Lodge
Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
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Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
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Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
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About the lodge
An overview of Shamwari Bayethe Lodge.
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.
Highlights
- Whereabouts: Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Experiences: Big 5 game drives, guided bush walks, bird watching, bush dining, spa treatments, a visit to the Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary
You Should Know
Child Policy
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.
The Detail
Bayethe, which translates to "I salute you," is a luxury tented retreat that blends seamlessly with the surrounding bushveld. It offers opulent accommodation, outstanding cuisine, and personalized service.
Bayethe features twelve luxurious tents positioned on the banks of the river and hidden among 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 showers, while the remaining nine offer guests the opportunity to shower outdoors. Selected rooms feature additional luxuries such as a fireplace and hammocks on the private deck.
The thatched main lodge includes a large viewing deck that overlooks the river, a sparkling swimming pool, a lounge area, a dining room, an outdoor boma, a business desk with internet access, a gift boutique, and the Bush Spa, which overlooks the waterhole.
Enjoy early morning and evening game drives led by professional guides, and guided game walks that afford up-close encounters with the smaller wondrous creatures of the African bush. Visits can also 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 spot the Big Five during their stay, along with cheetah, caracal, wild dog, and a variety of antelope. Evening game drives often reveal more rarely seen nocturnal creatures, such as the hopping springhare, aardwolf, and brown hyena.
Shamwari Game Reserve is the perfect destination 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 species such as 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.
Price Includes
- Accommodation, all meals, high tea, tea and coffee, bottled water, guided bush walks, and twice daily game drives with local beverages included
Rate Exclusions
All additional beverages, gratuities, guest conservation levy, and all other items of a personal nature are excluded.
The purpose of the guest conservation levy is to support conservation efforts, particularly anti-rhino-poaching and other anti-poaching initiatives.
The same as booking direct
Rates and pricing.
You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows Shamwari Bayethe Lodge personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.
Rates shown are per person sharing, per night, in ZAR. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.
Valid until 31 Mar 2027
1 Apr 2026 – 30 Sept 2026
Full Board - All meals, selected local beverages, game drives and guided walks
1 Oct 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Full Board - All meals, selected local beverages, game drives and guided walks
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From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.
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