Shamwari Lobengula

The prestigious Shamwari Private Game Reserve covers 20 000 hectares of verdant bush along the Bushmans River in the Eastern Cape. The malaria-free reserve is home to five of the seven habitats found in South Africa, and its location close to the Garden Route, making a safari at Shamwari a perfect choice for those seeking to combine a tour of the Garden Route with a luxury Big Five safari.

Villa Lobengula provides a truly traditional African experience. The ethnically decorated thatched lodge is tucked into the valley bushveld, offering guests a tranquil and luxurious destination.

Villa Lobengula is booked on an exclusive use basis and includes a private guide and vehicle, lodge staff, and personal chef catering to their personal needs. The well-trained staff provide an exceptional service which makes for an unforgettable experience in the African bush. 

The lodge boasts six luxurious Junior Suites each with a king or twin beds, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, hairdryer, in-room safe, minibar, international adaptors, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private patio. One of the suites features a lounge with fireplace and a private plunge pool. Two suites have private plunge pools and one suite is adjacent to the main swimming pool.  

The lodge facilities include a lounge with satellite tv, deck lounge with fireplace, swimming pool, private plunge pools, fitness room, Wi-Fi access and a relaxation retreat. 

Enjoy early morning and evening game drives that are led by professional guides and guided game walks that afford up-close encounters with the smaller wondrous creatures of the African bush. Visits can be arranged to Shamwari's Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue Centre, Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, and the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Shamwari is home to a variety of plants, birds, and animals. Guests frequently sight the Big Five during their stay, along with cheetah, caracal, wild dog and a variety of antelope. Evening game drives often reveal the more rarely seen nocturnal creatures, such as the hopping springhare, aardwolf, and brown hyena.

The Shamwari Game Reserve is the perfect place for bird lovers, boasting over 250 bird species. The reserve is home to a number of raptor species including Black Harriers, Pale Chanting Goshawks, Black-shouldered Kites, Booted Eagles and Secretary Birds. The Bushman’s River meanders through the reserve providing a great refuge for kingfishers, darters, the African Shelduck, finfoots and the iconic African Fish Eagle.

Rate Exclusions

All additional beverages, gratuities, guest conservation levy, and all other items of a personal nature.

The purpose of the guest conservation levy is to support conservation efforts, particularly anti-rhino-poaching and other antipoaching efforts.

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome at Lobengula Lodge which is booked exclusively by families. 

Children under the age of 4 years are not permitted on game drives and no children under the age of 16 years are permitted on bush walks.