Shamwari Safari Vacations
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is probably the most famous of the Eastern Cape reserves. With a heavy focus on conservation Shamwari is home to the Born Free Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre. It is also malaria-free.
When to go to Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Best Time to Go
One of South Africa’s finest private game reserves
Big Five & other wildlife
Heavy focus on conservation
Malaria-free & great for families
Impressive Wildlife & Conservation Projects
In the Shona language, the word ‘Shamwari’ means ‘my friend’. There is an ease to safari life here, perhaps due to the well-organised guiding and the comfortable accommodation. The reserve is also free from malaria, just one reason why it is a great option for families. However, due to the range of properties offered in the Shamwari, there really is something for everyone – couples, groups and honeymooners alike!
Activities & Wildlife
This is one of South Africa’s top wildlife destinations, where Big Five safaris, nature walks and local conservation projects showcase the area’s incredible animals.
Wildlife
Game drives and nature walks
Visit local Wildlife Centers
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All Big Five animals roam the bushveld of the Shamwari, in addition to abundant antelope, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wild dog, hyena and hippo! The area is a haven for birdlife too, featuring amazing quantities of raptors, waterbirds, and grassland species.
From the main lodges, guests enjoy game drives and game walks or nature walks – drives take place every day, whereas walks are available on request.
Guests also have the opportunity to visit three local wildlife centers. At the Shamwari Rehabilitation Centre, young, orphaned, injured or abandoned animals are nurtured back to health. The Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre focuses on endeavours to conserve the majestic rhinoceros and to protect the species from poaching. The Born Free Foundation Animal Research & Education Centre’s efforts are concentrated on educating the public on the exploitation of wildlife in captivity worldwide.
Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.Good to Know
01.Where is best to stay with young children?
If you are traveling as a family with very young children, Riverdene Lodge is absolutely first rate. A designated children’s coordinator arranges activities for the little ones while the adults and older children are on game drives and game walks – and the grounds of the lodge include a swimming pool with shallow end and a fantastic playground featuring a zebra seesaw!
02.Are there age restrictions for safari activities in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve?
Please note that children aged 4 years and under are not permitted to join game drives and game walks. However, they are welcome to visit all three wildlife centers, provided they are accompanied at all times by an adult. At Shamwari Explorer Camp, the emphasis is on walking. A stay here is restricted to persons aged 16 and over; and persons aged above 60 must present a medical clearance certificate.
03.When is the best time to travel to Shamwari Private Game Reserve?
Shamwari Explorer Camp is open throughout the summer months, with the first trail beginning in October and the final trail at the end of April. The lodges are open all year round. In winter, temperatures range from 44.6°F to 68°F, and in summer, from 60.8°F to a balmy 78.8°F! It is rare for the area to experience extremes.
04.What are the best accommodation options?
Shamwari offers a brilliant mix of slick, hotel-style offerings, family-friendly options, colonial-inspired grandeur, contemporary chic, and safari-lux. While couples are well accommodated at all lodges, for extra privacy, we suggest Bayethe. Riverdene and Sarili are family-friendly and Sarili is fabulous for a small group. The Explorer Camp is Shamwari’s mobile camp, which has a more spontaneous feel. Unlike the lodge properties, there is no electric fence around Explorer so big game is able to wander through at any time!”
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