Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Virgin rating

The hotel

Home of two Born Free big cat sanctuaries, the Shamwari Private Game Reserve boasts an impressive 25,000 hectares of land, bursting with free roaming wild animals, birdlife and indigenous Flora and Fauna. Game-drives leave twice a day with your specialist Ranger in open 4x4 vehicles, during the morning and early evening with sightings of the ‘Big Five’ plentiful. Guided walks are also a fantastic way to get to grips with your stunning surrounds and make sure you visit the brand new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Accommodation is of the highest standard throughout the seven lodges with Eagles Crag lodge recommended for those who adore privacy and serenity. Families are also more than welcome at Riverdene Family Lodge, offering a range of child-friendly activities to take advantage of (kids aged 4 and over are welcome on family game-drives too). As well as the wildlife, there’s a swimming pool with shallow area just for them, a kids club and outdoor adventure centre. Long Lee Manor offers the feel of a bygone era and Bayethe tented lodge offers a wonderful ‘back to the bush’ experience never to be forgotten. Sarili Lodge offers an intimate experience with only five rooms, perfect for families, groups and friends with a large deck overlooking the Bushman’s River. Meals can be enjoyed in your lodge, the dining room or in the boma, feasting on traditional African dishes from the barbecue.

Amenities

  • Wheelchair access
  • Safari
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Spa

Where is it

On 25,000 hectares of bushveld in the Eastern Cape. Driving time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 1 hour.

Hotel information

There are 8 different lodges in total: Riverdene - is perfect for families, with a very exciting and complimentary children's programme. This is a wonderful lodge with relaxed loungers, offering the perfect stay for families, with interconnecting rooms, childcare facilities and an exciting new outdoor kids activity centre, child-friendly game-drives for children from the age of 4 years, a child friendly dining room, pool and a place to relax and enjoy the bush. There are only 9 rooms, all with private facilities, air conditioning and TV, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.

All Inclusive of: meals and selected local beverages. All game-drives and visits to Education Centres and Animal Rehabilitation centre.

Long Lee Manor - has been completely refurbished and has recently re-opened. This colonial building offers a traditional stay in either a room or suite and has amazing views over the open plains with game wandering across throughout the day and night. With a rim-flow pool, a garden lounge and spa* you are sure to feel at home in this gracious manor house. Offering accommodation in 17 beautifully decorated rooms and one 2-bedroom villa with a private pool. All with air-conditioning, TV, heating and en-suite facilities.

Lobengula - this lodge has been designed to reflect a traditional Africa Kraal and and is located in a secluded spot with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Combining contemporary design with traditional African touches, the lodge offers 6 Junior Suites with a private patio or deck with private plunge pool, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Sarili - suitable for older families, couples or small parties. This luxury lodge consists of 5 Luxury Rooms sleeping a maximum of 10 people. Enjoy Bushman's River and plains view on the deck of this African thatch design villa. There are bar/lounge and dining areas and a child friendly swimming pool. Choose from a Luxury Courtyard Room (rooms are interconnecting via a passage so are suitable for a family) or a Luxury River Room, each sleeping maximum 2 adults. From June 2020 this lodge will be available for exclusive use.

Bayethe - recently refurbished, this wonderful and popular tented lodge is nestled along the riverbed and overlooks a busy waterhole, here you can enjoy drinks with the wildlife after dark, and relax in one of the 12 luxury tents. All with en-suite facilities, private outdoor shower, plunge pool and viewing deck.

Eagles Crag - this premium lodge, which has been newly refurbished, is for the traveller who wants to enjoy contemporary and modern African design alongside the traditional chic of the African bush. The upper level offers a great dining area and lounge with individual 'dining pods' that look over cliffs. There is also a spa* for extra relaxation - and with only 9 rooms, you are sure to be spoilt. Secluded by natural vegetation your suite offers privacy and tranquillity, with your own private deck and heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor shower and luxury en-suite facilities. Sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Sindile - Shamwari’s new, ultra luxurious tented camp offers superior accommodation, all in a a great location. Premier Luxury Tents are elevated high above the bush and feature a private deck with heated plunge pool and lounging area under a pergola. Sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Explorer's Camp - From October to May, Shamwari Private Game Reserve expands its offering even further by opening the Explorer Camp. The camp is located on a plateau set among the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari, a truly magical setting. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes guests on a guided walking safari of the surrounding land, allowing you to get up close and personal with nature. These tents feature two single beds, and en suite bathroom with shower, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Traditional African bomas. African barbecues. Game-drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon. Guided walks and night drives. Kids on Safari programme. Eagles Crag, Bayethe and Long Lee Manor all have a spa* but spa treatments are available at all lodges. Complimentary WiFi. 2 night Explorer Camp experience*, in dome tented lodges, is also available. Guided walking safari (available Oct-Apr). Born Free and Animal Rehabilitation Centre. New Welcome Lounge (for guests staying at Long Lee Manor, Riverdene, Sarili, Sindile and Explorer camp).

