Shamwari-Game-Reserve

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier luxury safari destination spread over roughly 250 km² of malaria-free wilderness. Shamwari is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo), abundant birdlife, and restored natural habitat across several biomes, making it as rich in biodiversity as it is in safari experiences.

Staying at Shamwari means relaxation in comfort, wildlife encounters, and contributing to conservation—since the reserve combines luxury tourism with efforts to restore ecosystems, protect endangered species, and engage with local communities.

Shamwari offers six luxurious lodges plus an Explorer Camp, each with its own style and setting, ensuring guests can pick the experience that suits them best — whether it’s high-luxury, family-friendly, romantic seclusion or adventurous camping. Set in a malaria-free wilderness in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, these lodges combine comfort, top-class service and immersion in nature.

Available Lodge / Camp:

Eagles Crag Lodge- A premium lodge with stone and glass suites, indoor & outdoor showers, private decks, heated plunge pools. Best for guests seeking luxury, seclusion and superb views.
Bayethe Tented Lodge- Elegant tented luxury under thatch and trees. Each tent has private plunge pool, outdoor showers, and excellent privacy. Great for couples or romantics.
Long Lee Manor- Edwardian-style manor offering room & suites, large verandas, historic charm, elegant dining, and a refined, classic safari ambiance. Ideal for those who appreciate style, heritage and comfort.
Sarili Private Villa- Designed for families or small groups, this villa gives a private lodge experience with butler service, private safari vehicle, and spectacular river and plain views. Great when you want exclusivity.
Sindile Safari Lodge- Luxury tented suites set beside the Bushman’s River, blending tent living with full comfort. Ideal for guests who want safari with closeness to nature.
Riverdene Family Lodge- Family-oriented lodge with interleading rooms, children’s areas, shallow pools, kid-friendly meals and supervised activities. Perfect for travelling with children.
Explorer Camp- More rustic and adventurous; a camp offering immersion in the wild for those comfortable with simpler facilities but keen on walking safaris and letting the bush come to you.

At Shamwari, the experiences are designed to immerse guests in the wild—luxury meets authentic adventure in a malaria-free setting. Whether you prefer scenic game drives in open vehicles, quiet walks through the bush, bird-watching in varied habitats, or meaningful conservation encounters, there’s something for everyone to connect with nature, wildlife, and the reserve’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Available flight Services:

Safari Game Drives (morning & afternoon) — chance to see the Big Five, other wildlife.
Guided Bush Walks — led by expert rangers; focus on details like tracks, plants, small animals, and immersive nature time.
Birding — exploring the reserve’s rich variety of bird species in different habitats.
Star Gazing — enjoy the night sky in a setting largely free from light pollution, with guide narration.
Boat Experience on the Bushman’s River — a peaceful river cruise for wildlife and scenery from the water.
Kids on Safari — family-friendly safari experiences, adventure centre, educational & fun activities tailored for children.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre — visit to see injured/rehabilitating animals, learn how they’re nursed back to health.
Vulpro @ Shamwari Experience — dedicated vulture conservation program, breeding & release, educating visitors about vultures.
Born Free Big Cats Experience — sanctuaries for rescued big cats, close encounters with rescued lions & leopards, and learning their stories.
Shamwari Conservation Experience — a hands-on conservation programme for volunteers, students, or eco-travelers, involving habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community outreach.

The Shamwari Foundation is a core part of Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The name “Shamwari” means “friend” in Shona — a fitting title for an organisation founded on respect and partnership with wildlife, landscapes, and surrounding communities. Their mission is to protect endangered species, restore damaged ecosystems, and support local people so that wildlife conservation can thrive hand-in-hand with environmental health and social well-being.