Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Shamwari Game Reserve encompasses some 30,000 acres of African bush in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. It is the southern-most big game reserve in Africa, and is one of very few big game reserves that is Malaria free.
Shamwari is home to most well-known species of African mammals, including elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo (the 'big five'); in addition, some rare and lesser known species, such as the Bontebok and black wildebeest are found on this reserve. Game-drive safaris at Shamwari are conducted in specially adapted open Landrovers, with professional guides to provide interesting background information and facts about Africa's spectacular wildlife. Shamwari also offers night drives with spot lamps to view nocturnal species. Interpretive bush walks with your guide are conducted at the smaller lodges, and provide even deeper and more 'hands-on' insight into the many intricate eco-systems of the African bush. All guides are carefully chosen for their knowledge and experience of the bush, and receive extensive training to ensure that your encounters with the African wilderness are exciting, informative, and safe.
Shamwari comprises a series of converted farming estates, and there are five gracious lodges to choose from, each very unique with its own character and style. There is Long Lee Manor, a pale pink Edwardian mansion built in 1910, which accommodates 42 guests; Lobengula Lodge, with its thatched roofs and stylish ethnic decor, which accommodates 10 guests; Eagles Cragg, Highfield and Bushman's River Lodge, accommodating 8 people each, are historic settlers houses, furnished with period pieces and enhanced with unobtrusive modern conveniences. All lodges have swimming pools.
One of our favorite lodges at Shamwari is Lobengula Lodge. Awarded five star status, it prides itself on personalized 24 hour service in a marvelously luxurious and stylish atmosphere of natural building materials and fabrics, rich earthy colors and complimentary textures. Lobengula Lodge is small and exclusive, with a large open living and dining area where you can sink into deep leather couches and watch the game wander by. There is also a waterhole just in front of camp. Dinners are taken together at a large teak table festooned with candles set in iron chandeliers and candelabra. Meals are often "braaied" (cooked out doors over an open fire) and are of a very high standard.
Highfield is also very special - perfect for small groups or families seeking a truly intimate bush experience. A settlers' home dating from 1860, its polished wooden floors, fireplace and 1930's furnishings are reminiscent of Karen Blixon's farmhouse. Each of Highfield's four bedrooms is individually, simply and tastefully decorated. All have en-suite bathroom facilities. After dinner, almost always grilled outdoors, relax by a crackling fire on the lawn and drink in the night music of Africa. Although located in a very remote section of Shamwari, Highfield is fully serviced with a private game ranger, chef and service staff to cater for your every need. Often you will find game literally on your doorstep!
We think Shamwari is the perfect destination for the malaria-conscious traveller or those seeking an exciting ending to a trip up the garden-route.
Ecotourism Angle
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of Africa's leading conservation projects. The stated aim of the Reserve is to "conserve a vanishing way of life". The Reserve was established on degraded agricultural land, with the aim of rehabilitating this land, restoring it to its former wilderness state, and reintroducing species of animals that had previously occurred there but subsequently become extinct. In the process, the reserve and its staff have engaged in extensive scientific research, and started a breeding program for rare and endangered African animals. Shamwari also has close ties to the Born Free Foundation, which seeks to return captive animals to the wild. In addition to their efforts in wildlife conservation, Shamwari Game Reserve has also developed a cultural program with nearby villagers, and is actively involved in preserving historic settler homes on the reserve. In recognition of all these projects, Shamwari has received numerous international awards, including the "World's Leading Conservation Project" during the 1998 World Travel Awards. Other awards and accolades have come from the American Wilderness Conservancy, the German Travel Bureau, and the Global Nature Fund
To find out more about Shamwari Private Game Reserve, or to make a reservation, call on 27-11-463-7889 or email us.
LIYATSHWA SAFARIS PORTFOLIO - Garden Route
Photo credits: Shamwari Private Game Reserve