Are you considering a getaway at a luxury safari lodge? At Shamwari, there’s an accommodation option to suit every travel party’s wants and needs. Learn more about what you can come to expect from your stay at one of Shawari’s fine safari lodges.
Your Choice of Several World-Class African Safari Lodges
When making a reservation at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, you first have to decide which of our seven luxurious safari lodges (or Explorer Camp) is right for you. As each lodging has its own distinct essence and energy about it, there’s a suitable accommodation option for everyone. The different safari lodgings are also spaced out across the reserve, ensuring that all our guests get to enjoy plenty of privacy.
Discover which world-class South African safari lodge is the ideal option for your travel party.
Bayethe
Bayethe Tented Lodge offers guests a premier tented safari experience and the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature. This safari lodge finds itself surrounded by lush vegetation, providing guests with breath-taking views of the bush, along with a feeling of seclusion.
Shared facilities at the safari lodge include:
- Bush spa (i.e. Relaxation Retreat)
- Gift boutique
- Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
- Lounge space equipped with a TV
- Outdoor deck
Visit the Bayethe page for more information on all this bush lodge has to offer.
Eagles Crag
This safari hotel, surrounded by magnificent cliffs and situated deep within one of our reserve’s valleys, is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway destination. The lodge features an upper deck, fitted with aerial viewing pods. Get a drink and settle down in one of these pods to take in the striking panoramic views of the encircling rock faces, where the namesake eagles soar.
Shared facilities at Eagles Crag include:
- Downstairs lounge space with a fireplace, billiard table and a large screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Gift boutique
- Relaxation Retreat spa featuring a sauna and steam room
- Upstairs lounge, complete with a fireplace and bar, that opens up onto the deck with viewing pods
For further details on this safari lodge, visit the Eagles Crag page.
Explorer Camp
Shamwari’s Explorer Camp was designed with the more adventurous guest in mind. It’s used to house guests interested in our guided walking safari package and is operational during the South African summer season.
Situated on a plateau, the camp is set on the reserve’s only granite and basalt extrusions. It’s also discreetly fenced in for guests’ safety, without losing the explorer ambience.
The Explorer Camp’s shared facilities include:
- Dining and lounge tent
- Plunge pool
- Viewing deck
Our Explorer Camp page provides more information on what this accommodation option has to offer.
Lobengula
Lobengula is a safari lodge situated in the depths of the Shamwari bushveld. It takes design inspiration from an African Kraal and features stunning views of both the surrounding valleys and mountains. This deluxe lodge, with its rustic vibe and unique location, is ideal for honeymooners.
Shared facilities at Lobengula Safari Lodge include:
- Fitness room
- Main lounge area, featuring satellite TV
- Poolside relaxation lounge
- Relaxation Retreat spa, complete with sauna
- Swimming pool
For more information regarding this safari lodge, visit the Lobengula page.
Long Lee Manor
Overlooking the majestic plains of the reserve is Long Lee Manor. Check into the historic manor house if you crave to experience the romance of a bygone era yet still want access to all the modern amenities you’ve grown accustomed to. The manor provides the perfect blend of old-world charm meets new world comforts, as is illustrated by its Edwardian-style suites and spectacular rim-flow pool.
Communal facilities found at Long Lee Manor include:
- Boma which overlooks the nearby watering hole
- Gift boutique
- Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
- Manicured gardens
- Relaxation Retreat spa which is equipped with three treatment rooms
For further details on the historic manor, visit the Long Lee Manor page.
Riverdene
Riverdene Family Lodge has been designed with family enjoyment in mind. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will put all members of the family at ease. When you opt to stay at Riverdene, kids of all ages have access to a wide variety of extra activities to keep them entertained.
The lodge is surrounded by natural beauty and is situated to overlook the sweeping Eastern Cape bushveld.
This family safari lodge features shared amenities like:
- Bar and lounge area
- Boma that overlooks the Bushman’s River
- Gift boutique
- Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
- Supervised Kids Club, Kids Adventure Centre and Toddler Play Area
Learn more on the Riverdene page.
Sarili Private Lodge
If you’ve ever dreamed of an exclusive-use safari lodge, then Sarili Private Lodge is your answer. This accommodation option rests on the banks of the Bushman’s River and features exclusive amenities, along with modern interiors. Superior comfort is never too far away during a stay at Sarili.
This safari lodge offers shared amenities such as:
- Deck overlooking the Bushman’s River
- Indoor and outdoor dining facilities
- Lounge area with a fireplace
- Pool featuring a shallow area for kids
- Satellite TV featuring select channels
Visit the Sarili Private Lodge page for further details.
