By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
TThere is a sunny lightness and warmth about Shamwari Private Game Reserve – it’s more than the breath-taking natural surroundings; the place has heart. Being in Eastern Cape province, where many of the flowering plants you’ll see in South African gardens originate, is enough to lift anyone’s spirits, but Shamwari will also leave you at peace with the world.
In addition to thorn-tree savannahs, you’ll see valley thicket brightened by the sky-blue flowers of sprawling plumbago, bright orange trumpets of honeysuckle, and bush violets clambering up the aloes. All of this is interspersed with candelabra euphorbias, pink-flowering crossberry bushes and starry white-flowering num-nums.
Eastern Cape flora is almost as much an attraction as the province’s Big 5 and other notable animals. No fewer than 5 of South Africa’s 7 major biomes are found here, and all 5 are represented in the reserve.
Part of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany global biodiversity hot spot is found in Shamwari, too – and the area is malaria-free.
Shamwari Game Reserve boasts 7 lodges in total on its 25 000 hectares. All offer 5-star luxury, but Shamwari’s Lobengula and Bayethe lodges have suites that offer just that little bit more.
At Bayethe, the premier suites have fireplaces, satellite television, their own plunge pools and hammocks suspended over wooden decks.
At Lobengula, the chief suite also has a fireplace and plunge pool.
The spa facilities at Shamwari are an attraction on their own. At Lobengula, there are 2 treatment rooms, along with a sauna and steam room. At Bayethe, you can opt to have your treatments in the privacy of your own suite.
No matter where you stay in Shamwari, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and thoroughly spoilt, but these 2 lodges are the cream of the crop.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Shamwari Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)42 203 1111
Email: reservations@shamwari.com
How to get here
Shamwari is about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, the closest airport. You could book a transfer from there, or hire a car for the drive. From Port Elizabeth, drive north-east on the N2 towards Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown). After 65km, you’ll see a sign to Shamwari. Turn right there, onto the R342 and travel for another 7km until the gate. Note that directions may vary depending on which lodge you have chosen.
Best time to visit
This is a good all-year-round destination. Temperatures in Eastern Cape are usually milder than further north, although from December to February, temperatures can be very hot. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are particularly pleasant, often with light showers. Winters (June to August) are generally warm during the day and chilly at night.
Around the area
Shamwari is at one end of the Garden Route – if you to drive towards Cape Town when you leave Shamwari, you get to enjoy Garden Route towns like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and more. You’re also not too far from the splendid beaches of Kenton-on-Sea and Port Alfred. Or you could drive up the Garden Route from Cape Town on your way to Shamwari.
What will it cost
Prices change over time – see the listed website for current prices before you book. This is a luxury destination, however, so expect to pay accordingly.
Length of stay
Set aside at least 2 nights to explore Shamwari’s wildlife and spa options.
Where to stay
At Shamwari you can choose from 7 different lodges, each with a different feel.
What's happening
Shamwari is quite close to Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), which hosts the annual National Arts Festival in late June / early July.
Related links
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
