Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Private Game Reserve, set within South Africa's Eastern Cape, is one of the world's leading safari and game conservation areas. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary, marked by achieving the acclaimed Fair Trade Tourism certification, preservation and conservation is of the utmost importance at Shamwari. The reserve incorporates the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and its own Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Animal Hospital. We recommend a visit during your stay, as they are fascinating and educational for adults and children alike.

Due to it being malaria-free, the reserve is ideal for a family safari. Plus, the 'Kids on Safari' programme, offers many additional activities to entertain children of all ages. Children can engage in visiting the wildlife rehabilitation and Born Free centres as well as enjoying play time at the kids club and outdoor adventure centre.

During your stay, explore some of the 25,000 hectares of diverse landscapes in early morning and evening game viewing drives in open Land Rovers, guided nature walks and bird watching excursions. Being a private game reserve, safari vehicles in Shamwari are kept to a minimum, so you'll benefit from a more exclusive experience here.

Contrast the exhilaration of safari adventures with down time at the Bush Relaxation Retreat; soaking in your freestanding bath tub; reclining on the outdoor deck, beside the pool; and al fresco dining, under the African stars.

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Hotel Category

Luxury

Location Type

National park

TripAdvisor Review

1333 Reviews

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Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

Check-in Time:
12:00
Check-out Time:
11:00
Transfer duration: approx. two hours drive from Port Elizabeth Airport

Main Facilities

Outdoor pool
Wifi

Accommodation Type

H&J Recommended
Lodge
Luxury Collection
Tented camp

Board Basis Options

Full Board

For Families

Kid's Club

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

National park
Approx. two hours drive from Port Elizabeth Airport

1333 Reviews

96% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 1217
Very Good 78
Average 24
Poor 10
Terrible 4

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Jan 17, 2020

Excellent Personal Service!

Exeter, United Kingdom

This was our second stay at Shamwari but our first at Sarili Lodge. Bearing in mind that this is a luxury resort and the prices reflect this, I had my doubts that our expectations could be met, let alone exceeded. I was wrong - they were smashed! The rooms and facilities are genuinely 5 star but that is what you would expect. The game drives were incredible and the information regarding the reserve and the animals that was passed onto us from our ranger, Janco, made the difference. What absolutely blew us away at the lodge was the personal service from every single member of staff that we came into contact with at Sarili. They went out of their way to ensure that our stay was memorable, and nothing appeared to be too much trouble for them. The stay was a 21st birthday present for my step-daughter and she was feted like a celebrity. From her arrival to her departure she was made to feel incredibly special and the icing on the cake (excuse the pun) was the incredible cake baked for her on the last night. At most of the resorts we have stayed in, the manager is in the background. Stephani is the exception to this rule. She was everywhere and worked with her team to ensure that everything was in place and that we constantly had smiles on our faces. We cannot thank you and your staff enough for making our stay incredibly special.

Jan 11, 2020

Exceptional Safari Trip

Weymouth, United Kingdom

We (my husband, 10 year old boy and I) stayed at the Riverdene Lodge for 3 nights after staying in Cape Town and travelling along the Garden Route. What a perfect way to end our time in South Africa. I highly recommend this accommodation especially for families with younger children as the facilities / kid club available to them in between game drives are great with such friendly staff. All the staff at The Riverdene Lodge are absolutely fantastic with nothing being too much trouble. I have to give a special nod to Michael the barman, what a lovely gentleman. We were very lucky to have had the friendly, funny, engaging, informative Karien as our ranger who really made our stay so special. Karien really went above and beyond. We were very fortunate and saw lions as well as the elusive leopard eating. We saw elephants with a baby and rhino including a black rhino that was quite an emotional moment for me. Karien persevered in the pouring rain (unusual) and for that reason we were lucky enough to see cheetah hunting, a special moment that will stay with me forever. Karien also provided great information on lots of other interesting animals, birds, insects (dung beetles are so impressive) and plants along the way. I cannot thank Karien enough. The food on offer was divine and constant. My favourite were the treats in the afternoon before the second game drive of the day. Accommodation / facilities all high standard. Such an amazing experience, thank you so much Shamwari

Dec 28, 2019

Incredible accommodation, amazing service, exceptional cuisine and great game viewing !!!

Cape Town, South Africa

Having last had a family safari holiday over ten years ago, we decided it was time to visit the bush again and so after much research by my wife, we chose the new Sindile luxury tented lodge in the malaria free Shamwari Game Reserve for our Christmas holiday. Every aspect of our four days was superb ! The friendly welcome, amazing six star accommodation, each tent with its own private pool and sun deck overlooking the river and plains teeming with game, simply took our breath away. The tented lodge including reception area, bar, dining area, fire pit and multiple viewing decks was amazing and the design, facilities, decor and staff at this luxury tented camp made for a truly memorable holiday where nothing was too much trouble and we felt incredibly welcome and pampered. From our welcome from CEO Joe, GM Theo and friendly service from Kalalani, Portio, Odwa, Bonolo, Kati, Siya and the rest of the Sindile team and the four days spent with our senior ranger Mino and newby Gerhard, ensured our every request was taken care of and we were made to feel very special. The early 5.00 am wake up calls, a quick cup of coffee and then onto the brand new open safari vehicles to track the waking animals was a fantastic daily experience ! Seeing Cheeta’s, Lions, Elephants, Rhino’s, Buffalo, Hippos, Giraffes and dozens of species of antelopes literally feet away from our vehicle and in abundance every day was priceless ! We had two great rangers who made every drive a fun adventure and whose knowledge of the plants, birds and the game was just incredible. Senior ranger Mino was a character who ensured we had a lot of fun and laughs and there wasn’t a moment of boredom. The breakfast, lunch and dinners at Sindile and the other camps we visited were truly superb and a very nice surprise, not what we expected deep in the bush at a safari camp. The Born Free Foundation on Shamwari which relocates traumatized Lions, Leopards and other animals from circuses and zoo’s around the world is well worth a visit as is Shamwari’s animal rehabilitation centre where orphaned ( usually by poachers) or injured animals are treated, nursed and prepared for re- introduction into the wild. We saw owls, antelope, elephants and rhinos all being treated at this centre and we truly enjoyed our few hours there. Having visited many luxury game reserves, Sindile Tented Camp was by far the best we have visited - pricy but a great luxury experience and worth every cent. Thanks Shamwari and the team at Sindile, you have given my wife , two adult children and I memories that we will cherish for many years to come !!!

