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Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a premier safari and holiday destination in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province.
Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching over a vast, malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.
Shamwari is a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife roam the landscape under the relentless African sun. Shamwari incorporates seven lodges and one explorer camp; each one unique in its own essence. Lodges are designed in harmony with their surroundings where guests can experience nature in sublime comfort.
Gracious Living Inspired by Nature
Whether you’re looking to plan your annual holiday or to accommodate business delegates, look no
further than Long Lee Manor at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This Edwardian style manor boasts manicured gardens, a large rim-flow pool, and verandas, all overlooking the magnificent plains teeming with wildlife.
- 18 rooms including 1x Family Suite
- wheelchair friendly
- Large rim-flow swimming pool
- Relaxation Retreat with three treatment rooms
- Fitness Centre
- In and outdoor dining facilities
- Boma overlooking the waterhole
The Garden Rooms overlook the beautiful manicured gardens and have private verandas, showcase gorgeous views of the surrounding plains. The rooms are conveniently interleading, catering to families as well as friends and groups travelling together.
Air conditioning
Nespresso Coffee machine
International Dial Telephone
Private Minibar
Hairdryer
Electronic Safe
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
Television with selected satellite channels
Veranda
As the name suggests, the plains rooms overlook the Shamwari plains, providing a magnificent view for guests. The rooms each have an outdoor shower, for those wanting a more wilderness experience and there is one room adapted for wheelchair use.
Air conditioning
Nespresso Coffee machine
International Dial Telephone
Private Minibar
Hairdryer
Electronic Safe
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
Outdoor shower
Television with selected satellite channels
Veranda
There are two elegant suites in the historic manor house, dating back to 1910. The suites exude luxury and have balconies overlooking the stupendous rim-flow pool and impressive waterhole.
Air conditioning
Nespresso Coffee machine
International Dial Telephone
Private Minibar
Hairdryer
Electronic Safe
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
Television with selected satellite channels
Balcony
Long Lee Family Suite
Perfect for families, this suite features two bedrooms with ensuites, a lounge and dining area and a private plunge pool. Family time is uninterrupted with un-spoilt views of the surrounding plains.
Air conditioning
Nespresso Coffee machine
International Dial Telephone
Private Minibar
Hairdryer
Electronic Safe
En-suite bathroom with bath and shower
Television with selected satellite channels
Veranda
Private plunge pool
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Conference Centre, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Available Services
Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Beach, Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Marine Adventures, Museums, River Cruises, Safaris, Shark Cage Diving, Surfing, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Whale Watching
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.
Shamwari partnered with VulPro the only vulture conservation organisation of its kind on the continent that is spearheading population restocking and supplementation to address the severe decline of African vulture species.
Vulpro@Shamwari offers a safe, well-balanced ecosystem for both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programmes and provides financial support and sustainability. Importantly it limits risk because the largest captive breeding population of vultures isn’t concentrated in one location. In addition, Shamwari’s anti-poaching unit provides good security.
Guests staying at Shamwari have the opportunity to visit VulPro which is adjacent to the Wildlife Rehabilitaion Centre.
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.
Long Lee Manor - 3 treatment rooms of one is a 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.
Whether you’re looking to host delegates from high profile companies, or wanting to treat your employees, consider Shamwari Private Game Reserve as your next conference venue. These luxury spaces, situated amongst the vast plains of Africa, amidst natural wildlife, are available to you for events, team-building sessions and meetings.
