Later this month, on March 29th, 2020, the Ironman African Championship will take place in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth. Competitors from around the globe will be flocking to this South African city to partake in this world-famous Ironman event. Not to mention all the local and international supporters that will be cheering on the competitors. A South African Lodge could be the perfect place for you to stay for the duration of this prestigious event.
Ironman 2020 in Nelson Mandela Bay
The Ironman is one of the most popular events around the world for athletes. This is no ordinary triathlon. It is a lifelong dream for many and an annual race for many esteemed athletes. For some, it’s a once in a lifetime achievement – a bucket list event, if you will. However, for many seasoned athletes and Ironman participants, it’s the ultimate test of both physical and mental fortitude. They want to improve their finishing time every year.
This year, at the end of March, Port Elizabeth will host one of Africa’s most renowned triathlons: an Ironman Championship. This race offers athletes 75 qualifying slots for the 2020 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, making it one of the most exciting Ironman races in Port Elizabeth yet.
Ironman Races in South Africa
There are three Ironman events that take place annually across the South African provinces. These are the Ironman, Half Ironman (70.3) and 5150 Triathlon Series. The distances for these triathlons are as follows:
- Ironman – Nelson Mandela Bay
- 8km swim
- 2km bike ride
- 2km run
- Ironman 70.3 – KwaZulu Natal, East London and Morocco (Africa)
- 9km swim
- 90km bike ride
- 1km run
- 5150 Triathlon Series – Bela Bela, Gauteng and Nelson Mandela Bay
- Olympic
- 1.5km swim
- 40km bike ride
- 10km run
- FunTri
- 400m swim
- 20km bike ride
- 5km run
Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay, also known as the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth, is regarded as the official gateway to the scenic Eastern Cape Provincein South Africa. Named after the freedom fighter and icon of world peace, this city is a treasured gem of the Eastern Cape.
With plenty of tourist attractions in and around the city, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax and get some much-needed down time after months and months of preparation and training for the Ironman Triathlon. Take a few extra days to visit the city’s beautiful beaches, known for their water sport activities or visit safari destinations to make the most of your time in South Africa.
Why Not Make a Holiday out of Your Trip to South Africa?
If you’re travelling all the way to South Africa to participate in the Ironman, why not spend a few days extra relaxing after the big event? Nelson Mandela Bay is a gorgeous coastal city in South Africa, known for its beaches and breathtaking coastline. Not to mention the wide selection of lovely local attractions and locations surrounding the city.
Things to Do in and Around Port Elizabeth
- Relax at the beach – Port Elizabeth has several blue flag beaches, perfect for relaxing seaside with a good book or several water sport activities such as surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, etc.
- Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve – Spend a day exploring this beautiful reserve or choose to have a picnic under the trees.
- Bungee jumping – If you’re an adrenaline junkie, go bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, located 160km from Port Elizabeth.
- Addo Elephant National Park – Drive through Addo Elephant National Park yourself, home to hundreds of elephants and the Big Five.
- Whale, dolphin and penguin tours – Go on a boat tour in Port Elizabeth to see marine life up close.
- Shamwari Private Game Reserve – Experience a South African lodge at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, 70 km from Port Elizabeth, to see the Big Five and experience luxury safaris.
Go on Safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
After giving your all at the Ironman in Nelson Mandela Bay, why not treat yourself to a trip to a luxury safari getaway at a South African lodge. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free, Big Five safari destination, a mere hour’s drive from the city of Port Elizabeth. Whether you bring the whole family or spoil only yourself and your partner, you’re in for the most luxurious safari game lodge holiday imaginable.
Experience a South African Lodge at Shamwari
Shamwari has several unique South African lodge offerings as well as an Explorer Camp. Each of the lodges are situated far away from one another, meaning that you and your travel companions can enjoy a private and memorable African safari experience.
#1 Long Lee Manor
Redefining elegance in nature, you’ll find Long Lee Manor. This lodge boasts Edwardian styled suites and a magnificent rim-flow pool overlooking a large waterhole that animals frequent on the regular. This lodge is family friendly and welcomes families with children from the age of eight years old.
Lodge facilities include:
- Large rim-flow swimming pool
- Relaxation Retreat with three treatment rooms
- Fitness centre
- Gift boutique
- In and outdoor dining facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Manicured gardens
- Boma overlooking the waterhole
- Organic vegetable and herb garden
- Perimeter electric fence
Long Lee Manor has 17 rooms sleeping a maximum of 2 adults. A family suite with two bedrooms, a living room and private plunge pool sleeps a maximum of four adults and two children.
Each room includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee machine
- International dial telephone
- Television with selected satellite channels
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Private patio or balcony
#2 Riverdene Family Lodge
Riverdene is a family-friendly lodge where children of all ages are welcome. This lodge is the ideal place for families to bond for hours as gentle giants roam in the distance. Children can also engage in the Kids on Safari programme.
