Shamwari Game Reserve
Born from a commitment to conservation, Shamwari aims to restore the Eastern Cape’s wildlife and ecological diversity.South Africa
Shamwari was created to restore and protect the Eastern Cape’s wildlife, birdlife, and natural ecosystems.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve represents one of South Africa’s most remarkable conservation success stories—an ambitious project that has restored a once-depleted region of the malaria-free Eastern Cape to its former natural beauty. Once among the richest wildlife areas in southern Africa, much of this landscape had been lost by the turn of the century. Through visionary restoration, careful wildlife reintroduction, and long-term ecological management, Shamwari has revived a vital piece of Africa’s natural heritage.
Today, Shamwari invites guests to experience this renewed wilderness through six luxurious lodges, each offering its own unique atmosphere—from secluded romantic hideaways to family-friendly retreats. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the tented Explorer Camp provides an authentic bush immersion deep in the reserve. Together, these offerings allow guests to enjoy exceptional safari experiences while supporting the ongoing conservation mission at the heart of Shamwari.
Experience diverse room styles—from refined luxury to immersive wilderness camping—across Shamwari’s six lodges and Explorer Camp.
- Long Lee Manor– A secluded, ultra-luxury lodge nestled between dramatic cliffs for complete privacy and serenity.
- Bayethe– A tranquil tented paradise blending luxury and nature for an intimate, immersive bush experience.
- Sindile– A premium tented camp elevated above the bush, designed for solitude and spectacular wildlife viewing.
- Riverdene– A warm, family-friendly lodge offering comfort, adventure, and child-focused safari activities.
- Sarili Private Villa– A warm, family-An exclusive, villa-style lodge inspired by African kraal design, perfect for groups seeking total privacy.
- Explorer Camp– A back-to-basics walking safari camp for adventurous travelers wanting a raw, authentic wilderness experience.
Choose from six uniquely styled luxury lodges or a rugged Explorer Camp, each offering a distinct safari experience in the Eastern Cape wilderness.
1. Long Lee Manor
- Family Suite: A spacious 2-bedroom en-suite unit with lounge and a private heated plunge pool
- Plains & Garden Rooms: Eleven Plains Rooms with outdoor showers and private verandas and four Garden Rooms with private verandas
2. Bayethe
- 9 Junior Suites designed for ultimate privacy, each featuring elegant interiors that blend seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs.
- Every suite offers luxurious comfort, immersive nature views, and a sophisticated safari atmosphere.
3. Sindile
- 9 Premier Tented Suites elevated above the bush, offering complete privacy and uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains.
- Each suite blends luxury with nature, delivering an intimate, secluded safari experience inspired by a leopard’s hidden sanctuary.
4. Riverdene
- 4 Luxury Family Rooms, all with private safari vehicles, including a spacious 3-bedroom unit (wheelchair accessible) and three 2-bedroom family suites.
- Ideal for groups and families, each suite accommodates children on sleeper couches and offers generous space for a comfortable, flexible stay.
5. Explorer Camp
- 3 canvas tents, each featuring two single beds (convertible to king), offering a simple yet comfortable back-to-basics safari experience.
- Set on a scenic plateau, the tents provide privacy and an authentic explorer atmosphere while remaining safely and discreetly fenced.
6. Sarili Private Villa
- 2 Luxury River View Suites (one ground-floor, one first-floor) offering elevated space and scenic river vistas.
- 4 Luxury River View Rooms with interleading options, including ground-floor rooms—one wheelchair-friendly—and two first-floor rooms for flexible family or group stays.
- Long Lee Manor– Elegant manor-style dining featuring refined cuisine served in beautifully restored indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Eagles Crag– Gourmet meals enjoyed in a sophisticated, contemporary setting with views of dramatic cliffs and forested valleys.
- Sindile– Intimate bush dining with panoramic views, blending luxury cuisine with a secluded, tented-camp atmosphere.
- Bayethe– Authentic, nature-inspired dining in a tranquil tented setting, perfect for romantic and peaceful meals.
- Riverdene– Family-friendly dining offering hearty, comforting meals in warm indoor spaces and relaxed outdoor areas.
- Sarili Private Villa– Exclusive, private dining tailored to guests’ preferences, served in a serene kraal-inspired lodge setting.
- Explorer Camp– Back-to-basics bush dining enjoyed around the campfire, offering a rustic and adventurous safari experience.
🎉 Activities
- Safari Game Drives
- Bush Walks- Explore the finer details of the wilderness on guided walking safaris, discovering plants, tracks, and wildlife up close.
- birdwatching with hundreds of species
- Spa Experience
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Experience
- Discover Shamwari’s vulture conservation initiatives and learn about the vital role these endangered birds play in the ecosystem.
- Connect with Shamwari’s ethical conservation efforts by visiting the sanctuary that provides lifetime care for rescued big cats.
🏖 Facilities
- Room Features: Air conditioning, minibar, Nespresso machine, ensuite bathroom, satellite TV, safe, telephone, hairdryer, adapters, private veranda/balcony.
- Lodge Amenities: Rim-flow pool, spa rooms, fitness centre, gift boutique, indoor/outdoor dining, manicured gardens, boma, WiFi.
- Additional: Conference facilities, Swarovski binoculars.
Explorer Camp – Facilities
- Twin canvas tents
- En-suite toilet & outdoor shower
- Solar-powered LED night lighting
- Basic guest amenities
- Discreetly fenced for safety
Included in the room Rates
- Luxury accommodation in selected lodge or tented suite
- Morning and afternoon Big 5 safari game drives
- Guided bush walks (weather and lodge-dependent)
- All meals: breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner
- Selected beverages (varies by lodge)
- Tea & coffee facilities
- WiFi access in lodge and/or suites
- In-room amenities (hairdryer, safe, toiletries, minibar—varies by lodge)
- Use of lodge facilities (pool, dining areas, viewing decks, lounges, etc.)
- Access to on-site conservation centres (Born Free, Wildlife Rehab) — at selected lodges
- Children’s safari programme (Riverdene only)
Excluded fron the room rate
- Conservation Levy (mandatory per person per night)
- Premium alcoholic beverages not included in the “selected beverages” list
- Spa treatments
- Transfers to/from Shamwari (unless part of a package)
- Private vehicle requests
- Additional activities not included in the standard program
- Babysitting services (Riverdene)
- Laundry services (excluded in some lodges, included in others)
- Explorer Camp extras: specialist gear, tipping, etc.