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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Facilities

Swimming Pools

Relax in your lodges swimming pool as you admire the natural surroundings and breathtaking views.

Shamwari Welcome Lounge

Guests staying at Shamwari Long Lee Manor should make their way to the Shamwari Welcome Lounge either via transfer or self drive to sign in, then from here a transfer will complete the journey to the accommodation. Parking for the duration of your stay is available here. On their day of departure guests will return to the Shamwari Welcome Lounge to meet a transfer or collect your vehicle and continue on to their next destination.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Room Types

Riverdene Family Lodge

Riverdene Family Lodge is a beautifully restored settler's lodge which provides an ideal base for your safari experience in the Eastern Cape's Shamwari Private Game Reserve. With just nine suites, Riverdene offers you homely comfort and a warm welcome, perfect for a family safari holiday. Luxury rooms sleep up to two adults and one child and interconnecting rooms are also available for larger families.

A stay at Riverdene will see you immersed in the natural beautiful of your surrounds after a day packed with safari adventures, relax and unwind in the boma overlooking the Bushman's River.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Eagles Crag Lodge

Set in a valley amid Shamwari’s beautiful wilderness, and surrounded by mountains, Eagles Crag Lodge is an ideal location for your safari adventure.

Stay here and you'll experience the ultimate in luxury and contemporary styling. The nine thatched suites are built from stone and glass, enabling them to blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings. In addition to the tranquil private viewing deck, with heated plunge pool as well as indoor and outdoor showers, wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides of your suite offer stunning panoramic views which enhance your immersive experience of Shamwari's rugged beauty.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Private Pool
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included

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Bayethe Tented Lodge

Sit back and absorb the pulse of the African bush from your viewing deck, nestled in the trees lining the bed of the river. Framed by riverine forest and overlooking river pools, you'll spot graceful antelope venturing for a twilight drink and crowned eagles gliding on the darkening sky.

Bayethe Tented Lodge offers the ultimate in safari accommodation – each of the 12 superior tented suites are styled with a rustic yet elegant contemporary scheme and has its own private plunge pool along with indoor fireplace. The name – Bayethe, pronounced 'by-ye-ti' – comes from a warm African greeting which translates to 'I salute you' – an apt name for this intimate and welcoming retreat.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Private Pool
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included

Long Lee Manor

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included

More images

Lobengula Lodge

Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Lobengula Lodge offers you an exceptional safari experience.

With just six suites in this remote spot, the lodge is a truly exclusive hideaway where you'll enjoy an intimate stay with exceptional service. Rustic thatched buildings and authentic African features combine with luxurious comforts to create the perfect base from which to explore and make the most of Shamwari's superb game viewing. Add in sumptuous al fresco meals on the wooden deck; secluded terraces and plunge pools; and an outdoor pool, and you'll really feel at one with nature.

The Chief Suite at Lobengula Lodge provides you with a few extra special luxuries during your stay, including a king-sized bed, private plunge pool and lounge with fireplace.

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Separate Shower
Tea & Coffee Facilities
Telephone
Towels included

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Food & Drink

Boma Dining

Enjoy a traditional Boma dinner at your lodge, most offering picturesque views over the African bush.

Lounge Bars

Relax, unwind and treat yourself with a refreshing drink in your lodge's bar.

Board Basis Options

Full Board

Included: 3 meals daily, 2 game drives daily, hot drinks and snacks before morning and afternoon game drives, coffee/tea stop on morning drives, sundowner drinks for evening game drives, guided walks, visits to Born Free sanctuary, animal rehabilitation centre and rhino awareness centre. Kids on Safari programme is also included for children. Please note drinks are NOT included in the Full Board package.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Family Friendly Facilities

Kid's Safari

Riverdene Family Lodge is well catered for families, and their Kid's Safari programme is fantastic. A children's coordinator will discuss activity options with your family which may include visits to the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cats Rescue Centre. Children will also receive a 'Kids on Safari' backpack full of goodies. The guide will walk children around the lodge's 'bone walk' and teach them about the different animals.

Playroom & Jungle Gym

Young guests can enjoy access to the supervised children's playroom and jungle gym at Riverdene Family Lodge.

Outdoor Adventure Centre

The outdoor adventure centre at Shamwari Game Reserve will keep children occupied for hours, complete with zip-lines, rock climbing, slides and sandpits.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

TripAdvisor Review

Hotel highlights

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

Main Facilities

Accommodation Type

Board Basis Options

For Families

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Excellent Personal Service!

Exceptional Safari Trip

We had an experience of a lifetime

Incredible accommodation, amazing service, exceptional cuisine and great game viewing !!!

Lodge -Safari-Touren

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Facilities

Swimming Pools

Shamwari Welcome Lounge

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Room Types

Riverdene Family Lodge

Eagles Crag Lodge

Bayethe Tented Lodge

Long Lee Manor

Lobengula Lodge

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Food & Drink

Boma Dining

Lounge Bars

Board Basis Options

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Family Friendly Facilities

Kid's Safari

Playroom & Jungle Gym

Outdoor Adventure Centre

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