Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, located approximately 75 km outside Gqeberha in South Africa's Eastern Cape, spans some 250 square kilometers of restored wilderness. Established in 1992 by conservationist Adrian Gardiner, it transformed degraded farmland into a thriving wildlife sanctuary, pioneering private Big Five safaris in the region. The reserve is home to the iconic Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – alongside cheetahs, hyenas, Cape mountain zebras, hippopotamuses, and a diverse array of antelope species. Shamwari operates six luxury lodges and an explorer camp, each blending seamlessly into the landscape to offer refined safari experiences. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, and conservation tours. The reserve also features a wildlife hospital and partners with organizations like VulPro and the Born Free Foundation to support vulture rehabilitation and big cat sanctuaries. Its commitment to conservation and guest experience has earned it international recognition and made it a popular filming location for wildlife documentaries.
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Tip: The best time to visit Shamwari is during the dry winter months (May to September) when wildlife viewing is optimal. Booking accommodations and game drives in advance is recommended due to limited availability. The reserve welcomes children aged three and older on game drives. Visitors can benefit from combined packages that include lodging and safari activities. Consider flights via the Shamwari Air Shuttle from Cape Town or Johannesburg to reduce travel time.
Zajímavosti
- •Shamwari covers approximately 250 square kilometers of restored wilderness in the Eastern Cape.
- •It was one of the first private reserves in the region to successfully reintroduce the Big Five animals.
- •The reserve operates a wildlife hospital that treats injured and orphaned animals for release back into the wild.
- •In 2024, Shamwari partnered with VulPro to conduct the largest vulture relocation in Africa, moving 163 vultures to the reserve.
- •The reserve has been featured in multiple wildlife documentaries and TV series, including Netflix's 'Shamwari Untamed'.
- •Shamwari launched an Air Shuttle service in 2025, providing direct flights from major South African airports to the reserve.
Historie
Founded in 1992 by Adrian Gardiner, Shamwari began as a project to restore degraded farmland into a conservation area.
During the 1990s, key species such as elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and antelope were reintroduced.
The 2000s saw the addition of predators including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards.
In 2017, new ownership invested significantly in upgrading lodges and conservation infrastructure.
More recently, the reserve has expanded its conservation efforts through partnerships with NGOs like VulPro for vulture rehabilitation and the Born Free Foundation for big cat sanctuaries.
Průvodce po místě
Eagles Crag Lodge
A luxury lodge offering secluded suites nestled in a private valley, providing an exclusive safari experience with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Long Lee ManorEarly 20th century
A restored Edwardian-style manor house that combines historic architecture with modern luxury, serving as one of the reserve’s flagship accommodations.
Sindile Lodge
An elevated tented camp that provides guests with an immersive bush experience while maintaining comfort and style.
Bayethe Tented Lodge
Canvas suites equipped with plunge pools, offering an intimate and luxurious safari stay amid the wilderness.
Riverdene Family Lodge
Family-friendly accommodation designed to welcome guests of all ages, featuring spacious suites and tailored activities for children.
Explorer Camp
A rustic camp offering a traditional bush experience for guests seeking a closer connection to the natural environment.
Kontakt
Telefon: 042 203 1111