Visitors to Shambala are treated to unique personal experiences of the bushveld and exciting close-up game viewing under the expert guidance of qualified, experienced game rangers and guides who share their knowledge of the African bush and its wildlife.

You can expect to spot a wide variety of game species, from black and white rhino to elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as buffalo, giraffe, sable antelope, black impala, tsessebe, nyala, blesbok, waterbuck, klipspringer and Cape mountain zebra, and even spotted hyena, in addition to abundant birdlife.

Guests are taken on game drives in a shared game viewing vehicle. Should any guests wish to book a private game drive, this can be accommodated by special arrangement at an additional charge.

Bush picnics at Shambala are romantic and unforgettable, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush with its plentiful wildlife and lilting birdcalls. You will be accompanied by our professional game rangers, who will select the perfect spot for spreading the picnic blankets and luxurious cushions for you to spend a relaxing afternoon in the warm sunshine. Sit back and enjoy the delicious gourmet picnic feast prepared specially for you by our Chefs. You will be amazed what animal sightings you might have from your picnic setting.

A walking safari is the ideal opportunity to experience the African bush in a way that most people have never dreamed of. Your personal guide will give you an insight into the sights and sounds of the wildlife in their natural surroundings.

You will be able to immerse yourself in the ecology of the area, the flora, the fauna, the insects and, most of all, the various species of game. Along the way you will learn how to interpret the signs of the wild, including a wide range of animal spoors, and you will be surprised to discover what animals have crossed your hiking path. You might Activities come face-to-face with an elephant, or watch a dung beetle rolling his ball of dung across the veld.

This is an amazing experience and, as you learn more about the different species, you will begin to realise just how impressive and interconnected our African wildlife really is. On your bush walk you will be accompanied by a qualified ranger, together with a back-up guide or tracker, who will ensure that you are kept safe at all times. These professionals will guide you along trails and tracks to watering holes and rivers, sharing with you their vast knowledge and the secrets of the bush in a unique way that is up close and personal.

For memorable moments to last a lifetime there is nothing quite like a leisurely sundowner cruise on the 30 hectare Douw Steyn Dam, the largest man-made dam in southern Africa. The dam is home to herds of hippos as well as crocodiles and a large and varied indigenous fish population. From the boat deck you will also see various species of antelope and other wildlife that come down to the shores of the dam to drink water. This is the ideal opportunity for taking in the spectacular sunset views as the birds wing their way home and the bushveld slowly turns to dusk.

Prepare yourself for the thrill of a lifetime. Most people who live in cities are not used to seeing breathtaking constellations like the Milky Way. When you experience star-gazing in the wide expansive skies of South Africa you will be treated to a magical display of stars beyond your wildest imagination. Star-gazing takes you on an unforgettable journey of the great African skies. If you’re out in the bush or in the mountains, look up on a clear night and you’ll be dazzled by the magnificent brilliance of the stars. In the evenings you will see the big, bright constellations of the southern hemisphere, which are particularly exciting because they look close enough to touch. Gazing up at the Milky Way stretching out across the sky at Shambala Private Game Reserve is a must-see during the winter months. Every day at Shambala Private Game Reserve brings a renewed sense of adventure. It is this Africa that beckons you, the Africa that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

The Douw Steyn Dam is the largest man-made lake in southern Africa, extending over 30 hectares, and is home to indigenous fish species as well as hippos and crocodiles.

Here you can enjoy fishing in calm waters or in the river streams on the reserve. Drop in a lure and see what bounty the day will bring. You will most likely catch Largemouth Bass which is the most common fish species in the area. Our Chef will also be on hand to assist in preparing your catch of the day should you like.

Ideal for guests who prefer a different kind of thrill, our quad biking trail will take you through an obstacle course that offers various levels of difficulty to cater for all different skill levels. Suitable for groups up to three guests at a time.