South Africa is celebrated as one of the world’s premier safari destinations, home to a wide network of private game reserves located throughout the country. These privately managed areas combine conservation, luxury, and exceptional game viewing in some of the country’s most scenic and biodiverse regions.
In the northeastern provinces, you’ll find world-famous private reserves like Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders Kruger National Park and is globally recognized for its high density of leopard sightings and year-round Big Five game viewing. In the northwest, Madikwe Game Reserve offers a malaria-free alternative and is one of the largest private reserves in South Africa, known for its population of wild dogs and rare species such as brown hyena and aardwolf. Further south, in the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, several private reserves offer coastal scenery, lush valleys, and thicket vegetation, home to black rhino, cheetah, Hughe elephant populations and a wide range of birdlife.
A private game reserve is typically owned and managed independently or as part of a larger conservation organization. Some are fenced to maintain specific wildlife populations and conservation goals, while others are unfenced and form part of larger transfrontier conservation areas, allowing animals to roam freely between private and public lands (as seen in Greater Kruger). Geography plays a key role: some areas are dominated by mountains and valleys, others by rivers, grasslands, or dense bushveld, all of which influence the types of wildlife present and the overall safari experience.
What to Expect at a Private Game Reserve in South Africa
Each private reserve in South Africa offers something distinct. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly, malaria-free experience, or a photography-focused Big Five safari, there’s a reserve tailored to your interests.
- Limited vehicle numbers and a low guest-to-land ratio, ensuring peaceful, uncrowded game drives
- Off-road driving allowed for close-up animal encounters (especially for Big Five sightings)
- Flexible schedules for safaris, including night drives and guided bush walks
- High-end lodges offering luxury accommodations, personal guides, and tailored experiences
- Outdoor dining under the stars, often in traditional African bomas or along dry riverbeds
- Access to private airstrips, enabling fast and direct travel to remote areas
- Educational and cultural activities, including photographic safaris, village visits, and conservation programs
- Many reserves support sustainable tourism, wildlife protection, and local community development
Below is a list of the 10 best private game reserves in South Africa, each home to abundant wildlife and renowned for having world-class game drives and luxurious safari lodges.
1. MalaMala Private Game Reserve
MalaMala Game Reserve, nestled in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, is a trailblazer in the world of private safari tourism. Covering 13,300 hectares within the prestigious Sabi Sands region, it is the largest and oldest private reserve adjoining Kruger National Park. MalaMala was the first to transition from hunting safaris to photographic tourism, setting the standard for ethical and immersive wildlife experiences in Africa.
With 20 kilometres of Sand River frontage, a vital water source in the area, MalaMala enjoys an exceptional year-round concentration of wildlife. The reserve is particularly famous for its consistent Big Five sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), along with frequent appearances by cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, hippos, and hyenas. Herds of zebra, warthog, and large antelope species roam the plains, supporting a robust predator population. Bird enthusiasts will be equally impressed, with over 500 bird species recorded in the region.
Expert rangers lead off-road excursions and guided walking safaris, offering thrilling close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. MalaMala is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment. It has supported anti-poaching efforts for decades and collaborates with the N’wandlamhari Community, promoting sustainable development and local empowerment.
With its iconic setting, rich biodiversity, and unwavering dedication to conservation and hospitality, MalaMala stands as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves.
Location
Positioned on the eastern side of Sabi Sands Game Reserve, MalaMala shares open borders with Kruger National Park and neighbouring private reserves including Londolozi, Notten’s, &Beyond, Umkumbe, and Cheetah Plains game reserves
Getting there
MalaMala is conveniently reached by air via its private airstrip with two daily charter flights from Johannesburg. Alternatively, guests can fly to nearby Skukuza Airport, served daily from Johannesburg and Cape Town, followed by a 45-minute 4×4 transfer to the reserve.
Where to stay
Accommodation at MalaMala is equally exceptional, with three luxurious 5-star camps catering to both families and adults seeking a more serene retreat. All camps boast panoramic views of the Sand River, personalized service, gourmet dining, and superb facilities.
- MalaMala Camp: Set along the Sand River, MalaMala Camp offers a prime riverfront location with 19 luxury suites and rooms, many overlooking the river or a nearby waterhole. The camp is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages.
