Location:

Shamwari Game Reserve is Africa's most successful conservation project stretching across 18,000 hectares of land and spanning 5 ecosystems. Not only will you experience nature this close and in their natural surroundings but also pamper yourself in Shamwari's luxurious accommodations and facilities.

It has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for three consecutive years. The Shamwari Game Reserve is steeped in settler history, and dates back to the time when game roamed freely in the Eastern Cape. Shamwari means 'friend' in the Shona Language, but now its about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realization of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. This private Game Reserve is malaria free and situated on the Garden Route of South Africa and only 40 minutes by road from Port Elizabeth.

Accommodations:

Each bathroom en-suite has a 'his' and 'hers' vanity basin, separate shower and bath. The public areas consist of two elegantly furnished casual lounges and a glorious sunroom, a rim flow swimming pool with sun deck and poolside bar.

Game Viewing / Activities:

Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group. In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts!

The heat of the day is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, swimming, reading and, of course, eating a large buffet lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive. As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see elephants browsing, rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld. At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox ) and snacks.

Then, as the light fades, your ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals. By 8:00pm you are back at your lodge where a drink in the bar with your ranger, amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries is followed either by another great meal expertly prepared by our chefs, or a barbecue next to a roaring fire. Finally, a hot shower and a well-earned sleep. Before repeating it again the next day!