Sindile
Enjoy luxury tented accommodation in the latest tented camp Shamwari has to offer. Sindile is a private retreat, hidden deep within the African veld. It blends in seamlessly with its surrounding foliage, while still offering incredible vantages of the encircling plains and Bushman’s River. Its intimate and harmonious design minimises this lodge’s environmental footprint.
This safari lodge is home to the following shared amenities:
- Bar and lounge area, complete with a large screen TV and fireplace
- Boma
- Deck featuring a fire pit
- Reception and lounge area
- Relaxation Retreat spa
Learn more about this Shamwari lodge on the Sindile page.
Daily Activities Guests of the Reserve Get to Look Forward to
Guests staying with us have the opportunity to take part in various activities across the reserve. Some of the activities are included in your package as standard, while some of the activities are available as optional extras. To get the most out of your stay, try to do as much as possible.
Safari Game Drives
Guests get to go on two game drives per day during their stay, one around sunrise and the other around sunset. The members of the Big Five, more than 275 distinct bird species and plenty of other creatures native to the region can be seen during these drives. They should prove to be some of the best game viewing opportunities in the world, thanks not only to the reserve’s abundant wildlife but to our passionate rangers’ extensive knowledge as well.
Both morning and afternoon game drives include a drink stop – one for coffee or tea in the morning and one for sundowners in the afternoon. Each game drive lasts anywhere between 3-4 hours.
Guided Bush Walks
When vacationing at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, you can opt to go on one of our professionally guided bush walks. This will allow you to gain a newfound appreciation for even the tiniest, yet still significant, aspects of the natural world.
Those with an adventurous spirit and a basic level of fitness should definitely go on a guided bush walk during their stay. It promises to be an up-close and personal game viewing experience unlike you’ve ever had before.
Visits to Our Conservation and Rehabilitation Centres
At Shamwari, we take great pride in our wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Our reserve is home to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, as well as two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. To gain valuable insights into the work that goes into caring for abandoned, young, injured or orphaned animals and the plight of captive and confined wild cats respectively, be sure to stop by for a visit.
These visits are included in your stay and no entry fees are required.
Relaxation Retreats
Several of Shamwari’s safari lodgings offer guests the opportunity to indulge in a safari spa experience – at an additional cost. Visit a Relaxation Retreat and spoil yourself to a rejuvenating facial, body, hand or foot treatment.
Download our spa menu for information on treatments, as well as prices.
Kids on Safari
When staying at Riverdene, be sure to register your little ones for the Kids on Safari Adventure Centre upon arrival. Your brood will gain access to indoor and outdoor activities they can join in on throughout their stay.
As children younger than four aren’t allowed on game drives, child minding services are available at an additional cost.
Learn more about the entertaining activities available at our Kids on Safari Adventure Centre and Kids Club on the Kids on Safari page.
Check-In at a Shamwari Safari Lodge a Stranger and Leave a Friend
‘Shamwari’ is the Shona word for ‘friend’ for good reason: you may arrive at your lodge a stranger but you’ll certainly leave as a dear friend. Every member of our more than 325 strong local staff you come across during your visit will ensure you have the most memorable time of your life. They will go out of their way to meet and exceed all expectations.
Just because we’re an exclusive breakaway destination, doesn’t mean we can’t offer our guests a special or two. Local guests can benefit from our Long Lee Manor South African Residents Special, Explorer Camp South African Residents Special and Sarili South African Special.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It – Listen to Satisfied Past Guests
If you have any remaining doubts about staying at a Shamwari safari lodge during your next holiday, just listen to what some of our past guests have to say:
“Just returned from a 2-night stay. Accommodation, staff, service absolutely amazing. 4 safaris during our stay with our ranger was awesome, with enthusiasm, knowledge and a huge sense of fun and found us all the big 5 and more. A once in a lifetime experience. Loved it and shall never forget the experience.” – Terri Colley
“What an incredible experience. I’m not one for the typical ‘star’ rating. The staff, and guides in particular, go above and beyond to make your experience special. The team at Long Lee and Riverdene became part of our family of 22. The team went above and beyond the call of duty. Far more than just a 5-star lodge.” – Daniel Smith
For more feedback from past guests about their Shamwari experiences, take a look at Tripadvisor, Google Reviews and SafariBookings.
Book Your Stay at One of the Top Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape and South Africa Today
Do you have a specific Shamwari safari lodge in mind for your next breakaway? Be sure to get in touch with the Shamwari Reservations Department or book your stay directly through NightsBridge.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the world-class safari lodge of your dreams.
