Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges
N2 between Port Elizabeth & Grahamstown, Shamwari Game Reserve 6000 South Africa
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About
#1 of 4 Specialty lodging in Shamwari Game Reserve
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Value
4.6
Travelers' Choice
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa coupled with responsible tourism and the most luxurious means of experiencing your African safari adventure. Situated in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Shamwari Game Reserve is the malaria-free, safari holiday you’ve been searching for. Accommodating family, friends or business associates, our facilities, coupled with our spectacular location and passion for the environment, make this an unforgettable destination. Shamwari Game Reserve incorporates 6 luxury lodges, all of which are 5 star graded. Each one has its’ own unique energy and essence, designed in harmony with their surroundings, where guests can experience nature in supreme comfort.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Babysitting
Airport transportation
Spa
Concierge
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Full body massage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Location
N2 between Port Elizabeth & Grahamstown, Shamwari Game Reserve 6000 South Africa
Getting there
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+1
Shamwari Game Reserve is nothing short of magical. The reserve is expansive and right away it is apparent how much the staff (from hotel staff to game rangers) care about the animals that live in the reserve. My husband and I stayed at the Sindile lodge with another couple and it was nothing short of perfection. The attention to detail by the staff and the level of care they show their guests was incredible. The accommodations at Sindile are luxury tents and they are exquisitely appointed with just about every amenity you can think of. The views were breathtaking and the food was fantastic! The most amazing part of staying on Shamwari were the game drives we went on while there. Our ranger, Mino, knew the reserve and, its animal inhabitants, like the back of his hand and expertly took us to the most beautiful places and animals. We were able to see lions, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, all sorts of antelope species, hyenas, warthogs, water buffalo, hippos - you name it, we saw it. He also told us so much about the wonderful work Shamwari does to conserve wild life and protect their animals from poachers. What you spend at Shamwari goes to conserving wildlife and maintaining the integrity of these beautiful animals' natural homes-which, as we all know, are quickly disappearing. I would HIGHLY recommend Shamwari Game Reserve and, the Sindile Lodge, to anyone considering a safari in South Africa. I cannot, repeat, cannot, recommend enough Mino as your ranger as well-ask for him! We will most certainly be back to Shamwari!…
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Myself and my wife spent 1 week at Shamwari Sindile and had an amazing time. Pure luxury with outstanding service. Sindile's accommodations were so comfortable and private. The view from the room with the doors / wall wide open to the view of the massive expanse was breath taking. To wake up every morning to this view is unforgettable. The outside shower was a very nice touch. The game drives were exceptional with our driver being very experienced and seemed to enjoy the drivers as much as we did. The lodge was very accommodating with our request of new driver. The meals were 5 star, each night being special. The chefs would ask us if we wanted something special. As we returned from the game drives we would say we're almost home. That's what it felt like. We truly thank all who helped us have a beautiful experience. …
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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+1
The best accommodation in the world. Nothing beats this. Lodges, service, views, food and the warmest people ever are all 7, 8, 9, 10 stars. Wonderful to see wildlife in the wild, where it should be and the Born Free rescue and education centre is truly amazing.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: An amazing experience. Spectacular everywhere you go.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
Wow. Our stay was faultless. We had an amazing ranger called Dylan who was fantastic with our three children. Passionate and knowledgeable- we couldn’t have asked for a better ranger! Service was impeccable. Every member of staff deserves recognition as they made us feel welcome and nothing was too much trouble! We stayed at Riverdene with our 4, 10 and 12 year old. If you’re after a luxury resort but with activities for the kids, this is the place to be! Food was outstanding! Chefs were fantastic and again, nothing was too much trouble. Game drives - everyday brought something new! I have no words! It has been our favourite holiday to date. Thank you to all of the staff at Shamwari. We would love to return one day.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
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+1
Had an amazing stay at Shamwari at Long Lee Manor. From the first moment we arrived we were so welcomed by all the staff. Such a georgeous setting over looking the waterhole watching various animals approach. Food was excellent, room was very deluxe and staff all very attentive. We had Odi as our Ranger, such a lovely man and was very informative. Spent a lot of time with him not just on game drives but during breakfast as well as a dinner which was thoroughly enjoyable. We had a family of 6 visiting across 3 generations and encountered all of the Big 5 and many more. He was determined to find us some very elusive elephants on our last day with great success. He was so wonderful with our children Jack and Bella. Also special mention to Carlin, our waitress who was so lovely and looked after us all at lunch and dinner. She clearly loves working at Shamwari and we all enjoyed her company and passion. We all warmed to Odi and Carlin that we were all sad to leave, especially the children. We felt like we made some great friends and will keep in touch. Can’t wait to come back. Fabulous job Shamwari. One of our Wonders of the World! See you soon.…
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Book early as very popular.
