the historic manor house, Long Lee Manor and rebuilding the contiguous accommodation to provide luxury suites. It will re-open in November this year.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, considered one of the best and most successful in South Africa, has been expanded. Guests are now able to visit a purpose-built facility on the reserve, where animals are cared for and treated before being released back into the wild. This is in addition to the two big-cat sanctuaries, where, in partnership with the Born Free Foundation, rescued African big cats are given a permanent home.
How absolutely wonderful I long to come back my sister and myself were, I think, the two last visitors at Long Lee Manor before renovations it was total exclusivity and we were treated royally. Good luck with all your new exciting ventures – one day we will be back.
Dear Jose, thank you for your wonderful comment and kind words! We look forward to your return.
Can’t wait to finally see Sindile and it’s opening and being part of the Shamwari family and working in the bush just give’s that family uniting bound
Dear Euleen, thank you for your lovely words.
Newest item on my Bucket list!
Fantastic!
I loved it at Shamwari and hope to return one day, my most favourite holiday seeing all the beautiful animals.
Wonderful. Thank you for sharing, Celeste. We certainly hope to see you return to Shamwari too.