Epic South Africa - Western Cape Self Drive

LOCATION sets Mosaic apart from all others, with Walker Bay next door. From Lagoon Lodge, hop onto an open 4x4 vehicle and discover fynbos, birds and the pristine Walker Bay Beach and Nature Reserve and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the ocean. Canapes and beverages are enjoyed while watching for sights of fascinating marine life.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the shelter of Walker Bay to court, mate and calf. Whales can be viewed from the top of sand dunes while sipping a favorite drink. September through November is the height of whale season.

Guided quad-bike tours will take you exploring through fynbos clad hills, lagoon wetlands and spotting fantastic birds. Ride along the edge of the lagoon or up to high points on Mosaic with 360-degree views of the ocean, lagoon, and mountains. Mosaic's professional guides make the intricacies of creation come alive.

Board the "Lady Stanford" from the shores of Stanford on the Kleinr River for an excursion among water birds and the towering Overberg Mountains. Drinks and snacks are enjoyed while cruising.

Glide in a kayak on the lagoon to encounter the stunning blue cranes and water birds in the natural wetland at Mosaic, which is a proclaimed bird sanctuary. Or kayak to the mouth of the lagoon to the beautiful white sand of Grotto Beach.

Mosaic is a place to focus on wellness of mind, body and soul, so we can live our lives to the fullest and savor all that is good. It is a place to be surrounded by awe inspiring creation; discover nature; breath fresh air; engage in healthy activities; strengthen ourselves with healthy food; and be rejuvenated at the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa.

We exclusively use high quality, natural spa products from African origins. They are packed with botanical extracts, antioxidants and omega oils that nourish our skin and stimulate our sense of smell. Facials are done with the premium Elemis products and the Elemis BIOTEC machine for the smoothest skin results.

Spa treatments can be indoors our outdoors under a private lush canopy of milkwood leaves overlooking the lagoon, where you can also enjoy a hot invigorating outdoor shower. Soft music and sounds of birds ease you into relaxation as our excellent therapist pampers you. Indulge in the MOSAIC Milkwood Spa experience where you will be nurtured into a wellness state of mind.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is a true wonder of the world, having the richest density of plant species on earth ∙ 8,600 with almost 6,000 occurring nowhere else on earth. Fynbos, Afrikaans for “fine bush”, is the unique type of vegetation that formed millions of years ago from ashes of drought-stressed forests. You will be guided along the lagoon edge and wetlands to discover intricate plant-animal relationships and the importance of conserving this unique floral kingdom.

Whether bird watching from a private deck or on a guided walk or quad bike trip, the birds at Mosaic delight enthusiasts. Over 140 bird species are home to Mosaic. Water birds along the shoreline are as numerous as the species that are found on fynbos covered limestone ridges. Blue cranes nest in the bird sanctuary at Lagoon Lodge, flamingos traverse the lagoon is mass, pied kingfishers can be watched hunting for food and owls are spotted day and night. Check out our full list of birds.

Just down the coast from Mosaic lies one of the most important archeological heritage sites in the Western Cape, Klipgat Cave. This cave system was formed millions of years ago and it is believed was occupied by humans up to 70,000 years ago. The KhoiKhoi people occupied this cave system and lived on shellfish and animals in the area at that time. The cave can be toured and an 8 km beach walk can be enjoyed along with sundowners on the beach and 4x4 trip back to Mosaic.

Between June and December, Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctica to the southern tip of Africa to court, mate and calf. Walker Bay is the best place in the world to view these enormous mammals. This trip takes you by boat in search of the Marine Big 5: Whales, Great White Shark, African penguin, Cape Fur Seal, and dolphin.

Learn about the circle of marine life on this boat trip, that takes you to Shark Alley, between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to 60,000 Cape Fur Seals. Great Whites are viewed from the boat and in a secure cage just under the surface of the water. The experience of being eye-to-eye with these large creatures is simply thrilling!

Flying over Walker Bay gives you one of the world’s most spectacular views of mountains, white sand beaches, dunes and marine life. From the air, you can comprehend the massive size of the Southern Right Whales and hopefully catch a glimpse of a calf learning to lob-tail or breach. Awesome scenic flights are available through out the year.

