South Africa
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape, South Africa
Private, conservation-led safari with diverse lodges, big game, and space to truly switch off.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a world-renowned safari destination in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape. Covering 25,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, it offers unparalleled wildlife encounters with the Big Five, cheetah, and a diverse range of species. The reserve is also a leader in conservation, blending luxury travel with a deep commitment to preserving South Africa’s natural heritage.
Guests can choose from several luxurious lodges, each offering a unique experience—from family-friendly accommodations to exclusive, intimate retreats. Game drives with expert rangers, guided bush walks, and visits to the wildlife rehabilitation centre and Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary ensure unforgettable adventures. Between activities, relax in the spa, savour gourmet cuisine, or simply soak in the beauty of the African wilderness.
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa holiday today.
A team of real travel experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays that focus on boutique hotels and luxury hideaways
"Watching the sun set over the bushveld as elephants wandered past was a moment I’ll never forget—Shamwari truly captures the spirit of Africa. "
Why we love it here
- Staying on a 25,000-hectare private reserve means exclusive game viewing with space to explore and no outside vehicles.
- Each lodge has its own style and mood — from the glass-and-stone elegance of Eagles Crag to the grand manor house charm of Long Lee.
- Conservation is central here, with visits to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and a working wildlife rehabilitation centre offering real insight.
- You can swap the vehicle for a walking safari, getting close to the land with expert guides who bring the bush to life.
- It’s fully malaria-free, making it a safe and stress-free choice without compromising on wildlife or wilderness.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to South Africa
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your South Africa Holiday today.
Lodges
Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers a diverse collection of lodges, each thoughtfully designed to cater to different preferences and group sizes. From the Edwardian elegance of Long Lee Manor to the family-friendly comforts of Riverdene, guests can find accommodations that suit their needs. For those seeking a more intimate experience, lodges like Eagles Crag and Sindile provide seclusion amidst the bush, while Bayethe offers luxury tented suites that blend seamlessly with nature. Sarili Private Lodge is ideal for exclusive use by families or small groups, and the Explorer Camp caters to adventurous spirits looking for a more rustic safari experience. Each lodge maintains a unique character, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and memorable stay in the heart of the Eastern Cape wilderness.
Activities
Shamwari offers a rich blend of immersive safari experiences and conservation insight. Twice-daily game drives bring you close to the Big Five, with expert rangers offering in-depth knowledge and unhurried wildlife viewing in a private reserve. Bush walks reveal a different pace—focusing on smaller details like animal tracks, bird calls, and medicinal plants that shape the Eastern Cape landscape. You can visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to see behind-the-scenes efforts to rescue and rewild injured animals, or explore the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, home to rescued lions and leopards that can’t return to the wild. For quieter moments, there are spa treatments and time by the pool to balance out the day’s adventures. Whether you’re tracking elusive wildlife, participating in conservation initiatives, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the Eastern Cape, Shamwari ensures an unforgettable safari experience.
Families at Shamwari
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a haven for families seeking both adventure and meaningful connection in the wild. At the heart of this experience is Riverdene Family Lodge, a thoughtfully designed retreat where comfort meets the call of the wild. Children are welcomed with open arms into the Kids on Safari program, which blends fun with education—think wildlife tracking with expert rangers, visits to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries, and hands-on conservation activities. The lodge’s Adventure Centre is a child’s dream come true, featuring zip lines, climbing walls, and elevated walkways that let young explorers burn off energy while engaging with nature. For moments of relaxation, families can unwind by the pool or enjoy storytelling sessions under the stars. With childminding services available, parents have the opportunity to indulge in serene game drives or spa treatments, knowing their little ones are in safe and caring hands. Shamwari ensures that every family member, regardless of age, leaves with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Honeymoons at Shamwari
Honeymoons at Shamwari combine wild beauty with calm, considered luxury. Couples looking for complete seclusion tend to gravitate towards Eagles Crag, where glass-fronted suites hide away in the cliffs and come with plunge pools, outdoor showers, and uninterrupted views. For something more classic, the manor house style of Long Lee brings a quieter romance — think freestanding tubs, deep sofas, and slow afternoons on the verandah. Wherever you stay, there’s a real sense of being looked after: candlelit dinners set up just for two, spa treatments designed for winding down, and plenty of space to simply be together. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, Shamwari offers a rare kind of stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
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It's about you
We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.
Real travel experts
Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.
Peace of mind
- Unbeatable prices
- Our price promise
- A focus on owner-run properties
- Ideas & advice from true specialists
- Wonderful guides to steer the way
- 24-hour emergency support
- Financial protection from ATOL
- Superb sundowner ideas!