Ask for Odi as your Ranger. Brilliant and great with Kids.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
Thank you for a wonderful safari experience. We attend for 3 nights at Bayethe, the accommodation was beautiful and spacious, equipped with every all-inclusive detail. The food was plentiful and delicious served by happy staff. The safari drives, being woken at 5.30 for a meet at 5.45 when your ranger would serve you a morning drink for a 6am departure, were amazing. Watching the sunrise with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippos and elephants was spectacular. One elephant really came quite close to the keep. Benedict was so knowledgeable and helpful. His tracking to find the leopard, lions and cheetahs was much appreciated and we ah E great photos of a truely memorable holiday. Thank you Shamwari
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My husband and I spent 5 nights at Shamwari at the start of our honeymoon, and it was by far the most incredible travel experience either of us have had. We spent 3 nights at Bayethe, and 2 at Sindile, and loved what each had to offer. Bayethe offered a more rustic, but still high end, stay, and Sindile felt upscale and luxurious. We loved the heated plunge pool at Sindile. Shamwari adds so many small touches that make it such a comfortable experience, like hot tea waiting for you after arriving back at the lodge after a cooler evening game ride. Because it was our honeymoon, they surprised us with candles and a private dining experience in our room, which was so thoughtful. The staff was helpful and attentive. We loved all of our guides-- Benedict, Freddie, and Patrick, who really made the safari experience. We got to see pretty much every animal we wanted to see, and way more up close than we anticipated. Our friends and family were in awe of the photos and videos we took. Shamwari's values of conservation and putting the animals first were very evident. Highly recommend this for an incredible safari experience!!…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
From the beginning of our pick up from the airport our respect began. The drive who collected us was an excellent driver and that's high rating from me as a professional driver, he's driving was calm and relaxing and I felt completely safe in his hands. On our arrival at Eagles crage it was soon clear that attention to details and ourself was the staffs ethos, they were friendly respectful yet full of smiles and fun. We were taken straight out to our first drive of our stay were we saw cheetahs with that day's kill and the elusive Cape leopard, lions and buffalo returning back we were greeted by the staff , with warm damp cloths for a facial freshen up and a warm milky drink, hit the perfect spot , back to tastefully cosy Lodge, ready for dinner after our exhilarating first encounters. Dinner didn't disappoint! Well cooked, perfect proptions beautifully presented a really feast. Early night ready for the next drive at 5.30. This surpassed every expection I had, we saw the big 5 but they all just kept coming, white and black rhino, baboons, servel, elephants giraffes zebras a second sighting of a different leopard, the list went on and on. The animals all looked in fantastic condion and relaxed and calm, it was no way intrusive to them and I felt I was being given a great honor to be in their presents. I have left the jewel on the crown till last so most of you will have got bored and don't read this as our safari guide was one in million a humble man who obviously has a great love for these creatures, his knowledge and experience shone through and he made the guests on his vehicle feel part of his world, we tracked and spotted as a team and was not disappointed by all our sightings. He was our super hero in the ranger world. Mino Every member of staff we encountered irrelevant of race, gender, nationality were top notch, they were inclusive, attentive, interesting people who I can't wait to spend more time with. This place will not disappoint!!!! …
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Trust your ranger they spend every day with these animals, don't be in a hurry to tick off a list...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
We visited Shamwari as part of our road trip around Cape Town, the garden route, and wine region. We spent two nights and undertook 4 safari’s during the stay. The staff, accommodation and food was excellent, and a special mention must be given to Josh our game reserve guide, who went out of his way to make sure whatever side you sat on in the vehicle you all got that opportunity to get that prize photo of the game. We thought a safari would always be luck as to whether you would sight all these wonderful animals, but we were very lucky in sighting all the big five and much more in the time we were there. Several large hearts of giraffe, around 40/60 elephant, water buffalo, cheetah, lions, and white and black rhino, as well as many other animals which our guide kindly pointed out. He was a natural history library, nothing, plant, birds, and animals missed his observational skills, which made our time there into what can only be described as a dream holiday. Yes we would without doubt return, as the whole experience was one of life’s highlights. Thanks to all the staff who made our trip so memorable.…
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Date of stay: March 2023
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We stopped at one of the lodges, in a separate lodge
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
My wife and I went to this private game reserve as part of a group of eleven people, booked as an excursion from a cruise line. The visit was for about 24 hours, so we had one late afternoon (out at 4 PM) safari and one morning safari (out at 6 AM). The staff are very courteous and helpful. The food is excellent. We stayed at the Bayethe section of the reserve in accommodations that are separate from that area’s dining building. All the buildings in this section had an African style to them that was pleasing to our eyes. This "non-safari" area is sealed off from the safari area by electric fences, although they had some harmless animals like nyalas in this area. Our accommodation was beautiful and spacious. Its secluded balcony included to reclining sun chairs and a plunge pool. Our group safari filled two vehicles, but the two vehicles traveled separately as the rangers searched for the animals and communicated by shortwave radio. We were fortunate in our safaris; we saw 99% of the wildlife that we had hoped to see. Our ranger was very knowledgeable, patient and communicated well. The vehicles used here are similar to those used by cheaper establishments, but the vehicles are configured for 7 passengers instead of 10. Their vehicles were in excellent condition. Every passenger has an excellent view most of the time. The reserve is very large; we never had an indication of being close to civilization. The terrain is a nice mix of clearings and treed areas. I highly recommend this establishment.…
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
$1,232 - $1,362 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
shamwari game reserve hotel shamwari game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeShamwari Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
56
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Claim Your ListingSHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE LODGES - Updated 2023 Prices & Lodge Reviews (Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges
What are some of the property amenities at Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges have airport transportation?
Yes, Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of Shamwari Game Reserve.
Are any cleaning services offered at Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Shamwari Private Game Reserve Lodges accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.