Our General Manager of Marketing and Product, Lisa Nel, traveled to Shamwari Private Game Reserve in Eastern Cape, South Africa for a Big Five safari experience. As one the country’s malaria-free safari destinations, Shamwari is the perfect safari getaway for families traveling to South Africa.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve boasts 25,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and is home to Africa’s Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Opened in 1992, the private reserve features seven 5-star lodges as well as an Explorer Camp and three education and rehabilitation facilities. Your safari experience begins on arrival at the Shamwari gates and game sightings are in abundance. On my first game drive at Shamwari we encountered a herd of elephants about 200 meters from the lodge – I knew I was in for an incredible safari experience.
Getting to Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. It is easily accessible by short-haul flight into Port Elizabeth Airport from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
An alternative and more environmentally conscious option is to complete a Garden Route road trip at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a short and scenic 70km/43 miles drive from Port Elizabeth.
We suggest spending one or two nights in Port Elizabeth before or after your safari experience, at Singa Lodge or Boardwalk Hotel, giving you time to explore this vibrant city and its many beaches.
What wildlife to expect
Elephant sighting on a game drive at Shamwari
The reserve is home to eight biomes that host a variety of fauna and flora. During our stay, we were able to see all of the Big 5 animals, as well as a herd of 24 giraffes. A highlight of my wildlife experience and Shamwari was spotting two Cheetahs. Some of the more rare wildlife found on the reserve include Aardvark, Honey Badger, Serval Cat and Waterbuck.
Properties on Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eagles Crag
Main lodge at Eagles Crag
9 sophisticated Junior Suites with private heated plunge pools
Features fitness centre, spa and gift boutique
Wi-Fi is available on the property
Main lodge features upstairs lounge with bar, fireplace and open deck with aerial pods
No children under 12
Sindile
Main lodge overlooking the wilderness at Sindile lodge
9 luxury free-standing tents elevated above the bush with private heated plunge pool
Features spa, boma, firepit, bar, lounge and gift boutique
Wi-Fi is available on the property
No children under 16 years old
Bayethe Tented Lodge
Exterior of Bayethe Tented Lodge
12 tented suites with in-room fireplace and private heated plunge pool
Features spa, gift boutique, in-and outdoor dining facilities
Wi-Fi is available on the property
No children under 12 years old
Long Lee Manor
Swimming pool area at Long Lee Manor
17 luxury suites and 1 two bedroom suite with private deck
Main lodge features large rim-flow swimming pool
Relaxation retreat where guests can enjoy spa treatments
Features fitness centre, in-and outdoor dining facilities, boma overlooking the waterhole and gift boutique.
Wi-Fi is available on the property
Riverdene Lodge
Kids Adventure Centre at Riverdene Lodge
Child-friendly lodge
9 inter-leading luxury rooms
Main lodge features a swimming pool with shallow area for children
Features in-and outdoor dining facilities, boma overlooking the river and gift boutique.
Wi-Fi is available on the property
Supervised Kids Club, Toddler Play Area and Kids Adventure Centre
Lobengula
Fire pit at Lonbengula
6 suites with private patio or deck with plunge pool
Main lodge features a swimming pool, spa and sauna and fitness room
Wi-Fi is available on the property
No children under 12 years old
Sarili Private Lodge
Lounge area at the exclusive-use Sarili Private Lodge
5 bedroom exclusive use safari lodge
Tailor-made experience with personal staff including House Manager, Private Chef and Dedicated Ranger
In-room spa treatments are available
Features pool with shallow area for children
Minimum 2 night stay
Wi-Fi is available on the property
Explorer Camp
Tented suite at Shamwari Explorer Camp
For the adventurous traveler the Explorer Camp consists of a 3 night trail walking safari
3 tents with viewing deck
Plunge pool available
Ages between 16 and 65 years old
Campfire dining experience
Our tips on staying at Shamwari Private Game Reserve:
Kids on safari at Shamwari
The lodges at Shamwari Private Game Reserve are ideal for travelers seeking a luxury safari experience.
If you are between the age of 16 and 65, I recommend booking a guided bush walk where you can experience up-close encounters with South Africa’s fauna and flora and a leisurely pace.
If you are interested in a classic safari experience, I recommend staying at Bayethe Tented Lodge. The property also boasts spectacular views of the African bush.
If you are traveling with children, I recommend staying at Riverdene Lodge or the exclusive-use Sarili Private Lodge.
Lions at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary
I highly recommend visiting the reserve’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary where you can learn more about wildlife conservation.
Riverdene Lodge offers a Kids on Safari program. The lodge features an Adventure Centre where children can learn about wildlife conservation and participate in exciting activities. Activities include pizza making, cookie decoration, kids’ library, zip-line, rock climbing walls, tree houses and an adventure slide.
Photography safari vehicles at Shamwari
Our safari experience at Shamwari would not have been what it was without the people we met along the way. I would like to thank our Game Ranger Minolan who was passionate about the reserve and took great care of us over the 3 days that we were there.
If you are interested in experiencing a safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve with Jumbari Family Safari, get in touch with our travel experts who will help curate an itinerary just for you.