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Wildlife haven in the Eastern Cape
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
Dramatic views at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
© Mantis Collection
Did you know?
About 5000 wild animals roam Shamwari's 25 000 hectares.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve stands in a class of its own. It has been voted the best game reserve and conservation company in South Africa for 10 consecutive years.
The reserve has even become a favourite among international celebrities. Golfer Tiger Woods got engaged here and Hollywood aces Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage and John Travolta have all visited Shamwari in the past few years.
Situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape, Shamwari Game Reserve not only boasts Africa's most sought-after Big 5 animals, it also aims to rehabilitate an ecosystem almost destroyed by centuries of farming.
Situated along the Bushmans' River, the area comprises five of the country's seven biomes: no wonder the 25 000 hectare area supports a stunning variety of flora and fauna. Because of the focus on responsible tourism, the reserve has received the Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice.
Both the British TV series 'Safari School' and a popular Animal Planet programme ‘Shamwari: A Wild Life' were filmed here, showcasing this magnificent reserve to an international audience.
Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa is also home to two sanctuaries of the Born Free Foundation, which cares for lions and leopards that have been rescued from poor conditions in circuses or zoos around the world. Visitors are welcome to pay their respects to these 'pensioner cats'.
For families with children there is no better safari destination than Shamwari Private Game Reserve, which caters to the curiosity of kids.
With or without children, after a morning of admiring the reserves magnificent wildlife, you deserve a treatment in one of three luxury spas. You can also spend the afternoon on one of the local beaches nearby before enjoying the sunset back at the reserve, with drink in hand and the sound of jackals performing a suppertime serenade.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0) 41 407 1000
Tel: +44 1483 425 465 (United Kingdom and Eire only)
E-mail: reservations@shamwari.com
How to get here
Shamwari Game Reserve is easily accessed by road. A transfer service is available between Port Elizabeth Airport and Shamwari. Bookings for this service can be made directly with reserve.
Tours to do
The reserves offers a range of exciting eco-tourism activities to enjoy during your stay, from guided walks and drives, to African-inspired spa treatments and cultural excursions.
Get around
Once at Shamwari, you will be transported in the reserve's 4X4 vehicles.
What will it cost
Shamwari is an exclusive reserve and is priced accordingly.
Length of stay
At least 2 or 3 nights.
Where to stay
There are seven exclusive lodges to choose from, with Eagles Crag being one of the most popular.
What to eat
Look forward to superb 5-star cuisine with wines to match.