Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Luxury Inspired by Nature

Paterson, Eastern Cape•75 km (1 hour drive) from PE•25,000 hectares

Big Five Malaria-Free Family-Friendly

4.9/ 5 — 1,240 reviews

From R18,100/ person / night

About Shamwari

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is an internationally acclaimed conservation project and one of the finest safari destinations in the world. Spanning 25,000 hectares across five distinct ecosystems, this malaria-free reserve offers an unparalleled Big Five experience just 75km from Port Elizabeth.

Home to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and a dedicated Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Shamwari is where luxury meets genuine conservation. Six distinctive lodges cater to every taste — from the cliff-top elegance of Eagles Crag to the family warmth of Riverdene, each promising intimate game drives with expert rangers and trackers.

The reserve's landscapes shift from dramatic valleys and riverine forest to sweeping grasslands, creating one of the most diverse safari settings in southern Africa. With a maximum of 12 guests per game drive vehicle, every encounter feels personal and exclusive.

Highlights

Six luxury lodges to choose fromBorn Free Big Cat SanctuariesWildlife Rehabilitation CentreFive distinct ecosystems in one reserveFly-in safari option via Shamwari AirAward-winning conservation programme

Gallery

Wildlife You'll See

LionLeopardElephantRhinoBuffaloCheetahHippoGiraffeBrown HyenaZebra

Activities

Open-vehicle game drivesGuided bush walksConservation experienceBirding safarisChildren's programmeSpa treatmentsStargazing

Lodges & 2026 Rates

All rates per person per night, fully all-inclusive unless stated otherwise.

Sindile Safari Lodge

The newest ultra-luxury addition — contemporary African design with panoramic views, heated plunge pools, and outdoor showers.

18 guests in 9 suites

Private heated plunge poolOutdoor showerFireplacePanoramic viewsButler service

Green Season — Apr–Sep 2026R22,430/ pp / night

~$1190

Eagles Crag Lodge

Perched on a cliff edge with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private plunge pools, and spa-style bathrooms. Pure five-star elegance.

18 guests in 9 suites

Cliff-top positionPrivate plunge poolGlass wallsIn-room fireplaceSpa bathroom

Green Season — Apr–Sep 2026R20,520/ pp / night

~$1090

Bayethe Lodge

Tented luxury in the bush — spacious canvas suites with private decks and heated pools, set amongst indigenous gardens.

24 guests in 12 tented suites

Tented luxuryPrivate heated poolOutdoor deckIndigenous gardensBoma dining

Green Season — Apr–Sep 2026R18,100/ pp / night

~$960

Long Lee Manor

A restored Edwardian manor house blending colonial elegance with modern safari luxury. Spacious suites with garden views.

30 guests in 15 suites

Edwardian architectureHeated swimming poolManicured gardensLibrary & loungeFamily suites

Green Season — Apr–Sep 2026R18,100/ pp / night

~$960

Riverdene Family Lodge

Purpose-built for families — spacious rooms, children's programme, jungle gym, and a kid-friendly pool area.

18 guests in 9 rooms Min age: 3

Family-friendlyChildren's programmeJungle gymKid-friendly poolInterconnecting rooms

Green Season — Apr–Sep 2026R66,220/ unit / night

~$3515

What's Included

Accommodation
All meals
Selected beverages
Two game drives daily
Guided bush walks
Tea & coffee
Laundry
Tourism levy
VAT

Not Included

Premium beverages
Spa treatments
Gift shop
Conservation levy
Transfers

Multi-Day Itineraries

Safari Packages Featuring Shamwari

Combine your stay with a curated multi-destination itinerary — flights, transfers, and world-class accommodation all arranged.

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls — The Grand Southern Africa Safari

#1 Best Seller

11 Days / 10 Nights

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls — The Grand Southern Africa Safari

Cape TownStellenboschSabi Sands+1

The ultimate 11-day Southern Africa journey combining Cape Town's cosmopolitan charm, the Big Five drama of the Sabi Sands, and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls — all seamlessly connected with flights and luxury transfers.

Iconic Southern Africa Grand Tour — Cape Town to Chobe

Cape TownGarden RouteSabi Sands+2

The definitive 15-day Southern Africa grand tour — Cape Town, Garden Route, Kruger, Victoria Falls, and Chobe — three countries and every iconic highlight.