Five Reasons You Need to Add Shamwari Private Game Reserve to Your Holiday List

Shamwari Private Game Reserve has firmly established itself as the top luxury safari destination for GCC travellers seeking privacy, exclusivity and a meaningful connection to nature. Set across more than 25 000 hectares of pristine South African wilderness, Shamwari has entered a new era marked by a multimillion dollar revitalisation of all lodges, the launch of a seamless private air shuttle service and a series of international awards that recognise its leadership in hospitality, conservation and guest experience. With its blend of untouched landscapes, world class guiding and purpose driven conservation, Shamwari is now one of the most compelling luxury travel choices for discerning holidaymakers from the region.

A New Level of Access Through Shamwari’s Private Air Shuttle

Travel to the Eastern Cape has been transformed with the introduction of Shamwari’s private air shuttle. Guests can now arrive from Cape Town in one hour and forty five minutes and from Johannesburg in two hours and twelve minutes, significantly reducing overall travel time. The private aircraft lands directly within the reserve, where guests are welcomed and transferred through the bush in comfort, often spotting wildlife before reaching their lodge. This elevated access allows travellers from the GCC to enjoy a smooth, seamless and time efficient journey into the heart of the African wilderness.

Award Winning Luxury Lodges Reimagined

Shamwari is home to a collection of distinct luxury lodges, each designed as a fully individual experience with its own architectural personality, atmosphere and guest focus. Eagles Crag offers secluded suites set against dramatic cliffside scenery, ideal for couples seeking complete privacy. Sindile presents a contemporary tented experience inspired by the wild, elevated above the landscape for uninterrupted views. Long Lee Manor represents the elegance of a restored Edwardian estate with sweeping lawns and refined interiors. Riverdene provides a warm and welcoming setting for families, while Bayethe delivers a tranquil, nature immersed escape surrounded by dense vegetation. Sarili Private Villa offers exclusivity for groups and multigenerational travellers looking for a private home environment.

This comprehensive revitalisation across the reserve has been recognised globally. Long Lee Manor has received a Michelin Key, while Shamwari Private Game Reserve has been named the Global Winner for Best Luxury Private Game Reserve in Southern Africa and for Best Luxury All Inclusive Lodge at the World Luxury Travel Awards twenty twenty five. The reserve has also earned recognition as the Regional Winner for Best Luxury Tented Safari Camp.

Each lodge reflects a different expression of luxury while offering the same high standard of hospitality, guiding and personalised service that defines the Shamwari experience.

A True Big Five Wilderness Experience

Shamwari offers an authentic Big Five safari across a variety of landscapes including rolling savannah, riverine forest, rocky valleys and dense thicket. The reserve is home to lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo along with cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena and an exceptional diversity of birdlife. Guests can experience twice daily game drives, guided bush walks and specialist wildlife activities designed to create unforgettable encounters in the wild. The reserve’s long term ecological restoration ensures that every visit supports the continued protection and thriving return of native species.

The Shamwari Foundation A Safari with Purpose

The Shamwari Foundation brings together more than three decades of conservation and community impact through a focus on Wildlife, Community and Environment. The Foundation supports the protection and rehabilitation of endangered species, the conservation of fragile habitats and the empowerment of local communities. Recent achievements include major progress in vulture breeding and release, the relocation of leopards through conflict mitigation efforts and the recovery of an orphaned black rhino. Guests can visit key conservation sites such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and the Vulture Breeding Programme. These experiences provide insight into the essential work being done to preserve the region’s biodiversity and strengthen the connection between tourism and conservation.

A Rising Star in the Global Safari Landscape

With its enhanced accessibility, world recognised lodges, meaningful conservation programmes and exceptional guest experiences, Shamwari elevates the Eastern Cape to the level of South Africa’s most prestigious safari regions. For travellers from the GCC who value privacy, luxury, authenticity and transformative travel, Shamwari offers an unmatched combination of comfort and wilderness. It is a destination that brings together high end hospitality, deep natural beauty and a powerful sense of purpose, making it an essential addition to any holiday itinerary.

For reservation inquiries, please contact reservations via email at reservations@shamwari.com or by telephone on +27 (0)42 203 1111, or visit www.shamwari.com