- Sable Camp: A small, intimate camp perched above the Sand River and bushveld, offering five luxury suites and a two-bedroom unit, each with a private deck and stunning views. The camp welcomes guests aged 12 years and older.
- Rattrary’s Camp: MalaMala’s flagship camp boasts eight luxury suites, each with a private verandah, plunge pool, and breathtaking views of the Sand River. Renowned for ultra-high standards and meticulous attention to detail, the camp welcomes guests aged 16 years and older.
2. Singita Private Game Reserve
Spanning over 18,200 hectares in the heart of the renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Singita is a privately owned, owner-run luxury safari destination bordering Kruger National Park. With no fences between the reserves, wildlife moves freely across the landscape, supporting healthy ecosystems and preserving natural predator-prey dynamics essential to biodiversity.
Singita is know as the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa and has earned a global reputation for its exceptional service, refined hospitality, and elegant design. The reserve is home to three luxury lodges and one exclusive-use private homestead, each uniquely styled—from earthy, natural aesthetics to sophisticated African vintage décor.
Guests can look forward to twice-daily, off-road Big Five game drives led by expert rangers and trackers. These guides bring deep ecological knowledge and skilled animal tracking to each outing, often resulting in close encounters with leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Singita is especially renowned for its high density of leopards and large lion prides, along with sightings of giraffe, zebra, antelope, African wild dogs, and white rhino.
The Mobeni and Xmobonyana Rivers, tributaries of the Sand River, sustain lush riverine habitats and support a wide range of flora and fauna. This habitat diversity makes Singita a haven for birdlife, with hundreds of bird species recorded, making it a prime destination for birdwatching and nature photography.
Beyond its luxurious offering, Singita is deeply committed to conservation. The reserve plays a key role in anti-poaching operations, habitat restoration, and community development, working closely with surrounding communities to protect wildlife corridors and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Location
Singita Private Game Reserve is located on the western side of Sabi Sands in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and shares unfenced borders with Londolozi, Simbambili, and Elephant Plains game reserves, as well as Kruger National Park
Getting there
Singita Game Reserve is accessible via daily charter flights to its private airstrip or commercial flights to Skukuza Airport. From Skukuza, it’s a 90-minute road transfer to the reserve.
Where to stay
Catering to both adults and families, all accommodations at Singita Private Game Reserve offer privacy, panoramic views, heated plunge pools, and expansive decks immersed in nature.
- Boulders Lodge: Situated along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Singita Boulders Lodge offers 11 luxury suites, each featuring an elegant glass-fronted design with large private decks and heated pools. The lodge welcomes guests aged 10 years and older.
- Ebony Lodge: An ultra-luxurious safari retreat that blends classic design with lightweight canvas, glass, and timber finishes. It features 13 luxury suites and the exclusive Ebony Villa. This family-friendly lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Castleton Lodge: Perfect for families and small groups, Singita Castleton offers an exclusive-use experience with a main house, six double en-suite cottages, and private staff including a chef, housekeeper, guide, and tracker. The lodge welcomes children of all ages.
3. Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Situated along the Sand River within the renowned Sabi Sands, Londolozi Private Game Reserve spans 14,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Famed for its exceptional leopard sightings, Londolozi is often referred to as the home of the “leopards of Londolozi.” The reserve also boasts some of the highest concentrations of white rhino and lion on the African continent, alongside large herds of elephant, buffalo, and diverse plains game.
Game drives, led by expert rangers and some of South Africa’s only Master Trackers, offer immersive and educational wildlife experiences. Off-road tracking and intimate bush encounters make Londolozi a premier destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Londolozi is a trailblazer in sustainable luxury and was the first game reserve in the world to receive Relais & Châteaux status, a prestigious recognition of excellence.
Guests enjoy gourmet dining in spectacular bush settings, from lantern-lit riverbank dinners to private meals under the stars. With over 500 bird species in the region, diverse flora, and a full spectrum of African wildlife including wild dog, cheetah, giraffe, and hyena, Londolozi offers a rich and holistic safari experience.
Location
Londolozi Private Game Reserve is centrally positioned in Sabi Sands, sharing unfenced borders with MalaMala, Silvan, Singita Private Game Reserves, and Kruger National Park.
Getting there
Londolozi can be reached via charter flights to its private airstrip or commercial flights to Skukuza Airport, followed by a 60-minute road transfer.
