The world has changed, as has the tourism sector which is facing unprecedented times. Tourism of South Africa is the country’s lifeblood and tourists want to know their safety is the main concern going forward. We are eager to welcome guests back to the reserve, showing that we’ve got you covered!
What Shamwari Is Doing for Guests’ Continued Safety
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has worked with professional health and Tourism South Africa travel industry bodies to develop a set of safety standards to mitigate the possibility of coronavirus spreading at our facilities once we reopen.
Most of the luxury accommodation options are safely spread out between lodges, across the reserve. They lend themselves to social distancing, offering guests complete peace of mind.
Shamwari’s safety protocols have been reviewed by a medical professional and are based on World Travel and Tourism Council guidelines, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and other tourism sector regulatory bodies.
COVID-19 Precautions
A vital component of our approach is training. Staff will offer guests warm, smart and contactless hospitality that puts health first.
#1 Protecting Our Staff
Staff are screened daily. For your peace of mind, all staff have received comprehensive COVID-19 training: from awareness to spread prevention.
#2 Screening and Sanitation
All guests and staff have their temperatures taken daily. Hand sanitation stations are available throughout the reserve’s facilities.
#3 Safari Safety
There will be no more than four guests per game vehicle. New rules state that no equipment is to be shared. Vehicles are disinfected between drives while refreshments are individually packaged. Sole-use of a game viewing vehicle is available, for an additional charge.
#4 Social Distancing
While most of our guest accommodations are freestanding units, seating spaces in common areas have been adjusted for social distancing.
#5 Dining Service
Dining facilities are rearranged for social distancing – guests will be encouraged to enjoy ‘private dining.’ Meals are individually plated, observing strict food hygiene protocols, and all dining areas are disinfected after meals.
#6 Housekeeping Protocols
Housekeeping staff use hotel industrial strength chemicals. We have implemented strict protocols for deep cleaning, as well as the frequency of sanitising guest rooms and public areas.
#7 Isolation Suites
In the event of a suspected coronavirus case, we’ve set up a dedicated Isolation Suite where a guest can await their test results. All necessary protocols and services have been established by the Shamwari team to ensure absolute guest comfort.
Safari Experiences
Safety procedures have changed but safari experiences will remain thrilling. Guests are still treated to magnificent wildlife sightings. Enjoy two three-hour long game drives per day – allowing for plenty of time to immerse yourself in nature. Included on game drives are a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sundowner stop in the afternoon. Vehicles are comfortable, open and give a panoramic view of the area.
Apart from the safari experience, guests can visit Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres during their stay.
Virtual Tourism Initiative
While the reserve has been in shutdown, we have successfully launched Shamwari Zoom Virtual Experiences.
Shamwari is harnessing virtual technology to showcase its wildlife and helping raise funds to alleviate the suffering of rural communities in the Eastern Cape. The COVID-19 shutdown has had a massive impact on the travel and tourism in South Africa that are mainstays of the economy.
Contact Shelley van Rensburg on [email protected] to attend a virtual game drive.