Wheelchair adapted rooms with partially accessible amenities or facilities available on request (Riverdene and Long Lee Manor). Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

2 nights between 1 May-20 Apr.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1284)
  • Very good (79)
  • Average (24)
  • Poor (10)
  • Terrible (4)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating EXPLORER CAMP ADVENTURE

Nov 8, 2023 Graham P Kilmacolm, United Kingdom

After meeting our Game Rangers Jason, Bradley and Josh we were transported into their land that kept giving. Before arriving at Explorer Camp we observed a lion on a Baby Giraffe kill…(it was too late for the vet) At the Explorer Camp all our needs were catered for by Philani and his excellent camp staff. Food was out of this world. Our Game… Read more
After meeting our Game Rangers Jason, Bradley and Josh we were transported into their land that kept giving. Before arriving at Explorer Camp we observed a lion on a Baby Giraffe kill…(it was too late for the vet) At the Explorer Camp all our needs were catered for by Philani and his excellent camp staff. Food was out of this world. Our Game Rangers Jason, Bradley and Josh on game drives shared their extensive knowledge of the Wildlife and biodiversity of Shamwari. Although their dad jokes require a lot of work. I cannot thank all the staff at Shamwari including behind the scenes anti poaching unit for all your professionalism at looking after us. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating BEYOND WORDS

Oct 30, 2023 Culture28324529078

I had read the reviews before I went and thought could this place really be haven on earth, as described by so many - the answer is simply YES !! This was our 1st experience on safari and 1st time in South Africa and it did not disappoint. It was really a combination of the people, the lodging, food and the wonderful tranquility of sitting in… Read more
I had read the reviews before I went and thought could this place really be haven on earth, as described by so many - the answer is simply YES !! This was our 1st experience on safari and 1st time in South Africa and it did not disappoint. It was really a combination of the people, the lodging, food and the wonderful tranquility of sitting in front of a herd of elephants in total quite and just hearing the wind, them eating and nothing else. but the details: LODGING - we stayed at Bayethe - "tented lodge" there was 12 lodges in this resort. All are very private cannot see any of the others from your lodge. they sit in a valley looking over a large hill of brush and trees and animals. If you want private this is it. The lodge itself is stunning - full living area, bed area, very large bathroom with all modern amenities and private toilet and outdoor private shower and indoor if needed, but why not be with the Monkeys !! Floor to ceiling windows throughout and nice plunge pool off your outside deck. This is a "tent" in word only !! FOOD - All snacks and drinks - alcohol and non alcohol - in your room are included in the price. Your main eating and drinking will take place in the main Lodge which again is impressive with two fireplaces, fill open bar, lounge chairs sofas and and comfortable tables to eat. The food was fresh, made to order and amazing - it will not disappoint. Trust me you will not go hungry. They have a large outdoor deck with seating just above a water hole for animals. You will hear a load chorus of singing frogs !!! SAFARI - As noted above this was a moving experience for my whole family - our guide Ceclay (spelling it wrong sorry) was amazing in so many ways, his knowledge of the animals, the land and the plants and the interconnection they all have was beyond educational - he was able elevate our experience beyond just seeing the animals - which was really cool though - and we did see the big 5 !! When we left from our last safari my wife was in tears with such respect for this young man, who has really found his calling !! NEGATIVES - none, really !!! I cant speak to other safaris or game reserves, but I don't know how they will top this. There is so much more I could say, but find out for yourselves !! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Animals and Beyond

Oct 22, 2023 Journey20333375352 Woodbridge, United Kingdom

We have just completed our second stay at Shamwari Eagles Crag. It’s so hard to describe the experience but Wow it was amazing. The staff were attentive and very caring, the food was delicious and the service was exceptional. The accommodation is better than most traditional 5 Star hotels we have stayed in. Our Ranger, Mino, was fantastic. He… Read more
We have just completed our second stay at Shamwari Eagles Crag. It’s so hard to describe the experience but Wow it was amazing. The staff were attentive and very caring, the food was delicious and the service was exceptional. The accommodation is better than most traditional 5 Star hotels we have stayed in. Our Ranger, Mino, was fantastic. He tried every game drive to find us everything we wanted to see which he did, sighting after incredible sighting and whilst nothing can be guaranteed he tried always making sure we were happy and had enough photos and videos. Also, lots of incredible knowledge about the plants, birds and animals was imparted. He is a legend. So a huge thanks to Mino and Portia and the team, you were amazing and we cannot thank you enough. Visiting Shamwari is a trip of a lifetime and once visited you will want to go straight back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Third great visit to Shamwari

Aug 31, 2023 Tom W Shelburne, Vermont

Sindile guest lodge was stunning. Springtime is a beautiful time of year to visit as the flowers are all in bloom and animals are active. Staff at Sindile were incredibly attentive and were always trying their utmost to provide the best experience for your visit. Highly recommended - this was our third time to visit Shamwari - it never disappoints… Read more
Sindile guest lodge was stunning. Springtime is a beautiful time of year to visit as the flowers are all in bloom and animals are active. Staff at Sindile were incredibly attentive and were always trying their utmost to provide the best experience for your visit. Highly recommended - this was our third time to visit Shamwari - it never disappoints and goes way beyond a game reserve in their mission. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful family weekend

Aug 10, 2023 Elise B

The lodge was beautiful and the service incredible! Jeffrey was our guide and was so knowledgeable and informative and so great with the young kids! The food was delicious and outstanding. We loved our stay and would love to go back one day. We also saw amazing animals and the kids loved the experience. Thank you shamwari for a beautiful weekend… Read more
The lodge was beautiful and the service incredible! Jeffrey was our guide and was so knowledgeable and informative and so great with the young kids! The food was delicious and outstanding. We loved our stay and would love to go back one day. We also saw amazing animals and the kids loved the experience. Thank you shamwari for a beautiful weekend away Read less