Where to stay
Londolozi Private Game Reserve features five exclusive lodges, three family-friendly and two adults-only, each uniquely designed with a blend of modern elegance and classic African style.
- Pioneer Camp: Ideal for exclusive use, offers 3 luxurious suites with private decks and pools, set among ancient ebony trees. Its authentic décor reflects the true spirit of an African safari camp. The camp is family-friendly and welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Founders Camp: A larger Camp with 10 superior chalets, including family-friendly options, each with private decks and plunge pools. The décor is characterized by light, earthy tones and a simple, open design. The camp welcomes children of all ages.
- Tree Camp: One of the most majestic camps in the Londolozi collection, Tree Camp features 6 exquisite suites with private decks and plunge pools, nestled in a tranquil setting. The main camp area is elevated among majestic Leadwood trees. The camp welcomes children from 16 years.
- Varty Camp: Londolozi Varty Camp offers 10 chalets with private decks, plunge pools, and salas. The camp’s design features charming brick paths, rock walls, and waterfalls, and includes inter-leading chalets, making it another family-friendly lodge in the Londolozi collection. The camp welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Granite Suites: Granite Suites is an intimate camp with 3 ultra-luxurious suites, each featuring private patios, plunge pools, and outdoor bathtubs. Guests can also enjoy a sunset river bar and cocktail lounge overlooking the Sand River. The camp welcomes children from 16 years old.
4. Timbavati Private Game Reserve
Located in the western Greater Kruger region within Mpumalanga Province, Timbavati Private Game Reserve covers an expansive 54,300 hectares of pristine wilderness.
Timbavati supports extraordinary biodiversity, including over 40 mammal species such as the iconic Big Five, 360 bird species, and 79 reptile varieties. Its landscape features more than 85 tree species alongside vital water sources like the Nhlaralumini River.
Limited lodge numbers and strict guest policies ensure a private and uncrowded safari experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities including off-road and night game drives, guided bushwalks, and unique open-air dining under the stars.
The reserve is famous for high concentrations of Big Five game, especially large herds of elephant, buffalo, and thriving lion prides. It is also known for sightings of elusive leopards and endangered African wild dogs. With abundant plains game supporting a healthy predator population and over 500 bird species recorded, Timbavati offers a rich, immersive safari experience in a pristine environment.
Location
Timbavati Private Game Reserve is located in the western Greater Kruger region and shares borders with Kruger National Park, Klaserie, Umbabat, and Thornybush Game Reserves.
Getting there
Timbavati is accessible via several private airstrips with daily charter flights from Johannesburg. The closest commercial airport is Hoedspruit, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers from Hoedspruit to lodges take 30 to 120 minutes.
Where to stay
Timbavati Private Game Reserve is renowned for its selection of luxury lodges that cater to both adults-only retreats and family-friendly accommodations.
- Tanda Tula Safari Camp: An ultra-luxurious safari lodge on the Nhlaralumi River, offers 7 luxury safari suites and 2 two-bedroom family suites, each with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the riverbed. The lodge welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Nglala Safari Lodge: Ngala Safari Lodge, part of the acclaimed &Beyond collection, offers 20 luxury cottages and one family villa. The main lodge features a large rim-flow pool overlooking a lively waterhole. This family-friendly lodge welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Kings Camp: Kings Camp overlooks a savanna plain and waterhole, offering seven luxury suites and one four-bedroom villa. Each suite features a private veranda with a plunge pool, sunken lounge, and fire pit. The camp welcomes children from 6 years old.
- Makanyi Game Lodge: Set in lush gardens overlooking an active waterhole, features contemporary design with an African twist. It offers eight luxury suites with private decks and stunning dam views. The lodge is age-restricted, welcoming guests from 12 years old.
5. Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Thornybush Game Reserve is a private wilderness spanning 14,000 hectares of open savannah woodland and dense thicket, sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park. Renowned as a premium Big Five habitat, it offers some of South Africa’s finest game viewing, where encountering the full Big Five within the first two days of your safari is highly probable. The reserve limits the number of vehicles at sightings, ensuring intimate, uncrowded encounters and superb photographic opportunities.
Named after the dense thorny bushveld vegetation characteristic of the area, Thornybush is dotted with numerous natural waterholes. These water sources attract a rich diversity of wildlife and serve as prime vantage points for viewing animals ranging from elephants and buffalo to predators and smaller species, sustaining the reserve’s vibrant ecosystem.
