SOUTH AFRICA - Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Shamwari Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape, in verdant bushveld along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown. Steeped in Settler history and dating back to the time when huge herds of game roamed wild and free in this area, the 18,000 hectare reserve has 5 eco systems and is a fascinating success story of conservation and responsible tourism.

Shamwari has achieved international recognition for the successful reintroduction of many species back into the area including elephant, black rhino, disease free buffalo, redbilled oxpeckers and the flightless dung beetle.

Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity organization which draws public attention to animals held in captivity in impoverished environments, so promoting a humane agenda through education and publicity. It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna's Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Guests at Shamwari are able to visit the 2 Big Cat Sanctuaries.

Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR YOUR SAFARI AT SHAMWARI:

Bayethe Lodge

Bayethe Lodge has 9 luxury tented rooms each with a private deck and plunge pool. The beautiful main lodge is built of stone and thatch. There is a traditional outdoor boma for dining under the stars when the weather is good and a welcoming indoor dining room and lounge when weather is cooler.

Bushmans River Lodge

This is the more rustic of the lodges and has only 4 rooms. There is a unique boma for dining outdoors next to the river and the ethnic design and layout of the lodge is perfect for friends or family travelling together. The lodge has a small swimming pool and wide verandah with great views over the surrounding bush.

Eagles Crag Lodge

This lodge offers a luxury African experience. It is built into a gorge, with all rooms looking out onto a cliff face and river bed. There are 9 individual luxury suites, each with a private plunge pool.

There are raised wooden decks between all rooms and public areas and the lodge offers wonderful dining experiences – both indoors and outdoors.  

Lobengula Lodge

This African style lodge has a beautiful thatched roof and all 5 suites are spacious and supremely comfortable – with air conditioning and underfloor heating. Two of the suites have their own private plunge pool and the main lodge has an inviting swimming pool and pool bar for enjoying sundowners and summer evenings. The lodge also has a wine cellar and a small fitness center and steam room.  

Long Lee Manor

This beautifully restored colonial style manor house was originally built in 1910 and overlooks the sweeping plains leading down to the Bushmans River. It is the flagship of Shamwari. A maximum of 38 guests can be accommodated in spacious and elegant en suite rooms, all with ceiling fans and underfloor heating. A good spa offers a range of world class spa treatments.

Riverdene Lodge

Riverdene Lodge has 9 rooms – all air conditions with beautiful sandstone bathrooms. The lodge has two lounges, a glorious sunroom and lovely rimflow swimming pool with a sundeck and outdoor barbeque area which leads off the diningroom.

Sarili Lodge

This new lodge has been built with families in mind. Built in the southern region of the Shamwari Reserve, with expansive views of the plains, Sarili Lodge has 5 suites, a child friendly swimming pool, an optional children’s menu and rangers that understand how important a safari can be for the enjoyment of all the family. The “Kids on Safari” program is a highlight.