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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

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Kariega Private Game Reserve
March 4, 2020
March 4, 2020

Luxury Inspired by Nature - A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that will remain with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is the premier luxury safari and holiday destination in South Africa's ecologically significant Easter Cape.

Shamwari, meaning 'my friend' in Shona (a local South Africa language), is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the Big Five, where guests exist in harmony with nature, while wildlife roam the landscape under beautiful African skies.

Shamwari boasts seven lodges and one explorer camp, each with distinct experiences. Everything a safari enthusiast could dream of from exclusive tranquillity to the effortless family enjoyment and back-to-nature appeal of a luxury tented camp.

We invite you to come and experience wild Africa at Shamwari, one of the best Private Game Reserves in South Africa.

What should I wear to Shamwari Game Reserve?

The most likely thing you’ll be doing at this beautiful place is being in the great outdoors so we highly recommend you come prepared for that! The weather in June, July and August can get pretty cold at night so we would say that layers are best placed to help you keep that chill off, especially on those evening game drives. Otherwise, during the day, you’ll be grateful for the opportunity to peel some of the longer layers off to catch some pure African sunshine! The days can be quite warm, particularly in the summer months of January and February so do make sure you wear a cap and shades and very importantly – bring some solid soled hiking boots as being out in the African bush can be a tad sharp especially if you step on a thorn!

What is the best time of year to visit Shamwari Game Reserve?

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in the gorgeous Eastern Cape where the climate is a wonderful blend of Mediterranean and sub-tropical weather. During the winter, temperatures range from a chilly 7°C up to a perfect 22°C in the daytime and the bush tends to be drier and more thinned out which makes spotting animals a little easier than the summer months. That said, in the summer months you can enjoy lows of 16°C and highs of up to 36°C and the heat can be broken up by beautiful short sharp rain storms which bring the bush to life with greenery around every corner. Game can be harder to find however this time of year is a paradise for photographers and birders alike and the animals on the reserve are active all year round so you’ll never be disappointed!

How big is Shamwari Game Reserve?

Shamwari Game Reserve is 7,000 hectares of raw wilderness consisting of five of South Africa’s seven biomes and is home to 7 lodges and 1 back-to-nature explorer camp. Each property on the reserve has its own unique look and feel and here at Tailormade Africa we are huge fans of this beautiful spot so we can very easily help you pick the right one for you! From an exclusive use private lodge overlooking Bushman’s River (Sarili Private) to a newly renovated historic manor house (Long Lee Manor), Shamwari has a lot to offer particularly with over 325 local staff members looking after the place, including two different education and rehabilitation facilities.

What are the top lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve?

Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the top Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape and as such we’re thrilled to support all of the lodges and properties here – there isn’t one which we think is top over the rest! It also really depends what you want out of a place – they all offer something truly different and unique. From being on the river to in the thick of the bush, Shamwari is a remarkable spot to enjoy the African wilderness.

How to get to Shamwari Game Reserve?

Port Elizabeth airport is the closest airport to Shamwari and just an hour away by car which makes it an ideal safari following a Garden Route adventure – or indeed any South African itinerary! Flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town regularly fly in which means it’s super to connect into and here at Tailormade Africa we can organise a private transfer to the lodge on arrival so you will be looked after from start to finish.

Is Shamwari Game Reserve malaria free?

Conveniently located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Shamwari does not have malaria which makes it perfect for anyone particularly concerned about taking anti-malarials. It also makes this reserve perfect for kids!

Shamwari Private Game ReservesAccommodation

  • Bayethe at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Eagles Crag at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Explorer Camp at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Lobengula at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Riverdene at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
  • Sarili at Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The English translation for Bayethe is “I salute you” and is one of the warmest welcomes in the African culture in this area of the country. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5... Learn more

Eagles Crag offers you ultimate luxury and privacy and breath-taking scenery. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5... Learn more

Offering the ambiance of a tented bush camp of old safari lore, Explorer Camp at Shamwari Game Reserve is located on a plateau set among the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari. A truly magical setting awaits. Explorer Camp at Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers a unique walking experience ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic option... Learn more

An unforgettable encounter with nature. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5... Learn more

A place where families are always at home and where guests become friends. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5... Learn more

The perfect bush experience for families or small groups. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5... Learn more

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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

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