Shamwari Private Game Reserve

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
Information about hotel ratings
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Hotel Category
Luxury
Location Type
National park
TripAdvisor Review
Tripadvisor rating 1339 Reviews
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Hotel highlights

  • Situated in the Eastern Cape – a malaria-free Big Five safari destination
  • Ideal for families, with many activities and facilities to suit children of all ages
  • Visit Born Free's Big Cat Sanctuary and Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
  • Enticing pools with shallow end for younger guests and comfortable loungers

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
1339 Reviews 96% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

  • Excellent 1223
  • Very Good 78
  • Average 24
  • Poor 10
  • Terrible 4

What to Expect

  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Service
  • Value
  • Cleanliness

Reviews

Mar 11, 2020

Another amazing visit to Shamwari

We visited 2 years ago and loved Shamwari, so wanted to return with our son and daughter, this time to sarilli lodge, requesting if it was possible for our first ranger Mino to guide us and show his passion and knowledge to all the family. We were not disappointed, thank to all, Mino, the lodge and the animals. Amazing food and service too and a great family experience from which we have learnt so much and appreciate the conservation that is going on especially with the Born Free Trust and rehabilitation centre. We now cannot wait to return. Thank you again Mino
Mar 05, 2020

Bucket List!!!

Myself and my husband stayed here for one night of our honeymoon in the Bayete Tent. It was exceptional from start to finish - the hospitality is out of this world!!! The food is top class and go hungry! You really felt the 5 star quality in the details and service. Our ranger was Siya, who was genuinely interested in the game drives and his enthusiasm/knowledge shone through the experience. He didnt chase animals and was very respectful and gave everything it's time and really tried his best for us to see as many animals as possible. Would definitely go back in a heartbeat.
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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Facilities

a couple of lawn chairs sitting on top of a body of water

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
a room filled with furniture and a table

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
a large bed in a room More images

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
Cheetah

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
a bedroom with a large umbrella 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.

a dining room table

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.

a woman sitting at a desk

Playroom & Jungle Gym

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

Zip Line

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.

How we tailor make your holiday

1. Browse

Look through our website for inspiration, then call our Destination Specialists

2. Create

We'll listen to your wish-list and use our knowledge to design a unique itinerary

3. Customise

We'll keep on refining until we've created your perfect personalised holiday

Talk to our experts

01293 762404

The Hayes & Jarvis Way

We’ve been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations 
to choose from, talk to us and we’ll listen to your travel ideas to create 
unforgettable holiday experiences.

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