Shamwari Game Reserve in The Cape

Shamwari Game Reserve, the ultimate luxury big five African safari adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism. Shamwari is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.
Bayethe 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 Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
The 9 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 3 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.
Early morning and evening game viewing drives in open game viewing vehicles as well as guided nature walks and bird watching are all part of this magnificent experience.
Accommodation at Bayethe 9 luxury thatched tents Wooden floor, canvas sides, sliding wooden doors and thatch roof. 3 Tents have double beds& 6have twin beds Private decks and plunge pools 3 tents have indoor shower, 6 tents outdoor shower Air-conditioning (hot & cold) Electric blankets International direct dial telephones International adaptor plug points Hairdryer Mini-bar Private safe facilities Tea/coffee making facilities
Accommodation at Bayethe Hills Situated 100m from Bayethe Reception 2 Tents have double beds & 1 tent has twin beds Wooden floor, canvas sides, aluminum sliding doors, thatch roof. Electric blankets Air conditioning Fire places Plunge pools Private decks Hammocks Privatesafe Mini bars Satellite TV Hair dryers Inside bath, outside shower Tea/Coffee making facilities International dial direct telephones
Facilities and Services Indoor dining or outdoor dining on deck, or in the boma Fireplace in lounge and indoor dining room Satellite TV in lounge Separate deck area overlooking waterhole Gift Boutique Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle Bayethe Bush Spa overlooking the water hole offers a range of treatments.Guests are also able to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their rooms.
Bushmans Lodge
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 4-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. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor and can be enjoyed in the cosy lounge with fireplace.
The ideal family lodge for an intimate experience.
Activities from the lodge include morning and evening game drives or walking safaris, accompanied by your personal ranger. Shamwari Game Reserve prides itself on the knowledge and professionalism of their rangers.
Accommodation at Bushmans River Lodge A tastefully restored private lodge with 4 luxury twin rooms Air-conditioning (hot & cold). Satellite T.V. International direct dial Tea/coffee making facilities Private verandah Hairdryers Private safe
Facilities and Services Boma overlooking the river for outdoor meals and game viewing Swimming pool Lounge with bar facility Internet access Outdoor & indoor dining Guests can book treatments at Long Lee Manor Spa. Personal ranger service – only8 passengers per vehicle Gift Boutique available at Long Lee Manor Perimeter electric fence.
Eagles Crag Lodge
Eagles Crag Lodge is nestled in a valley and provides the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travellers. Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximize the privacy of the guest 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.
Our luxury spa offers a wide variety of personalized treatments. The upper floor dining room and lounge, and ground floor library, lounge and cocktail bar, all further compliment the guests “African bushveld experience”.
There are various dining venue options to enjoy the exquisite cuisine served at Eagles Crag. There is the upper floor dining room, the expansive balconies with stunning views of the cliff, the lower deck and the outdoor boma under the stars around the fire.The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Exclusivity, privacy and serenity
Accommodation at Eagles Crag The lodge boasts an authentic African Experience, secretly hidden in a gorge, filled with temperate forest vegetation and looking out onto a cliff-face and riverbed. 9 Detached luxury suites. Plunge pools on private decks, which are accessed through large fold-away glass walls. Raised wooden decks between all rooms and public areas. Air-conditioning (hot & cold),ceiling fans. International direct dial telephones. Indoor & outdoor shower facilities . Mini-bar. Tea/coffee making facilities. Private safe facilities. Bird spotting scope. Internet access. Hairdryers. Fitted International adaptors.
Facilities and Services Spa with 2 Treatment Rooms, Hydro Bath, Sauna and Steam Bath. Gift Boutique. Library/meeting room. Dining Room on upper level with fireplace and fold-away glass walls out onto the balcony. Outdoor dinners in boma or on lower level deck with fold-away glass walls leading out ontothebalcony. Bar/Cigar Lounge featuring a fireplace & big screen televison with glass fold-away wallsleading out onto the deck. Large lounge with fire place and large outdoor deck upstairs A Birders paradise with beautiful views from the decks. Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle.
Lobengula Lodge
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 5 luxury suites have private plunge pools whilst the remaining 3 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. A selection of fine and rare South African wines are available from the cellar. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
After a game drive guests can relax, swim or enjoy a drink at the pool bar. The magnificent wooden deck overlooking the dense African bush is beautifully appointed for meals or mystical African storytelling in front of the fireplace. Guests are also invited to pamper themselves in the spa or workout in the gym.
Valley Bushveld tranquility
Accommodation at Lobengula Lodge 6 Spacious, individually decorated African thatch suites with private verandas overlookingAfrican bushveld. 1 x Premier Suite with private pool, 5 x Luxury Suites, 2 with private pools. Satellite T.V. in all rooms Indoor & Outdoor showers International direct dial Air-conditioning in all rooms, ceiling fans, Tea/coffee making facilities Hairdryers Private safe Mini-bars
Facilities and Services Spa : 2 Treatment Rooms, Steam Room, Sauna Swimming pool with sunken cocktail bar Gift Boutique Internet access Small Fitness Centre Wine cellar Boma / Dining Room / Deck Personal ranger service – only 6 people per vehicle Perimeter electric fence.
