Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve, the malaria free, 25 000 hectare private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years. It is positioned in the verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life. Steeped in Pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism. Luxury accommodation at Shamwari is offered at seven different lodges on the reserve.
Shamwari offers a special “Kids on Safari” programme where kids aged 4 and older have a chance of a lifetime to view the Big 5, view a special educational film and visit the Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Eagles Crag is nestled in a valley and provides the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travellers. Each of the nine superior rooms have been built to maximize the privacy of the guests in the most tranquil of settings. The en-suite suites boast a private deck with pool, as well as, indoor and outdoor showers. Decorated in light and contemporary colours, with wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides, these suites provide stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. The luxury spa offers a wide variety of personalized treatments.
Lobengula Lodge is a truly classical African experience. Tucked away deep in the valley bushveld, this ethnically decorated thatched lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway. Two of the five luxury suites have private plunge pools whilst the remaining three suites are situated adjacent to the large swimming pool. The Chief suite boasts a large lounge with fireplace and private pool. Lobengula Lodge serves lavish meals either on the main deck, in the diningroom beside the fireplace or in the outside boma under the stars.
Long Lee Manor accommodates thirty eight guests in fifteen elegant en-suite rooms and three luxury suites. Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room, under the Pepper Tree, or around the open blazing fire at the Barn. A river boma offers an outdoor option for meals.
Riverdene Lodge, a colonial style lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim-flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility ensures entertainment for the whole family.Rooms are fully air-conditioned; all feature television, telephone and small lounge area, en-suite sandstone bathroom and private balconies leading onto the landscaped gardens. There are two elegantly furnished casual lounges as well as a magnificent rim-flow swimming pool to entice guests to relax and restore their energy. The lounge opens onto an outdoor barbeque area. Meals can also be taken in the spacious dining room or the magnificent stone boma under thatch with a deck overlooking the Bushmans River.
Bushmans River Lodge is a Victorian homestead that offers an intimate atmosphere that is a welcoming reminder of true South African hospitality. Beautifully decorated in an artistic ethnic theme, this lodge is another representation of the true uniqueness of Shamwari. This four bedroom lodge is ideal for small groups of friends or couples and offers a very private experience. Dining is varied between the dining room, the verandah, which is adjacent to the pool, or the stunning boma under thatch overlooking the Bushmans River.
Bayethe Tented Lodge is a splendid stone walled and thatch roofed lodge with a large deck area overlooking a waterhole. There is a double volume lounge and dining area which spills out onto the deck which is adjacent to the outside boma for traditional fireside dining under the stars. The nine luxury tents are camouflaged under trees allowing for ample privacy and unsurpassed comforts. Each tent is air-conditioned and heated and has an en-suite bathroom, shower, private plunge pool and viewing deck. The three premier tents at Bayethe Hills are the ultimate in tented luxury. These tents offer the additional luxuries of a fireplace, satelite TV, plunge pool and hammocks suspended out of the wooden decks.
Sarili Lodge is an environmentally friendly private African thatch designed villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River with expansive views of the plains, positioned in the southern region of the Reserve. The décor emulates an old traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment. The lodge consists of five suites and can sleep a maximum of ten guests. The lodge features a child friendly swimming pool, dining and lounge areas, courtyard barbeque area and special children’s menu. Child minders are available at an additional cost.
For further information on Shamwari Game Reserve, or hotels in the Eastern Cape or for advice about planning a holiday to South Africa please conat Illona on 0285 650 011.