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South Africa

Shamwari Game Reserve

Where the wild finds you

A world-renowned Big Five reserve near the top of the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape, with luxury lodges set across sweeping, malaria-free wilderness.

7 Lodges
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Shamwari Game Reserve
Eagles Crag Lodge
The house

The story.

Shamwari was founded by Adrian Gardiner in 1992, restoring depleted Eastern Cape farmland into the largest malaria-free Big Five private reserve in South Africa. Now part of the Mantis Collection (an Accor brand), it operates seven lodges across 25,000 hectares.

Why Shamwari Game Reserve

Why Shamwari Game Reserve.

Malaria-free Big Five safari with seven distinct lodge styles makes Shamwari the easiest single-reserve fit for families with young children. The reserve spans roughly 25,000 hectares (62,000 acres) of rolling Eastern Cape bushveld, home to five of South Africa's seven biomes and a wildlife density that delivers sightings from day one.

The Born Free Foundation operates its big-cat sanctuary on the reserve, and guests can visit as part of their stay. The Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre works year-round to rescue, treat and release injured wild animals. Few safari properties anywhere offer this level of on-the-ground conservation access.

Eagles Crag Lodge
01 Garden Route

Eagles Crag Lodge

The award-winning and exclusive Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge is positioned in a valley that is surrounded by the African bush.

From, per person sharing R 20 520
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
02 Garden Route

Riverdene Family Lodge

Shamwari Family Riverdene Lodge is designed to offer a relaxed space for families to bond and enjoy the outdoors.

Best suited for walking safaris, families
From, pps R 16 550
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
Riverdene Family Lodge
Sindile
03 Garden Route · Flagship

Sindile

Sindile at Shamwari Private Game Reserve provides luxury tented accommodation within the wilderness.

From R 22 430 pps Check availability The lodge
04 Garden Route

Bayethe Lodge

The prestigious Shamwari Private Game Reserve covers 20 000 hectares of verdant bush along the Bushmans River in the Eastern Cape.

From, pps R 18 100
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
Bayethe Lodge
Explorer Camp
05 Garden Route · Classic

Explorer Camp

Explorer Camp at Shamwari Private Game Reserve offers a unique walking experience ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic option.

Best suited for Big Five
From, per person sharing R 9 850
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
Long Lee Manor
06 Garden Route

Long Lee Manor

Shamwari Long Lee Manor was built in 1910 and is Shamwari’s flagship lodge.

From, per person sharing R 17 380
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
07 Garden Route

Sarili Private Lodge

The prestigious Shamwari Private Game Reserve covers 20 000 hectares of verdant bush along the Bushmans River in the Eastern Cape.

From, pps R 22 200
Check availability The lodge Enquire →
Sarili Private Lodge
Common questions

Shamwari Game Reserve, answered.

Which Shamwari lodge is best for families?
Riverdene Family Lodge is purpose-built for families with children of all ages. Explorer Camp and some lodges are adults-only, while Sindile, Eagles Crag, Bayethe and Long Lee Manor welcome older children. Our safari specialists can recommend the right lodge based on the ages in your group.
Is Shamwari malaria-free?
Yes. Shamwari sits in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, so no prophylaxis is needed. This makes it a popular choice for families travelling with young children and for guests who prefer to avoid antimalarial medication.
What is included in the nightly rate at Shamwari?
Rates include accommodation, all meals, two daily game drives in open vehicles, guided bush walks (lodge-dependent), and the Born Free big-cat sanctuary visit. House drinks are included at most lodges. Rates start from R9,850 per person per night at Explorer Camp.
How do I get to Shamwari from Cape Town or Johannesburg?
Fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on daily direct flights from Johannesburg (under two hours) or Cape Town (one hour). The reserve is roughly 45 minutes to an hour by road from the airport. Shamwari pairs naturally with a Garden Route self-drive.
Can I visit the Born Free big-cat sanctuary during my stay?
Yes. The Born Free Foundation sanctuary sits within the reserve, and visits are included in your stay. You can also tour the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which rescues, treats and releases injured wild animals year-round.
How does Shamwari compare with Kruger's private reserves?
Shamwari offers malaria-free Big Five safari without the need for prophylaxis, which is the main draw for families. The Kruger private reserves (Sabi Sand, Timbavati) offer denser predator concentrations and closer proximity to Johannesburg. Our safari specialists can advise on which suits your trip best.
Speak to a specialist

Plan your Shamwari Game Reserve safari.

Rates are identical to booking direct. A specialist who knows the properties personally replies in as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

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