Long Lee Manor
Long Lee Manor, originally built in 1910, offers a distinctive Colonial experience. This splendidly restored Edwardian Manor House offers guests refined comfort, congenial service and enticing cuisine in the African bush. Long Lee Manor accommodates 38 guests in 15 elegant en-suite rooms and 3 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. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
Between game drives guests can laze around one of the two pools, relax in the beautifully appointed garden lounge, or experience a rejuvenating treatment in our spa.
Long Lee Manor is a reminder of an era of gracious living – positioned as the flagship of Shamwari – it overlooks a water hole and the sweeping plains leading down to the Bushmans River.
Accommodation at Long Lee Manor 4 Twin Bedded luxury Palm Court Rooms 4 Twin Bedded Luxury Garden Rooms with mini bar 7 Twin Bedded Luxury Sidbury Rooms 1 Honeymoon Suite (upstairs with balconies, mini bar) 1 x Manor Suite (upstairs with balconies, mini bar) 1 X King bedded Sidbury Suite – with lounge, mini bar & patio
Rooms have ceiling fans and air-conditioning (hot & cold) Satellite T.V International direct dial Tea/coffee making facilities Hairdryers
Facilities and Services 2 Swimming pools Perimeter Electric fence Private conference facilities Internet access Spa facilities – 2 Treatment/Therapy rooms, Steam Bath, outdoor Jacuzzi Curio shop Outdoor dining under the Pepper Tree Original 1916 Barn, with conferencing and outdoor dining facilities Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle Safe-keeping facilities in all rooms.
Riverdene Lodge
The colonial-style, Riverdene 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 barbecue 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. The Shamwari wine list is especially selected and includes a choice of 12 red and 12 white South African wines. A further selection of rare and fine wines and imported French champagne is also available. A selection of Cuban cigars are on offer from the humidor.
As with all the lodges at Shamwari, guests receive personal attention from their assigned rangers for the duration of their stay.
Accommodation at Riverdene Lodge Restored settler lodge with 9 luxury suites, all with own individual patio 1 x disabled-friendly room Air-conditioning (hot & cold), ceiling fan Satellite T.V. in all rooms International direct dial Tea/coffee making facilities Hairdryers Private safe facilities Fitted International adaptors
Facilities and Services A truly unique, educational and fun family safari Swimming pool Internet Access Indoor & outdoor dining facilities Beautiful garden to relax in Lapa overlooking Bushmans River for outdoor dining or game viewing Guests can book spa treatments at the Long Lee Manor Spa. Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle Gift Boutique Perimeter electric fence
Children’s Facilities Children’s co-ordinator Child minding facilities Children’s gift pack Visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre Exclusive visit to the Shamwari Wildlife Hospital. Read About Themba the orphan elephant. Visit to Shamwari Film Studio Childrens Activities Children’s menu available.
Sarili Lodge
Sarili Lodge operates independently, with a full staff compliment including its own Management team, chef brigade, hosts and hostesses and experienced field guides. Dinner is alternated between the in and outdoor facilities, weather permitting.
An environmentally friendly private African thatch designed villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River with expansive views of the plains, the lodge is 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 (10) 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.
Accommodation at Sarili Lodge 3 King Bedded Rooms 2 Twin Bedded Rooms Private Mini Bars Private Patio / Balcony Air conditioning International dial telephone Tea/Coffee making facilities En-suite bathroom Electronic safe Hairdryer Fitted international adaptors
Facilities and Services Bar / Lounge area with fireplace Dining Area Swimming Pool with shallow area (cold).
Shamwari Game Reserve Activities
Game Drives at Shamwari Game Reserve Game viewing is carried out during the morning and evening when you are guided by your game ranger in an open game viewing vehicle. If you have a particular interest, please mention it to your ranger; who will be happy to merge your plans with those of the group.
The game drives will take between three and four hours, with a sundowners stop at sunset and a coffee stop in the morning. It is always advisable to bring warm clothing along, even in summer. In winter, a warm jacket, beanie, scarf and gloves are advisable. These clothing items are also available in our shops. Please do not forget to bring your binoculars, camera’s and video camera’s along.
Your safety is of utmost concern to us, and your game ranger will inform you of the necessary safety precautions as you commence your game drive.
Guided walks can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is only then that you gain a true perspective of the fauna and flora around you. These walks may only be carried out by specially trained and qualified game rangers. Please ask your personal game ranger to make these arrangements for you.
Spa at Shamwari Game Reserve Awaken your senses and allow us to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Inspired by surrounding nature and elements that guide us, our selection of body and beauty treatments cater for both men and women. As a Mantis Collection Spa member, we strive for quality, excellence and distinction in all we do.
Our luxury spas are situated at Long Lee Manor, Eagles Crag Lodge, Bayethe Lodge and Lobengula Lodge. Spa treatments can be arranged for guests staying at Riverdene Lodge and Bushmans River Lodge.
Eagles Crag Spa has 2 Treatments Rooms, a Hydro Bath, Sauna and Steam Bath.
Lobengula Spa has 2 Treatment Rooms, a Steam Room and Sauna.
Long Lee Manor Spa has 2 treatment Rooms, a Steam room and outdoor Jacuzzi.
Bayethe Bush Spa has a twin treatment room or guests are able to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their rooms.
Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries The Born Free Foundation is at the forefront of drawing the public’s attention to the plight of wild animals confined in impoverished captive environments and promoting through education and public awareness, a humane agenda.
It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.
In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Guests at Shamwari are able to visit the 2 Big Cat Sanctuaries.
Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari Game Reserve are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre. privacy of their rooms.