Situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve is the malaria-free, safari holiday you’ve been searching for. Accommodating family, friends or business associates, hotel's facilities, coupled with the spectacular location and passion for the environment, make this an unforgettable destination.
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa coupled with responsible tourism and the most luxurious means of experiencing your African safari adventure.
HISTORY
IN THE BEGINNING
In 1990, a small 1,200-hectare farm became available and was duly purchased. Shortly after, drought and financial difficulties led to a number of neighbouring farmers placing their land on the open market and further land was acquired to a a total of 7,000 hectares. Over the course of the next 15 years, Shamwari Game Reserve expanded to 25 000 hectares.
Through research, it was discovered that the Eastern Cape used to be one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa in terms of biodiversity. In fact, the legendary big 5 were first encountered in the Eastern Cape. Wildlife historians refer to the Cape Buffalo, Cape Leopard, Cape Lion and Cape Hunting Dog (Wildog) in their historical documents.
The endangered Black Rhino flourished in the Eastern Cape. However, due to hunting, over farming and drought most of these species were eliminated during the 19th century.
VISION
The new owners decided to return the land to its once pristine condition. This vision included the preservation of the history, fauna and flora of the Eastern Cape. In the process, a close and enduring relationship with renowned conservationist, Dr Ian Player, founder of The Wilderness Foundation, began.
A committed team shared the same passion, ethos and vision, and from this the viability of sustaining and growing this dream developed into the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve of today.
It was decided that a commercial aspect was to be added, and in 1992 Shamwari Game Reserve was born with a small, passionate staff of 7, with an immense commitment, intellectual capital and determination to make conservation in tourism profitable.
A systematic and scientific rehabilitation programme was launched, hand-in-hand with carefully considered game restocking procedures.
CONSERVATION NETWORK
On 15th October 1992, Shamwari was officially opened. First guests received at Long Lee Manor, which was the original Manor House, once owned by the Fowlds family circa 1916. Highfield and Carn Ingly, two 1820 Settler cottages were also lovingly restored and opened to guests.
Seven years later, to reinforce the concept of preservation and conservation, the animal rescue and educational programme was launched in partnership with the Born Free Foundation. The Julie Ward Centre was opened in September 1999, with 5 bush enclosures, where African cats are cared for in the sanctuary.
Over time Shamwari grew and established itself, and by the year 2000, the reserve was large enough and stocked sufficiently to support large predators. A dedicated and systematic reintroduction program was launched and finally, in October 2000, the first lions were brought back to the Eastern Cape and released at Shamwari to fulfill a dream.
MODERN SHAMWARI
Today, 25,000 hectares of land comprises 6 separate 5-star lodges, an Explorer Camp, 3 different education and rehabilitation facilities and employs over 325 local staff. It has been restored to its rightful state with the stunning Eastern Cape flora and fauna of yesteryear, flourishing with free-roaming wildlife.
Witness the majestic beauty of Shamwari Game Reserve yourself by booking your stay in one of the luxury lodges.
Experience wildlife such as the Big 5, like never before, in the 5 star setting of one of the Shamwari Lodges. Stretching over 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this malaria-free destination is the safari holiday you’ve been searching for.
Whether you’re travelling for a holiday, conference or for an educational visit, you can bask in the wonder of nature, in luxury and style.
Shamwari Game Reserve offers several lodges, each individually decorated and designed to deliver their own unique experiences. Hotel's game lodges not only offer a utopian setting, but also the opportunity to interact with nature in its purest form.
Each of hotel's offerings, are situated far away from one another, meaning that you and your travel companions can enjoy a private and memorable African experience.
Escape to Shamwari Game Reserve and enjoy a safari spa experience in the wilderness surrounds of the Eastern Cape. Spa will leave you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated.
Located 70km north of Port Elizabeth, South Africa's third-largest national park protects the remnants of the huge elephant herds that once roamed the Eastern Cape.
This malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is home to a host of wild game, Big 5, and beautiful birds. Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike are treated to an array of birds of prey sightings.
In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres are situated within game reserve.
Coupled with the African horizon and spectacular skies, hotel offers game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime.
Cut through by dark, coffee-coloured churning rivers, deep ravines and dense forests, the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park encompasses 650 sq km.
In 2012, Shamwari Game Reserve opened the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre. Dr Ian Player was a renowned South African conservationist, who was instrumental in saving the white rhino from extinction.
As well as several rooms of Victorian furniture and memorabilia, this 1850 house contains the wonderful camera obscura.
When you book your stay with your little ones, Kids on Safari programme will keep them entertained and also teach them the importance of nature conservation. Parents travelling with young kids will be delighted to know that the Riverdene Lodge facility is the ideal place for families to spend time together.
Hotel even have a designated children’s coordinator at the lodge who plans various social, sporting, arts and cultural activities for them. And, upon arrival, each young explorer receives their own age-appropriate gift pack.
At Shamwari Game Reserve, team believes in conserving a vanishing way of life. That’s why hotel offers family safari holidays, where children and adults alike can be educated about conservation practices all within a luxurious setting.
You can also rest assured knowing that Shamwari is a malaria-free area, making it perfectly safe for you and your family. While kids under the age of 4 years old are not permitted on game drives, there are a host of activities for them to enjoy.
Hotel offers a children’s coordinator at Riverdene Lodge, and for an additional fee, a childminding service available, leaving your kids in safe hands. Children staying at Shamwari Game Reserve can also enjoy an age appropriate activity pack.
In addition, there are swimming pools and many more activities to keep the busy bodies happy. Book your stay at Shamwari Game Lodge and enjoy a family safari holiday under the vast African sky.
SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
R342Paterson 6130South Africa