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Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge

The newly renovated Riverdene Family Lodge at Shamwari Game Reserve boasts a fantastic family-friendly Eastern Cape safari experience. The 5-star lodge offers activities for kids at the Adventure Centre and a glorious pool with a shallow swimming area for children. The lodge boasts a stunning bar and lounge as well as a boma overlooking the beautiful Bushman’s River. Every aspect of the lodge is exceptional from its world-class facilities to the decor and delicious African cuisine. Activities at Riverdene Family Lodge include bushwalks, birding, conservation and rehabilitation centre visits. Exclusive packages for groups and families can be arranged with private safari drives and exclusive accommodation.

Conveniently accessible at only a 45-minute drive from Port Elizabeth, the exclusive 5-star Shamwari Game Reserve is an ideal inclusion at the end of your Garden Route travel itinerary. This private game reserve boasts 7000 hectares of 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. With exceptional game viewing year-round, 3-4-hour safari 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. In addition to Riverdene Family Lodge, Shamwari is home to a collection of 5-star luxury lodge; Eagles Crag, Bayethe Tented Lodge, Sarili Lodge, Long Lee Manor and the Explorer Camp.

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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.

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.
10-seater vehicles at Riverdene family lodge.

Activities & Facilities:

Game drives
Guided bushwalks
Stargazing
Birdwatching
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Viewing deck
Bar & lounge
Supervised kids club
Kids Adventure Centre
Toddler play area

Highlights:

Exclusive, 5-star family-friendly safari lodge.
The lodge boasts elegant, contemporary decor throughout.
A swimming pool, complemented by luxurious day beds for ultimate relaxation.
9 interconnected luxury rooms designed specifically for families.
The Kids on Safari Adventure Centre offers a range of exciting activities for children of all ages.
Activities such as zip-lining, rock climbing, cookie decorating and pizza-making.
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

Inclusions & Exclusions:

Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.

Child Policy:

Riverdene welcomes children of all ages.
Children 4 – 11 years pay 50% of the adult rate when sharing or in their own room.
Children 0 – 3 years stay free of charge when sharing a room with their parents.

Rates:

The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
Rates are charged per person, per night.
Single supplement of 30% applicable.
Rates displayed are valid until 31 March 2025.

Special offers:

Stay 4 nights and save 10% off your accommodation (valid 1 May – 30 Sept).
Stay 6 nights and save 10% off your accommodation (valid 1 May – 30 Sept).
Sole Use Offer – Book all rooms of any one of the luxury lodges for 2 nights and receive one room free of charge.
South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.

Seasons:

Peak season: 01 November – 31 March
High season:01 September – 31 October & 1 April – 30 April
Low season: 01 November – 31 March

Accommodation Options

Inter-leading luxury rooms

Sleeps 2 Adults, 1 child

Nine inter-leading rooms feature a private patio and bathroom with bath and shower and can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults, sharing with 1 child. The rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hairdryer, television and a Nespresso coffee machine.