Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Set in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a spectacular destination for those seeking a luxury African safari experience. Spanning vast, malaria-free landscapes, it is one of Southern Africa’s largest private conservation initiatives and home to the iconic Big Five. Guests can explore the wilderness through expertly guided game drives, walking safaris, and then retreat to elevated hospitality and luxury rooms. Shamwari offers elegant and immersive safari adventures at six properties: Long Lee Manor, Beyethe, Eagles Crag, Sindile, family-friendly Riverdene Lodge, exclusive-use Sarili Villa or the rustic Explorer Camp. Whether you are planning a luxury vacation to South Africa as a couple, a family, or with a group of friends, Shamwari provides an exceptional experience for everyone.

Accommodation

Long Lee Manor

This grand Edwardian-style retreat overlooking sweeping plains is designed for those seeking timeless elegance amidst the African bush. Guests can choose from two Manor House Suites with balconies, 11 Plains Rooms with verandas and outdoor showers, or four interconnecting Garden Rooms. All of these rooms are for adults only, but families can opt for the family suite, which features two bedrooms, a living room and a private plunge pool. It comfortably accommodates up to four adults and two children aged 8 to 11.

Riverdene Lodge

This warm and inviting lodge is perfectly suited for families, offering a relaxed yet refined safari stay. Nine elegantly designed rooms feature private verandas leading into landscaped gardens, with interconnecting options available. While parents relax, children can engage in the Kids on Safari programme, visiting the Big Cat Rescue and Wildlife rehabilitation centre, making it a prime choice for a luxury family safari vacation.

Sindile

An exclusive luxury tented camp overlooking the Bushman’s River. The nine elevated, free-standing tents provide uninterrupted views, ensuring a tranquil, immersive experience that welcomes adults only. Each tent features premium amenities, including air conditioning, WiFi, an ensuite bathroom, an outdoor shower, and a private deck with a heated plunge pool.

Explorer Camp

A return to the essence of safari, the seasonal Explorer Camp is an intimate, back-to-nature experience for adventurers. Guests traverse the bush on foot, following expert rangers on immersive walking safaris. The camp features three dome tents with en-suite facilities, a boma, and a rock-set pool, echoing the spirit of Africa’s original safari style.

Bayethe

This stone-walled, thatched-roof lodge blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. The 12 luxury tented suites are designed for indulgence, featuring king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, a bath, shower, outdoor showers, and a private deck with plunge pools.

Eagles Crag

Arguably the most luxurious of the Shamwari lodges, Eagles Crag is an architectural masterpiece crafted from glass and stone, offering uninterrupted views of towering rock faces where eagles glide effortlessly. Elevated above the reserve, it provides a dramatic vantage point. Each of the nine junior suites is a sanctuary of sophistication, featuring an en-suite bathroom with a bath, shower, outdoor shower, as well as a private deck with a heated plunge pool.

Sarili Villa

Perched above the Bushman’s River, Sarili is an exclusive-use villa overlooking the sweeping plains of the Eastern Cape. Designed for families, groups, and friends, the villa offers two river-facing suites and four luxury river-facing rooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Each room boasts an en-suite bathroom with a bath, shower, and underfloor heating, along with a private balcony. With a dedicated team of staff, a children’s play area, a swimming pool, fitness and spa facility, Sarili Villa is a haven of privacy and comfort, offering an intimate safari experience in a spectacular setting.

Food & Drink

At Long Lee Manor and Riverdene, guests enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine, with the option of dining indoors or al fresco beneath the African sky. For guests staying at the Explorer Camp, dining will take place in a family-style setting in their dining tent. Those staying at Sindile, Eagles Crag or Bayethe can dine in their lodge bar and lounge area or on the deck outside. Guests at Sarili villa have a team of chefs catering for their meal times.

Activities

Shamwari offers exclusive wildlife encounters through game drives (Long Lee Manor & Sindile & Riverdene & Bayethe & Eagles Crag & Sirili ) and walking safaris (Explorer Camp) led by experienced rangers. For those seeking relaxation, spa treatments at Sindile, Long Lee Manor and Riverdene provide moments of tranquillity. Families at Riverdene benefit from child-friendly activities, including a dedicated adventure centre and visits to Shamwari’s wildlife rehabilitation and Born Free Big Cat Rescue centres.

Sustainability

A stay at Shamwari directly supports one of Africa’s most successful conservation projects. The reserve is committed to wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community engagement, partnering with the Born Free Foundation to rehabilitate rescued big cats.

Children

Riverdene Lodge is perfect for families, with tailored amenities and a Kids on Safari programme that includes access to the wildlife rehabilitation centre, a kids’ club, and an adventure centre. However, children under eight are not permitted on game drives. Long Lee Manor offers one dedicated family suite, while the rest of the rooms are adult-only. Sindile, The Explorer Camp, Eagles Crag and Bayethe Tented Lodge are exclusively for adults. Sarili welcomes groups and families of all ages to its private villa with a dedicated children's play area and lounge.

How to get there

Guests can fly into Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) before taking a scenic 50-minute private transfer to the reserve. From September 2025, Shamwari Air will offer direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to the reserve.