We recommend: Shamwari Game Reserve

Go wild in the Garden Route

I recently visited the Shamwari (meaning “friend” in Shona) Game Reserve on the Garden Route and was lucky enough to stay in two of their seven luxury lodges. We left the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, also in the Eastern Cape, and took a back road short cut to access Shamwari. It was about an hour’s drive past scenic bush and other game reserves. At the lodge, we were warmly welcomed and went straight to a much-awaited three-course lunch, accompanied by the friendly Deputy General Manager, Gunther Strauss.

Home to the coveted Big 5, Shamwari offers an excellent nature experience. Situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, it is the biggest and oldest game reserve in the Garden Route and offers the best game viewing in the region. See lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, white and black rhino, elephant and giraffe, as well as the lesser spotted animals such as genet, serval, bushbabies, jackal, bat-eared foxes, and more.

This privately owned 25 000 ha reserve has received numerous international awards. And it’s easy to see why. They have great conservation projects (including Born Free – see below) and an excellent anti-poaching department. They employ mostly people from the local and nearby communities. The landscape is typical of the Eastern Cape, with rivers, deep valleys, open plains and wild flowers. One special extra is the opportunity to have your entire holiday there filmed. A TV crew will video your stay for you and you’ll receive your memories on DVD to take home. Of course, you’ll probably not want to let them into the bathroom with you…

Watch our Shamwari video here:

BEST PART: Definitely the walking safaris and the wide open spaces.
WORST PART: That would be having to leave and having to work when there. I could happily have stayed for much longer.
GAME VIEWING: It was spectacular. We spotted the rare serval and saw elephants playing in the mud, which was quite unique. The area is very open so it’s easy to see wildlife.
FOOD: It is 5 star all the way. We enjoyed a delicious braai and a 5 course dinner, paired with wines.
ACCOMMODATION: We spent one night at Long Lee Manor which is very typically colonial, and were luckily able to experience another night at the brand-spanking-new Sarili Lodge, which is amazing, modern and overlooks a river. We had a look at all the lodges though and they were all superb.
FAVOURITE LODGES: Eagles Crag, Bayethe and Sarili.
ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES: We enjoyed all kinds of activities, including massages at the spa, swimming in the luxurious pools that overlook the game, walking safaris and game drives. The Born Free Big Cats Sanctuary at Shamwari is also a must! The centre is part of the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity working to stop the suffering of wild animals and protect threatened species in the wild. Shamwari is passionate about conservation and it was great to stay at a place that gives back and works to help these abused cats from all over the world. The centre has a museum and educational facility to create awareness of the horrific way wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. After a game drive we visited the two Big Cat Sanctuaries and saw leopard triplets and lions in their enclosures – where they’re kept away from other animals in the reserve.
STAFF: The staff are really friendly and passionate. They went out of their way for us, especially our ranger, Ryan.
ROMANTIC? After dinner we enjoyed a candle lit bubble bath with rose petals and a bottle of champers… So yes!
RECOMMEND IT? Hugely.

Seven Unique Lodges

Shamwari Longlee Manor
Long Lee Manor is a well restored Edwardian Manor House that offers guests refined comfort, congenial service and enticing cuisine.

Shamwari Riverdene Lodge
Shamwari’s Riverdene Lodge caters well for families and groups. It offers a mixture of elegance and stylish colonialism set in the beautiful surrounds of the African wilderness.

Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
Bayethe Tented Camp in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape offers the ultimate luxury tented safari stay. Set on 25,000 hectares of unspoiled land and in a malaria-free area, it provides a great game experience!

Shamwari Bushmans River Lodge
Shamwari Bushmans River Lodge is a beautifully restored Victorian homestead and has magnificent sweeping views of the Bushmans River valley. The game viewing is great and it’s malaria-free too.

Shamwari Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Sarili Lodge is an environmentally-friendly safari lodge providing the perfect combination of colonial and bush experiences great for families and small groups wanting to enjoy a private safari experience.

Shamwari Eagles Crag
Eagles Crag Lodge is an avant-garde masterpiece of thatch, stone and glass for the discerning traveller who is looking for privacy and tranquility.

Shamwari Lobengula Lodge
Shamwari Lobengula Lodge offers a magical game viewing experience with traditional African elegance, luxurious amenities and tranquil surrounds.

Shamwari also has a Townhouse, not in the reserve but in Port Elizabeth on the coast. It is without a doubt the most exclusive accommodation in Port Elizabeth, the newly opened Shamwari Townhouse offers seven luxury suites, an outdoor terrace and heavenly spa all a stone’s throw away from the Indian Ocean on the beachfront.

Watch the video about the Born Free Foundation here:

For more information about Shamwari and to book your stay at this incredible Garden Route destination, speak to one of our consultants today – they are experts at combining safari and beach holidays and will tailor make a trip to your budget, style and interests.

You can read more about Garden Route safaris here.