We didn’t even know where to start planning a safari, so we reached out to Lindy from Perfect Landing Travel , and God bless her. She set us up at Shamwari Game Lodge, and I genuinely don’t think we could’ve landed anywhere better. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for something special.
An African safari has been a dream my family has shared for as long as I can remember. So when my parents’ 30th anniversary came up, we decided to go all out. My brothers and I are in our 20s, my parents are in their 50s, and we also invited another couple and their son to join us.
So our game drives had a mix of ages and energy levels, and it worked perfectly. Whether we were cracking jokes, asking a million questions, or quietly taking in the view, there was room for all of it. Mino, our ranger, made every single one of us feel seen and taken care of.
We’ve been to over 20 countries, but Shamwari was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced…
Cost: 100 % worth it. I know safaris aren’t cheap, and if you’re comparing prices, I get it- but this is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Your money goes straight back to the animals. Shamwari is actually the only conservation game lodge in the country. That alone is a reason to choose it.
Food: Michelin star quality. Funny enough, even though I was eating & drinking a lot on this trip, I actually lost a couple of pounds because everything was so fresh: fruits, smoothies, and beautifully made meals every day. As a huge foodie with high expectations, I was beyond impressed. Seriously, everything was delicious… like wow. But, if you’re a picky eater, you’re still covered. The chefs are happy to make something simple, and even the burgers and grilled cheese were next level.
Sindile lodge: Absolutely stunning. Everything was spotless and the aesthetic is perfectly curated. It’s the kind of place you see in magazines. The beds were so comfy. Every night, I fell asleep within minutes. Housekeeping was next level. Every evening, my bed was made, and even my clothes were folded. One night, after a rainy game drive, I came back to find the bed heater already turned on. It’s all about the little things, & Shamwari doesn’t miss a single detail.
Game drives: I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking. In terms of the car, we’re thick Americans and not once did we have problems with the seats or leg room (my brother is 6’6 for context.) Honestly, I wish the 21-hour plane rides had seats as comfy as those game trucks.
People: We came for the animals, but it was the people that made the trip. Our ranger Mino was hands down the heart of our experience. He taught us so much, treated us like family, and paid attention to every little need. When it rained and we still wanted to go out on a game drive, he made sure we had warm blankets, hot water bottles, and ponchos. I never felt unsafe around the animals because he created such a deep level of trust that let us fully enjoy everything. An absolute joy of a human!
& as a photographer, Mino was amazing. He helped set up shots perfectly!
Our butlers Carlin and Lindo were so kind, helpful, and fun. Our manger Kim was an absolute doll and is the queen of logistics. You could genuinely feel that everyone wanted to be there, and that’s rare. Shamwari prioritizes local and invests in its people, and it shows.
Calling this trip a dream doesn’t even do it justice. I wish I could write forever about how much I loved it…. And I could. I’m already hoping for a chance to go back.
When we were leaving the lodge on our last day and everyone was standing outside to say goodbye, I had tears in my eyes. You arrive to Shamwari as a guest and leave as family. (If you’re rolling your eyes at this then I dare you to come and see for yourself!)
Mino’s stories about all the conservation work being done at Shamwari made me realize this wasn’t just a vacation. It’s something bigger. You’re investing in conservation. You’re ensuring these animals and this land will be around for future generations. No other safari experience can promise you that.
Book the trip. Your bank account will recover, but the experiences you’ll miss out on by going anywhere else won’t. Shamwari or bust.
