Shamwari Game Reserve - addo elephants, addo national elephant park, Africa, African animals, african lion safari

Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve, the malaria free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.  Shamwari Game 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, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.  Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man’s dream, and the success of many people’s passion. 

Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare 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

A favourite amongst international celebrities including royalty, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to the coveted Big Five. Situated close to Port Elizabeth, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve offers an unsurpassed nature experience.

In an area blessed by the convergence of 5 eco-systems, it's a natural habitat for all types of wildlife makes it the ideal viewing reserve, for not only the Big Five flourish here, but so does a large variety of antelope and smaller wildlife, as well as about 300 species of birds.

Shamwari boasts seven very different 5-star lodges all of which boast every world-class amenity, including outstanding service and cuisine:

Long Lee Manor, a gracious Edwardian mansion was built by descendents of one of the Settlers. Reminiscent of a bygone era, it offers not only the gracious living of that age but also its uncompromisingly high standards of service.

The tented riverine luxury of Bayethe Lodge promises a completely different African bush adventure, where guests are welcomed with the traditional greeting "Bayethe Nkosi" ("I salute you, great one"), and can indulge themselves in twin-bedded suites with outdoor showers, private plunge pools and decks.

Tucked away in a secluded valley, the thatched and ethnically decorated Lobengula Lodge also exudes indigenous hospitality - and is everyone's dream of bushveld serenity!

Riverdene Lodge, a restored settler's home, exemplifies elegance in the wild. Recently renovated to accommodate families, it also offers a unique children's programme, including playrooms, sports activities and educational game drives and tours of the Born Free Rescue Centres.

Lying alongside the river itself, Bushman's River Lodge has spectacular views and is the epitome of intimate hospitality; its fully inclusive service even includes your very own chef and private game ranger!

Sarili Lodge. With African travel becoming a family affair, Shamwari Game Reserve has opened Sarili, a new luxury lodge exclusively for families

And finally, there's Eagles Crag Lodge. Built from stone and glass, and topped with thatch, this is a place of tranquility where guests can relax in luxury while watching the eagles soar.

But no matter where you stay at Shamwari, its memories will remain with you: game viewing at dawn and in the evening; sitting around a blazing fire in a boma listening to tales of old African traditions and stories of close encounters with animals of the wild. But most of all, you'll remember the awesome, mystical empathy between man and beast which arises from the co-existence and mutual respect of creatures born to be free.

The conservation activities of Shamwari Private Game Reserve include two Born Free Rescue Centres, a sanctuary for abandoned wild cats.

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