An excellent all-round destination, Thornybush is often the first choice for discerning travelers seeking a perfect blend of spectacular wildlife, luxury, and exclusivity.
Wildlife highlights include large herds of elephants and buffalo, sizable prides of lions, and a significant concentration of white rhinos. Other notable species include hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyena, warthog, and a wide variety of antelope and smaller cats.
Location
Thornybush Private Game Reserve is situated on the western boundary of the Greater Kruger area, neighbouring Kapama and Timbavati Game Reserves, and the Kruger National Park.
Getting there
Thornybush Private Game Reserve is accessible via several private airstrips with daily charter flights from Johannesburg. The closest commercial airport is Hoedspruit, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers from Hoedspruit to lodges take 30 to 60 minutes.
Where to stay
Home to some of the country’s most luxurious lodges, Thornybush offers a collection of high-standard accommodations. Options range from glamorous tented suites to family-friendly lodges, each providing unique decor and an authentic African atmosphere.
- Thornybush Game Lodge: Overlooking a sandy riverbed, the lodge features a chic design combining wood, steel, and rattan. It offers 16 luxury suites and the exclusive two-bedroom Karma House. This family-friendly lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Saseka Tented Campe: A 5-star luxury lodge renowned for its exquisite style and décor. It offers 9 tented suites elevated above the river for privacy, each with private decks and plunge pools. The camp is age-restricted, welcoming guests from 16 years old.
- Monwana Game Lodge: Monwana Game Lodge, an acclaimed winner of South Africa’s best safari lodge award, showcases modern African-inspired décor and breathtaking views of the reserve. It features 6 luxury suites, a family suite, and a private residence, and is family-friendly, welcoming children of all ages.
- Royal Malewane: Part of the Royal Portfolio, offers three ultra-luxurious lodges known for outstanding hospitality, unique décor and outstanding service. Select lodges welcome children of all ages.
6. Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Klaserie is the largest private reserve in the Greater Kruger region, covering 60,000 hectares of diverse landscapes including towering trees, open floodplains, and the Klaserie River, a key water source that attracts abundant wildlife. Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, it offers exceptional wilderness experiences with a high concentration of the Big 5 – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino.
The reserve is a stronghold for endangered species such as wild dogs, saddle-billed storks, and southern ground hornbills, supported by dedicated conservation efforts. Klaserie is committed to sustainable ecotourism, maintaining low-density visitor numbers and limiting vehicles on game drives to ensure intimate, uncrowded wildlife encounters.
With abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffalo, and lion prides, Klaserie delivers unforgettable safari adventures in a pristine, ecologically rich environment.
Location
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is situated in the western region of the Greater Kruger area. It shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and borders the Timbavati, Umbabat, and Balule Game Reserves.
Getting there
The Klaserie is accessible via several private airstrips with daily charter flights from Johannesburg. The closest commercial airport is Hoedspruit, with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Transfers from Hoedspruit to lodges take 30 to 120 minutes.
Where to stay
Klaserie features around 20 lodges, many set along scenic riverfronts, offering luxury accommodations and superb outdoor settings in stunning natural surroundings.
- Waterside Lodge: set around a picturesque dam, combines modern style with authentic African touches. It features 4 luxury suites and 4 two-bedroom family suites, and is a family-friendly lodge welcoming children of all ages.
- Camp George: An intimate lodge nestled in lush gardens with towering fever trees and rare cycads, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It offers 8 luxury suites, including 2 inter-leading suites for families, and is age-restricted, welcoming guests from 8 years old.
- Klaserie Drift: Perched above the Klaserie River, offers stunning views from its infinity pool, an open-air bar, and an African Boma. The camp features 8 unique luxury suites overlooking the gardens or river. It is a family-friendly lodge that welcomes children of all ages.
7. Madikwe Game Reserve
Madikwe Game Reserve is South Africa’s fifth largest reserve, spanning 680 km² in a unique transition zone between Kalahari thornveld and Lowveld bushveld. This diverse landscape features volcanic rock formations, open plains, and riverine areas, supporting 66 large mammal species and over 350 bird species.
The reserve is famed for its exceptional wildlife sightings, including the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Guests also have the chance to spot endangered wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and many other species, such as kudu, impala, springbok, warthog, and caracal. Madikwe’s diverse ecosystems provide a perfect habitat for both savanna and thornveld animals, offering a uniquely rich safari experience.
Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve that limits access to lodge guests only, ensuring an exclusive and uncrowded safari experience. Expert rangers offer off-road game drives for close-up wildlife sightings and photography. The reserve supports community upliftment and environmental conservation.
With year-round game viewing, night drives, guided walks, and multiple waterholes, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s premier malaria-free private game reserves, offering an exceptional safari experience for all types of travellers.
Location
Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the North West Province of South Africa, bordering Botswana. It lies in a remote, malaria-free area about 4 to 5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg
Getting there
Madikwe is accessible via daily flights from Johannesburg to Madikwe Airstrip, followed by a short 15 – 30 minute transfer to lodges. Alternatively it is a 4 to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Madikwe Game Reserve ranges from luxury lodges to exclusive-use villas, all emphasising comfort and sustainability.
- Mateya Safari Lodge: Perched on the Gabbro Hills, this lodge offers five luxury suites with private decks and plunge pools, stunning reserve views, and stylish African décor. Guests enjoy exceptional dining, a fire-pit, and expert-led game drives. It welcomes guests aged 9 and above.
- Lelapa Safari Lodge: Luxury family-friendly safari lodge with 12 suites, private decks, and plunge pools. Features waterhole views, open-air dining, and world-class game drives. Welcomes children of all ages.
- Jamala Madikwe: 5-star lodge with 5 private one-bedroom villas, each overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole. Offers gourmet dining, panoramic views from a watchtower, an open-air bar, lap pool, and world-class Big 5 game drives. Guests 16 and older are welcome.
- Molori Safari Lodge: Ultra-luxurious lodge in a pristine setting with stunning Dwarsberg Mountain views. Includes outdoor viewing deck, spa bath, and infinity pools. Family friendly, welcomes all ages.
8. Phinda Private Game Reserve
Phinda Game Reserve is a premier malaria-free safari destination in KwaZulu-Natal, widely regarded as the best safari experience in the region. Spanning 14,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and forming part of the 29,866-hectare Munywana Conservancy, Phinda encompasses seven distinct habitats, including rare sand forests, wetlands, grasslands, mountains, rivers, and pans.
The reserve is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and is particularly well known for close-up sightings of cheetah and the rare black rhino. Other wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, various antelope species, hippopotamus, warthog, hyena, and more. Birdwatchers will delight in the reserve’s rich avian diversity, with up to 436 bird species recorded.
With low vehicle density and expert rangers, game drives are intimate and respectful of the environment. Additional activities include guided walking safaris, infrared night drives, cultural tours, and hands-on conservation experiences. The nearby Indian Ocean coastline provides a unique opportunity to explore snorkeling, scuba diving, and seasonal turtle hatching expeditions.
Phinda offers an unforgettable safari for families, couples, and groups, combining luxury, biodiversity, and coastal adventure in one spectacular destination.
Location
The reserve lies between Mkuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Zululand region of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting there
Phinda is accessible via daily flights to its private airstrip from Nelspruit. Nearby commercial airports include Durban and Richards Bay, with flight times of around 70 minutes from Johannesburg, or 2 hours from Cape Town.. The reserve is a 3.5-hour drive from Durban or 2 hours from Richards Bay.
Where to stay
Phinda Private Game Reserve features a collection of luxury 5-star lodges, each with its own unique character, exceptional service, and setting within diverse areas of the reserve.
- Rock Lodge: An intimate setting with stunning cliff-face views. It has 6 luxury suites featuring lavish interiors, private decks, and plunge pools. Age restricted, welcoming guests from 12 years old.
- Mountain Lodge: Perched on a hilltop with stunning views, this family-friendly lodge offers 16 suites, 1 family suite, and 6 cottages, all with private plunge pools. It welcomes children of all ages.
- Vlei Lodge: Located on the edge of Phinda’s Sand Forest, this intimate lodge offers 6 luxury suites, each with a private lap pool and viewing deck overlooking the vlei. It welcomes children of all ages.
- Forest Lodge: Located in the reserve’s sand forest, this lodge offers 16 eco-friendly luxury suites on stilts, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and verandas with forest views. It welcomes children of all ages.
9. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, spanning 30,000 hectares of pristine wilderness on both sides of the Great Fish River. As the largest private game reserve in the Eastern Cape, Kwandwe is renowned for its rich diversity of flora, abundant wildlife, and spectacular safari experiences.
The reserve is home to the Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and offers thrilling game viewing with safari vehicles accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers. Beyond the Big 5, guests can encounter giraffe, springbok, eland, cheetah, kudu, and many other antelope species. The Great Fish River attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including the Fish Eagle and the endangered Blue Crane, making the reserve a birdwatcher’s paradise. Night drives and bushwalks provide chances to see nocturnal wildlife such as aardwolf, aardvark, and porcupine.
With one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa, Kwandwe ensures privacy, exclusivity, exceptional outdoor dining, and exciting Big 5 game drives. Leopard sightings are rare in Eastern Cape reserves, making encounters here particularly special. Overall, Kwandwe delivers a diverse and immersive safari experience in one of South Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas.
Location
Located in the Eastern Cape along South Africa’s east coast, Kwandwe Game Reserve is approximately 65 km from the coast, situated between Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and East London.
Getting there
The closest commercial airport to Kwandwe Game Reserve is Port Elizabeth (PLZ), which is a 2-hour drive away. Flights to Port Elizabeth take about 1 hour 10 minutes from Cape Town and 1 hour 35 minutes from Johannesburg.
Where to stay
Accommodation at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve includes two luxury lodges and three private safari villas, offering a range of options for comfort and privacy.
- Ecca Lodge: Offers stunning views of shale cliffs, with 6 luxury suites, including family options, private decks, plunge pools, and a rim-flow lap pool at the main lodge. Welcomes children of all ages.
- Great Fish River Lodge: Located along the Great Fish River, this lodge offers 9 luxury suites, plus a large viewing deck overlooking the reserve. Age restricted, welcoming guests from 12 years old.
- Exclusive Villa’s: Three exclusive-use safari villas ideal for families or small groups. Each villa features terraces, pools, gardens, and stunning views, with private staff, ranger, and safari vehicle. Welcomes children of all ages.
10. Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is an award-winning, 5-star malaria-free safari destination in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Covering 25,000 hectares across five of South Africa’s eight major biomes, Shamwari features diverse landscapes rich in wildlife and bird species, making it a premier safari location. Conveniently located just 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth Airport, the reserve offers year-round exceptional game viewing with guided 3–4-hour game drives led by expert rangers in open 4×4 vehicles, providing excellent chances to see the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, cheetah, and numerous antelope species.
The reserve also hosts three wildlife rehabilitation centres and is nourished by the Bushman’s River, a vital water source for its abundant fauna. Birdlife is prolific, with over 275 species recorded, including rare birds and birds of prey. Leopard sightings here are particularly special, given their rarity in the Eastern Cape. Guests enjoy exceptional outdoor dining and unforgettable Big 5 game drives with close-up wildlife encounters.
Location
Shamwari Game Reserve is located 75 km outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), in the Eastern Cape along South Africa’s east coast.
Getting there
The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ), about a 50-minute drive from Shamwari Game Reserve. Flight times are approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Cape Town and 1 hour 35 minutes from Johannesburg.
Where to Stay
Accommodation at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is offered across a range of luxury lodges, ranging from family-friendly options to exclusive-use private lodges.
- Long Lee Manor: Ewardian-style architecture with luxury furnishings and décor. The lodge offers 18 rooms, manicured gardens, and a rim-flow pool. Family friendly, welcoming children from 6 years old.
- Eagles Crag: Offers 9 Junior Suites with private decks and heated plunge pools, surrounded by lush vegetation. Features a large deck with viewing pods and a fire-pit. Welcoming guests from 12 years old.
- Sindile Lodge: Shamwari’s signature experience features 9 interconnected tented suites with private decks and plunge pools, connected by elevated walkways. Welcomes guests from 16 years old.
- Riverdene Family Lodge: Sindile Lodge at Shamwari is a family-friendly retreat with 9 interconnected rooms, a swimming pool, and a Kids on Safari Adventure Centre. It welcomes children of all ages.
Useful Information
If you are planning a luxury safari in one of South Africa’s private game reserves, we recommend reading these articles.
- Best time to Go on safari in South Africa
- Best South Africa Safari Destinations
- South Africa Safari Holiday Packages
- South Africa’s Top 5 Safari Destinations
For personal planning assistance and advice contact out team.
