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Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve is an award winning, 5-star malaria free safari destination located in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Shamwari game reserve is 7000 hectares in size and boast beguiling landscapes over 5 of South Africa’s 8 biomes. The rich and diverse vegetation makes the landscape an ideal habitat for varied wildlife and an impressive selection of birdlife. Conveniently accessible at only a 45-minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport, the exclusive 5-star Shamwari Game Reserve is rated highly in the top malaria free safari destinations in South Africa.
With exceptional game viewing year-round, 3-4-hour game drives are led by passionate and highly experienced game rangers offering you a wealth of information while tracking wildlife. The specialized open 4×4 safari vehicles offer an excellent chance to see and photograph the Big 5, giraffe, zebra, hippo, jackal, and a diverse community of antelope. Shamwari is renowned for its close up sightings with an excellent chance of spotting all of the big 5. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon with sundowner stops in breath-taking locations.
The Shamwari Game Reserve safari lodges offer guests diverse accommodation options in one of 6 luxury lodges. Accommodation options range from inter-leading family rooms to exclusive suites with floor to ceiling windows, private viewing decks and plunge pools. Each Shamwari lodge offers a unique feel and atmosphere. Decor ranges from a warm earthy tones at Eagle Crag and Bayethe lodge to light open spaces at Long Lee Manor house. Sarili is a private 5-bedroom safari lodge for families and groups of friends wanting a more personalized experiences with a flexible itinerary and private chef. Riverdean is the family friendly lodge and welcomes children of all ages. Here you will find a wealth children’s activities and a junior ranger program. All lodges at Shamwari have expansive views over the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide.
- Night drives and guided bush walk are permitted.
- 6-seater vehicles.
- 10-seater vehicles at Riverdene family lodge.
Wildlife:
- Shamwari is a Big-5 reserve and is home to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
- Other wildlife include giraffe, hippo, zebra, cheetah and a variety of antelope species and more.
- 275 bird species, including rare birds and birds of prey.
- Leopard sighting are rare in any eastern cape game reserve.
Highlights:
- 25 000 hectares in size.
- Seven 5-star lodges, an Explorer Camp and three wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
- Bushman’s River is a prominent landmark providing a good water source to the animals.
- Home to five of South Africa’s eight major biomes providing rich vegetation types for an array of varied wildlife.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with close up sightings.
Location:
Located in the Eastern Cape, along South Africa’s east coast.
Getting there:
- The closest commercial airport is Port Elizabeth (PLZ).
- Shamari Game Reserve is a 50 minute drive from Port Elizabeth.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour 35 minutes
Special offers:
- Stay 4 nights and save 10% off your accommodation (vaild 1 May – 30 Sept).
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View packages or enquire via the contact form on the page below.
Are you a SA Resident?
SA resident specials available at Shamwari Game Reserve up until 31 December 2024
SA Resident Specials
Shamwari Long Lee Manor
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From R 6,260 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Eagles Crag
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From R 7,430 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Bayethe
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From R 6,495 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From R 6,260 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From [POA] per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Explorer Camp
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+16 years
From [POA] per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Shamwari Lodges
Shamwari Long Lee Manor
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From R 9,145 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Eagles Crag
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From R 11,555 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Bayethe
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 years
From R 9,500 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From R 9,145 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
All ages
From R 9,595 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Explorer Camp
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+16 years
From R 6,470 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Sindile Lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
+12 Years
From R 12,135 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Shamwari Packages
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14 Nights Eastern Cape, Cape Town & Winelands
14 Nights / 15 Days
From R 95,800 to R 169,000 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Experience close up Big-5 sightings and a luxury tented camp at Shamwari Bayethe. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and then it’s time to unwind at Babylonstoren wine estate…
Days: 15premium -
10 Nights Eastern Cape, Cape Town & Winelands
10 Nights / 11 Days
From R 71,500 to R 124,400 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Experience close up Big-5 sightings and a luxury tented camp at Shamwari Bayethe. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and then it’s time to unwind at Babylonstoren wine estate…
Days: 11premium -
8 Nights Eastern Cape & Cape Town
8 Nights / 9 Days
From R 68,200 to R 117,300 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Experience close up Big-5 sightings and a luxury tented camp at Shamwari Bayethe. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and then it’s time to unwind at Babylonstoren wine estate…
Days: 9premium
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