Congratulations on your engagement! Are you and your beloved starting to narrow down honeymoon destinations in South Africa or elsewhere? We can highly recommend you opt for a South African honeymoon at a private game reserve such as Shamwari. Discover the top 5 reasons why by reading on now.
There Are so Many Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa to Choose From – Why Pick Shamwari?
It’s certainly true that South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries on the African continent – why perhaps even in the world. With striking natural beauty everywhere you look, a great diversity of landscapes, hospitable people, as well as an abundance of rich cultures, fauna and flora, South Africa has countless good reasons to be your honeymoon destination of choice.
Now you might be wondering, why, out of all the honeymoon places in South Africa, should you choose Shamwari Private Game Reserve? Well, we’re glad you asked. There is an abundance of reasons but we’ll keep it brief and give you our top five.
1) Shamwari Is an Exclusive Destination
Located in the scenic Eastern Cape Province, Shamwari distinguishes itself from other private game reserves by being home to five of the seven biomes found in South Africa. This means you get to experience nearly the full scope of habitats/environments the country has to offer – all while staying at a single place.
Shamwari has seen a lot of positive growth and change since the original 1 200-hectare farm was acquired back in 1990. Because of our continuous conservation efforts since then, which have led to the restoration of the region’s land, flora and fauna, as well as eradication of alien plantlife, the reserve has greatly expanded and has officially been given the status of Protected Environment.
Today our reserve is known for having one of the most substantial wildlife concentrations found in both the Eastern and Southern Cape Provinces. Furthermore, the reserve also forms part of a natural extension of the world-renowned Garden Route.
Finally, Shamwari offers guests the opportunity to choose between seven distinct luxury accommodation options, plus an Explorer Camp for the adventurers at heart. We’ll be telling you about some of these exclusive lodgings later…
2) Our Guests Are Treated Like Royalty
True to our 5-star rating, Shamwari offers our esteemed guests nothing but the best treatment. Every one of our more than 325 staff member that you come into contact with during your stay will be sure to give you the royal treatment. From the receptionists to the game rangers, housekeepers and everyone in-between. You may arrive at Shamwari a stranger but you’ll most definitely be leaving a friend.
Shamwari isn’t named for the Shona word for ‘friend’ for nothing and we happen to go above and beyond for our dear friends. Simply tell us your request and we’ll do our utmost to make it happen, whether it has to do with dietary restrictions, a private game drive or something else. We want you to be completely satisfied during your stay.
If you’re a little hesitant about booking your South African safari honeymoon due to COVID-fears, don’t be. Our staff have been trained to continue offering warm, hospitable and smart hospitality without contact. You and your new spouse will still receive Shamwari’s famed hospitality, just with added safety measures to ensure your continued health and wellbeing.
3) Foreign Guests Get to Look Forward to Favourable Exchange Rates
Our honeymooners visiting from overseas territories will be delighted to note that our local currency, the South African rand (ZAR: R1 = 100 c), has a favourable exchange rate with all major international currencies. For our foreign guests who wish to settle their bills in cash, please take note that we only accept USD, GBP and EUR, aside from ZAR, at Shamwari.
As foreign tourists, you and your new spouse can have your value-added tax (VAT at 15%) refunded at your point of departure, as long as you can present your original tax invoices.
What could be better than honeymooning in a destination where you get a whole lot of value for your money? That means you can do so much more with your money in South Africa for so much less than in say, your home country.
4) So Many Wonderful Activities to Enjoy on (and off) the Reserve
A honeymoon at Shamwari will scarcely be a dull one, as there’s so much to do both on and off the reserve.
You and your beloved get to enjoy two game drives every day of your stay. Guided by our skilled rangers, game drives are held during the hours surrounding sunrise and sunset when the wildlife experience peak activity levels. Every game drive offers something new and throughout your stay, you will get to learn about and grow to appreciate so much of the indigenous fauna and flora. All of our game viewing vehicles are comfortable and open, allowing you an unobstructed panoramic view of the surrounding area.
