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.
Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted at the lodge.
Children over the age of 12 years pay the applicable adult rate.
Persons under the age of 16 years are not permitted on any walking safaris.
Bayethe which translates to ‘I salute you’, is a luxury tented retreat that blends in seemingly with the surrounding bushveld and offers opulent accommodation, outstanding cuisine, and personalized service.
Bayethe boasts twelve luxurious Tents positioned on the banks of the river and hidden amongst the trees. These en-suite tents have wooden floors and canvas sides, with sliding doors that open onto a viewing deck and private plunge pool. Other features include minibars, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safes, electric blankets, hairdryers, international adaptors and telephones.
Three of the tents have indoor baths and indoor showers, while the remaining nine offer guests the opportunity of showering outdoors. Selected rooms feature additional luxuries such as a fireplace and hammocks on the private deck.
The thatched main lodge comprises of a large viewing deck that overlooks the river, sparkling swimming pool, lounge area, dining room, outdoor boma, business desk with internet access, gift boutique, and the Bush Spa that overlooks the waterhole.
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.
Shamwari Game Reserve is the perfect place for bird lovers, boasting over 250 bird species. Raptor species include 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.
Shamwari Bayethe Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples and families looking for a unique safari experience.
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.
August 18, 2024
Quick and straightforward
The safari booking process was quick and straightforward with Candis, and now I'm just looking forward to the trip and a great experience!
July 25, 2024
Prompt responses to our queries and…
Prompt responses to our queries and always able to accomodate our requests
July 24, 2024
Candis was very patient and helpful
Candis was very patient and helpful. She worked with me on various pricepoints and dates of travel. We were abl to come to a great itin within a number of days.
Sep 10, 2024
Quick reactions to requests
Quick reactions to requests. Very efficient.
Sep 9, 2024
First Time Safari
Mel provided an amazing itinerary and took our feedback and adjusted accordingly. She was very helpful and would strongly recommend her to anyone new to the process.
Sep 9, 2024
It was a great experience dealing with…
It was a great experience dealing with Shann. She was most accommodating and patient. We managed to sort things out very eventually. The only sore point I have is the 2 % surcharge for the card handling fee, which I find too excessive. Otherwise, I am pleased with everything.
Sep 8, 2024
Keith went above and beyond…
Keith went above and beyond expectations arranging our holiday safari travels (for one vegan and one mobility-impaired traveller, no less:-). Safari.com is lucky to have Keith on board. He helped us feel confident in our choices, keeping us up to date with options, and finessing holiday scheduling issues with aplomb.
Sep 5, 2024
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it…
Tanya Lomas was very efficient and it was a pleasure booking through her.
Sep 3, 2024
Knowledgable and responsive
Jayson created a fantastic itinerary within budget and answered questions promptly. Super helpful. I can't wait to get going!
Sep 2, 2024
Although we didn’t end up booking…
Although we didn’t end up booking through Safari.com the service we received was great and they were really helpful.
Sep 2, 2024
Trip to Kruger at Mdluli Safari Lodge
I loved working with Anja from safari.com. She put together my itinerary within my price range and was very professional, thorough and empathetic. She followed up with me many times to see if I needed anything throughout my trip and even filled out some forms for me when I was having difficulty. When the lodge I stayed at was not being accommodating in the slightest, she quickly contacted the manager and got them to rearrange their services to meet my needs. I would most certainly use safari.com again due to my wonderful experience working with Anja.
Aug 31, 2024
Nicole at Safari.com is AMAZING!!!
I would love to share my experience with Nicole. She has worked tirelessly to help me make my dream vacation a reality. I had no idea how to start planning. Nicole suggested the most wonderful South African resorts and safaris. No matter how many changes I threw her way it was always received with a happy, positive attitude. I live in Hawaii and even though we were on a 12 hour time difference she was always available to answer any questions or concerns. Her expertise, knowledge and patience are unmeasurable. I was plagued with numerous payment issues from my bank in Hawaii. Nicole never wavered from being patience and more importantly positive that we could resolve each issue and get my trip booked. Nicole is a huge asset to Safari.com and I will scream it from the mountains to let everyone know what excellent customer service I have received. Nicole is a ROCKSTAR!!! We are so excited for our upcoming adventure of a lifetime!