Shamwari Game Reserve

Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve for the ultimate luxury big five African safari adventure and world renowned conservation effort together with responsible tourism.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve, situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa, is home to Africa’s Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Shamwari Game Reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years, an achievement of which we are justifiably proud.

There are 7 different lodges which offer luxury safari accommodation on this private game reserve. Browse www.shamwari.com to choose the lodge that compliments your ideal African experience.

Shamwari is about conserving a fast disappearing way of life and is the culmination of one man’s dream, and the success of many people’s passion.

Steeped in history, and dating back to the time when the area was teeming with a multitude of game which roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems which enables it to support many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

Shamwari, situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, is halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, easily reached by car from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Shamwari – 'my friend'
'Away-away from the dwellings of men,
By the wild deer's haunt, by the buffalo's glen,
By valleys remote where the oribi plays,
Where the gnu, the gazelle and the hartebeest graze,
And the kudu and eland undaunted recline
By the skirts of grey forests o'erhung with wild vine,
Where the elephant browses at peace in his wood,
And the river-horse gambols unscared in the flood,
And the mighty rhinoceros wallows at will,
In the fen where the wild-ass is drinking his fill.'
Thomas Pringle. 1820

All the luxury lodges are 5 Star graded. Guests are assured of exclusivity, privacy and serenity. The Shamwari Game Reserve team want you to enjoy a ‘safari of a lifetime’ and each group of six is assigned their own personal game ranger, who, together with the lodge manager, will ensure your daily program is exactly as you would like it.

When you leave Shamwari we want you to have experienced, learnt and enjoyed the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. The modern open game viewing vehicles are specially converted for maximum comfort and viewing.

The time between game drives is for you to relax, read, swim or enjoy a special spa treatment. You can also take the opportunity to go on an unforgettable game walk or visit one of the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries.

GAME DRIVES

Game Drives take place during the morning and evening and if you have a particular interest please let your game ranger know. Each tour is 3 – 4 hours with a coffee stop during the morning tour and a sun-downer stop at sunset.

Even in summer the game drives can be cold so bring a warm jacket. In winter you will need beanies, scarves and gloves. Don’t forget to bring your cameras, binoculars and video cameras.

Your safety is of the utmost concern to us and your game ranger will inform you of any necessary safely precautions.

The highlight of your African trip will be your guided walk - it is only then that you gain a true perspective of the beauty of the fauna and flora around you. These walks may only be undertaken if you are accompanied by a specially trained and qualified game ranger.

KIDS ON SAFARI - THIS FEATURE OF SHAMWARI WILL ENSURE A TRULY UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL AND FUN FAMILY SAFARI.

Conference facilities and Incentives at Shamwari Game Reserve

You will have the services of a dedicated conference organiser at Shamwari Game Reserve who will ensure everything is perfectly organised to tailor make your company’s African experience to meet every expectation and more. The excellent conference room is fully air conditioned and has all the presentation equipment you need.

No matter what you are planning - game drives, walking safaris, star gazing up into an African sky, luxury breakfasts in the African bushveld – the professional staff at Shamwari Game Reserve will ensure every detail is taken care of.

The 25,000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve provides a unique team building experience. You will be able to work together while tracking wild animals, helping the resident vets with their darting programmes and even possibly assisting the game rangers release some of the Big Five game back into the wild. Teamwork takes on a new meaning when you are working together contributing to vital conservation efforts.

When you have all experienced sitting around the camp fire, under an African sky, enjoying sundowners and watching the evening sky change colour, you may be rewarded with the opportunity of seeing an African sunset and the memory will remain with you for a life time. While discussing the day’s activities and adventures you will be more than ready to sample the African delights that the superb chef has prepared on the traditional Braai – you can now work out how to perform more effectively when the next challenge comes along!

One of Discovery Channel’s “Animal Planet” regular presenters, Lyndal Davies, bases herself at Shamwari Game Reserve. All corporates wanting to capture their group’s special wildlife moments while out on a team building safari are able to hire her professional wildlife film crew. The edited and packaged high quality DVD will be the ultimate souvenir of your group’s Shamwari Safari.