Big 5 safaris at Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Private Game Reserve boasts 25,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and is home to Africa’s Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

Opened in 1992, the private reserve features seven 5-star lodges as well as an Explorer Camp and three education and rehabilitation facilities. Your safari experience begins on arrival at the Shamwari gates and game sightings are in abundance. On my first game drive at Shamwari we encountered a herd of elephants about 200 meters from the lodge – I knew I was in for an incredible safari experience.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province – halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is easily accessible by short-haul flight into Port Elizabeth Airport from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

An alternative and more environmentally conscious option is to complete a Garden Route road trip at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a short and scenic 70km/43 miles drive from Port Elizabeth.

We suggest spending one or two nights in Port Elizabeth before or after your safari experience, at Singa Lodge or Boardwalk Hotel, giving you time to explore this vibrant city and its many beaches.

The reserve is home to eight biomes that host a variety of fauna and flora. During our stay, we were able to see all of the Big 5 animals, as well as a herd of 24 giraffes. A highlight of my wildlife experience and Shamwari was spotting two Cheetahs. Some of the more rare wildlife found on the reserve include Pangolin, Aardvark, Honey Badger, Serval Cat, African Wild Dog and Waterbuck.

• 9 sophisticated Junior Suites with private heated plunge pools
• Features fitness center, spa and gift boutique
• Wi-Fi is available on the property
• Main lodge features upstairs lounge with bar, fireplace and open deck with aerial pods
• No children under 12

• 9 luxury free-standing tents elevated above the bush with private heated plunge pool
• Features spa, boma, firepit, bar, lounge and gift boutique
• Wi-Fi is available on the property

• 12 tented suites with in-room fireplace and private heated plunge pool
• Features spa, gift boutique, in-and outdoor dining facilities
• Wi-Fi is available on the property
• No children under 12 years old

• 17 luxury suites and 1 two bedroom suite with private deck
• Main lodge features large rim-flow swimming pool
• In-room spa treatments available
• Features fitness center, in-and outdoor dining facilities, boma overlooking the waterhole and gift boutique.
• Wi-Fi is available on the property

• Child-friendly lodge
• 9 inter-leading luxury rooms with private deck
• Main lodge features a swimming pool with shallow area for children
• Features in-and outdoor dining facilities, boma overlooking the river and gift boutique.
• Wi-Fi is available on the property
• Supervised Kids Club, Toddler Play Area and Kids Adventure Centre

Sarili Private Lodge

• 5 bedroom exclusive use safari lodge
• Tailor-made experience with personal staff including House Manager, Private Chef and Dedicated Ranger
• In-room spa treatments are available
• Features pool with shallow area for children
• Minimum 2 night stay
• Wi-Fi is available on the property

Explorer Camp

• For the adventurous traveler the Explorer Camp consists of a 3 night trail walking safari
• 3 tents with viewing deck and plunge pool
• Ages between 16 and 65 years old
• Campfire dining experience

Our tips on staying at Shamwari Private Game Reserve

• The lodges at Shamwari Private Game Reserve are ideal for travelers seeking a luxury safari experience.
• It is one of the best close-up wildlife photography locations in South Africa. They often have 2-day photographic adventures with assistance from professional photographers.

• If you are between the ages of 16 and 65, I recommend booking a guided bush walk where you can experience up-close encounters with South Africa’s fauna and flora at a leisurely pace.

• If you are interested in a classic safari experience, I recommend staying at Bayethe Tented Lodge. The property also boasts spectacular views of the African bush.
• If you are traveling with children, I recommend staying at Riverdene Lodge or the exclusive-use Sarili Private Lodge.
• I highly recommend visiting the reserve’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary where you can learn more about wildlife conservation.
• Riverdene Lodge offers a Kids on Safari program. The lodge features an Adventure Centre where children can learn about wildlife conservation and participate in exciting activities. Activities include pizza making, cookie decoration, kids’ library, zip-line, rock climbing walls, treehouses and an adventure slide.
• Groups of 6 or more will receive a dedicated game ranger and private vehicle.

Our safari experience at Shamwari would not have been what it was without the people we met along the way. I would like to thank our Game Ranger Minolan who was passionate about the reserve and took great care of us over the 3 days that we were there.

If you are interested in experiencing a safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve with Ker & Downey® Africa, get in touch with our travel experts who will help curate an itinerary just for you.

See you out there!