At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we not only offer our guests 5-star luxury accommodation, but pride ourselves on presenting wildlife interaction that is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Coupled with the African horizon and spectacular skies, we offer game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime.

Our game viewing drives are available for morning and afternoon trips, as this is when the animals are most active. Our vehicles are open and comfortable, and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by one of our trained game rangers who’ll take you and your party through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way.

If you have a particular area of interest, you’re welcome to inform your guide who will include it along the journey, if possible.

In order to ensure that you have a memorable experience, we want you to be prepared and comfortable. We highly recommend you bring:

Binoculars
Cameras
Warm clothing
Sunscreen
Hat

The game drives themselves last for approximately three to four hours and take you through the reserve. Included on the game drive is a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening.

Our rangers are experts at navigating the Shamwari terrain and are readily available to answer any questions you may have. If there is a certain species you’re hoping to spot, or an area you wish to visit, chat to your coordinator to make arrangements.

We do suggest mentioning any special requests you may have when you make your booking. That way, we can advise you on the ideal time of year to visit, which lodge to stay at, and make any other arrangements that might be needed.

Unfortunately, no children under the age of 4 are permitted on the game drives; however we can arrange a childminder at an additional cost.

For a truly African safari experience, consider Shamwari Private Game Reserve as your next destination.

Not only do we offer unforgettable views and 5-star luxury accommodation, but we also have a host of activities available, including bird watching.

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, including:

Black Shouldered Kites
Booted Eagles
Pale Chanting Goshawks
Secretary birds

Additionally, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve, which means it’s the ideal opportunity to catch sight of:

African Darters
African Shelducks
Hamerkops
Malachite Kingfishers
Three-banded Lapwings

These are a few special birds that we are privileged to see here. Specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds, will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment.

Olive Bush Shrike (Ruddy form)
White Backed Night Heron
Black Harrier
Denhams Bustard
Narina Trogon

Whether you set out on a game drive, go on a guided walk or simply watch from your balcony, bird watching is such a relaxing activity. In order to get the most from your safari experience, we highly recommend that you come fully prepared with these items:

Binoculars
Bird reference book
Cameras and lenses
Personal notebook
Warm clothing

In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres are situated within our game reserve. They aim to draw attention to the plight of wild cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world.

It’s the mission of The Born Free Foundation, founded by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and her late husband Bill Travers, to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild’. Both Shamwari and Born Free aim to promote conservation and protect these species and their habitat, whilst maintaining a compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The rescue and education centres home rescued lions and leopards from across the world and aim to be an enlightening experience for all visitors.

The Born Free Foundation is a UK based wildlife charity organisation that rescues animals from captivity and gives them lifetime care in spacious sanctuaries. The charity protects threatened species including lions, elephants, tigers, gorillas, wolves, bears, marine turtles and much more in their natural habitat. Working with local communities Born Free finds humane solutions to help people and wildlife live together without conflict.

Since its inception in 1984, it has grown and been backed by celebrities, conservationists and passionate institutions worldwide, like Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

At Shamwari Private Game Reserve we’re passionate about the conservation of nature and the animals within the reserve. One of our endeavours includes the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which helps to rescue, rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of our professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat.

You have the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre when you visit Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Escape to Shamwari Private Game Reserve and enjoy a safari spa experience in the wilderness surrounds of the Eastern Cape. Our spa retreats will leave you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated, with treatments that are proven to be beneficial for the mind, body and soul.

Shamwari spa treatments are the ideal way to unwind and each of our offerings are created for men and women. Our luxury wellness retreats are based at certain lodges, but treatments can be arranged for guests staying in any of our other luxury accommodations.

Our current relaxation retreats can be found at:
Eagles Crag – 2 treatments rooms, a hydro bath, sauna and steam room
Lobengula – 1 treatment room and sauna
Bayethe – Private twin treatment room

We have a host of safari spa treatments available to you should you make a booking at Shamwari’s Relaxation Retreats.

In addition to the available treatments, our luxury health retreats also have retail products on sale.

In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Game Reserve also offers professionally guided walking tours. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and educate you on the area and its history.

Unfortunately, no children under the age of 16 or adults over the age of 65 (unless provided with a doctor’s certificate of fitness) are permitted on these walks.