Lodge facilities include:
- Swimming pool with shallow area for children
- Supervised Kids Club, Toddler Play Area and Kids Adventure Centre
- Gift boutique
- Boma overlooking the Bushman’s River
- Bar and lounge
- In and outdoor dining facilities
- Wi-Fi
The nine luxury inter-leading rooms can accommodate a maximum of two adults, sharing with one child.
Each room includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Microwave
- International dial telephone
- Television with selected satellite channels
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Private patio
#3 Sarili Private Lodge
Perched on the banks of the Bushman’s River, this contemporary and intimate lodge is perfect for couples, families or small groups. From June 2020, Sarili will become a private lodge. It is also family-friendly and welcomes families with children of all ages.
Lodge facilities include:
- Deck overlooking the Bushman’s River
- Pool with shallow area for children
- Lounge with fireplace and satellite television
- In and outdoor dining facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Small selection of gift items
At Sarili there are 5 luxury rooms that can accommodate a maximum of two adults.
Each room includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- International dial telephone
- Television with selected satellite channels
- Fitted international adapters
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Underfloor heating in bathroom
- Private patio or balcony
#4 Sindile Luxury Tented Camp
Shamwari’s newly renovated flagship lodge is a luxury tented paradise. It is perfect for both couples and honeymooners. The Sindileluxury tented camp mimics a solitary leopard’s sanctuary, blending with the surrounding bush while providing excellent vantages over the Bushman’s River and surrounding plains.
Lodge facilities include:
- Reception and lounge
- Gift boutique
- Dining room with fireplace
- Bar and lounge with fireplace and big screen television
- Deck with firepit
- Boma
- Relaxation Retreat
- Wi-Fi
The nine luxurious premier tents can sleep a maximum of two adults.
Each tent includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Nespresso coffee machine
- International dial telephone
- Fitted international adapters
- Private minibar
- Hairdryer
- Electronic safe
- En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Outdoor shower
- Private deck with heated plunge pool and lounging area under a pergola
- Indoor fireplace
- Lounge area
#5 Eagles Crag
For an exclusive luxury safari experience, consider Eagles Crag lodge. This gorgeous lodge boasts views of rocky cliff faces and allows guests to immerse themselves in nature. The lodge’s upper deck, complete with aerial viewing pods, provide panoramic views of the surrounding rock faces where eagles soar.
Lodge facilities include:
- Downstairs lounge featuring a billiard table, fireplace and a big screen TV
- Upstairs lounge with a bar and fireplace, opening onto a deck and aerial pods
- Relaxation Retreat with a steam room and sauna
- Gift boutique
- Wi-Fi
- Fitness centre
All nine luxurious junior suites can sleep a maximum of two adults.
Each suite includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee machine
- International dial telephone
- Fitted international adaptors
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with shower and bath
- Outdoor shower
- Private deck with heated plunge pool
#6 Lobengula
Lobengula lodge boasts views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This charming, tranquil lodge has been designed to resemble an African kraal and is a firm favourite at Shamwari.
Lodge facilities include:
- Swimming pool
- Poolside relaxation lounge
- Relaxation retreat with sauna
- Fitness room
- Wi-Fi
- Main lounge with satellite television
Lobengula boasts six junior suites, each of which can accommodate two adults.
Each suite includes:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- International dial telephone
- Fitted international adapters
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
- Outdoor shower
- Private patio or deck with plunge pool
#7 Bayethe Tented Lodge
Bayethe is Shamwari’s second tented camp. This tented paradise provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush, where guests can immerse themselves in utter relaxation.
Lodge facilities include:
- Relaxation Retreat
- Gift boutique
- Lounge area with TV
- In and outdoor dining facilities
- Outdoor deck
- Wi-Fi
Bayethe has 12 superior tents that can sleep a maximum of two adults, and three of the tents have indoor showers as well.
Tent facilities include:
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Tea & coffee making facilities
- International dial telephone
- Fitted international adapters
- Electronic safe
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom with bath
- Outdoor shower
- Private deck and plunge pool
- Fireplace
- Electric blankets
#8 Explorer Camp
In Shamwari’s summer season, from October to May each year, guests can experience a luxury safari filled with adventure while staying at the Explorer Camp. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes guests on a guided walking safari of the surrounding land, allowing you to get up close and personal with nature.
Camp facilities include:
- Viewing deck
- Plunge pool
- Dining and lounge tent
There are three tents that are simplistic, yet comfortably equipped with all the modern amenities required.
Tent facilities include:
- Two single beds (king convertible)
- En-suite bathroom with shower
- LED light for night-time use
- Guest amenities includes insect repellent, shower gel and shampoo, as well as other essentials
Book Your Stay at a South African Safari Lodge Today
So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to book your African safari today at Shamwari. Make the most of your South African trip – unwind and relax in utter tranquillity in the most luxurious of lodges.