For a different kind of encounter with nature and the local wildlife, attend one of our professionally guided bush walks. Your dedicated ranger will call your attention to various points of interest you might ordinarily miss when riding in a game viewing vehicle, like animal dung, tracks and different bird species. As you walk, you’ll also be educated about the area’s rich and interesting history.
Birding is another activity you can enjoy while staying in one of Shamwari’s lavish honeymoon lodgings. Whether you admire some of the over 275 bird species living on the reserve from your accommodation’s deck/balcony overlooking the area or during a scheduled game drive or bush walk, there’s plenty of feathered friends to look out for. You can even inform your designated ranger about your specific birding interests and they’ll be happy to try and include them into your drive or walk, if possible.
Some more relaxing activities couples get to look forward to with a Shamwari honeymoon are lounging by the lodging’s pool with a refreshing drink or indulging in a massage at one of our Relaxation Retreat spas.
5) The Perfect Honeymoon/Romantic Package
For the ultimate Honeymoon/Romantic Package, look no further than what Shamwari is offering. Available for a minimum three nights’ stay, you and your spouse can choose to spend your honeymoon at one of five of our fine lodgings.
Included in the Shamwari Honeymoon Package is the following:
- 1x 60-minute Couples’ Massage
- 1x guided bush walk
- A private dinner for you and your beloved during one of the nights
- A romantic turndown service, which includes some indulgent treats
Happy couples interested in the South African Honeymoon Package offered by Shamwari, are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an accommodation option. Whether you’re looking for a lodge with a deck overlooking the reserve’s most gorgeous landscapes, teeming with wildlife and members of the Big Five, or want to stay at a location with access to amenities such as a private, heated plunge pool, there’s a Shamwari honeymoon lodge to suit your specific needs.
Bayethe
If you’re looking to indulge in a grand tented safari experience unlike any other, then be sure to book your stay at Bayethe Tented Lodge. Guest are given the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature during their stay. Each of the 12 superior tents includes an in-room fireplace and private plunge pool. No children under the age of 12 are permitted.
Eagles Crag
This special lodge is situated deep within one of Shamwari’s valleys and finds itself surrounded by grand mountain cliffs. For the ultimate private, luxury honeymoon experience, opt to stay at Eagles Crag. Its awe-inspiring scenery makes it the perfect honeymoon destination. The lodge consists of nine junior suites and each includes a private, heated plunge pool. No children under 12 years old are allowed.
Lobengula
Beautiful Lobengula Lodge’s design is inspired by that of an African kraal and offers amazing views of the valleys and mountains surrounding it. It’s another extremely private lodge, which makes it so well-suited to honeymooners. Lobengula consists of six junior suites and includes a pool relaxation deck, as well as sauna. No children under 12 years old are permitted.
Sindile
This lavish tented safari camp is ideal for couples who want to feel close to nature but still enjoy all of the finer things in life. Escape with your new spouse to one of the best luxury tented camps in the Eastern Cape and South Africa. Sindile features nine premier tents, with each tent having access to its own private, heated plunge pool. No children under the age of 16 are allowed.
Long Lee Manor
The grand and historic manor house of the reserve has an air of romance about it. Long Lee Manor was renovated as recently as 2019 and features 17 luxury rooms, as well as one two-bedroom suite. Amongst the manor house’s most notable features is the large, rim-flow swimming pool.
What Honeymooning Couples Need to Pack
Couples interested in honeymooning at Shamwari might be wondering what they need to pack for their stay. Luckily, Shamwari is situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, so there is no need for you to bring along any antimalarial drugs. Just remember to bring enough of your prescription medications, should you take any.
We highly recommend that our guests pack:
- Light, cool clothes for summer stays
- Warmer clothing if you plan to stay in the winter
- Hats and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Your bathing suits for use in the pool areas
- Equipment such as binoculars, cameras and lenses
Opt for a Honeymoon in the Scenic Eastern Cape at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Well, what are you waiting for? Be sure to book your stay at one of the best honeymoon destinations in South Africa. It’s a jewel along the Garden Route and in the Eastern Cape as a whole. You will be hard-pressed to find a finer game and nature reserve for your honeymoon.
Please reach out to the Shamwari reservations help desk to make your booking or book the perfect honeymoon directly via NightsBridge.
