Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

5 stars

Home of two Born Free big cat sanctuaries, the Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free private game reserve near Port Elizabeth, boasting just under 30,000 hectares of land, bursting with free roaming wild animals, birdlife and indigenous Flora and Fauna. Game drives depart twice a day and are included within your stay, travelling in open 4x4 vehicles with your experienced ranger, with sightings of the ‘Big Five’ plentiful. Guided walks are also a fantastic way to get to grips with your stunning surrounds and make sure you visit the brand new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Accommodation is of the highest standard throughout the seven lodges with Eagles Crag lodge recommended for those who adore privacy and serenity. Families are also more than welcome at Riverdene Family Lodge, offering a range of child-friendly activities to take advantage of (kids aged 4 and over are welcome on family game-drives too). As well as the wildlife, there’s a swimming pool with shallow area just for them, a kids club and outdoor adventure centre. Long Lee Manor offers the feel of a bygone era and Bayethe tented lodge offers a wonderful ‘back to the bush’ experience never to be forgotten. Sarili Lodge offers an intimate experience with only five rooms, perfect for families, groups and friends with a large deck overlooking the Bushman’s River. Meals can be enjoyed in your lodge, the dining room or in the boma, feasting on traditional African dishes from the barbecue.

Amenities

Wheelchair access
Safari
Bar
Restaurant
Spa

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

5 stars

Amenities

Wheelchair access
Safari
Bar
Restaurant
Spa

“Incredible adventure every time you went out.”

Jun 11, 2026BoMK55

What a fantastic place, you go out on the reserve twice a day for around 3hrs each time. We would have loved more time out there as well. The morning was magical, sitting out there, birds chirping, clouds cutting the mountain in half and sitting up on the side of the hill overlooking the animals grazing. We had seen so much, except a leopard or hippo (out of the water). My favorite was driving around, turn a corner and there was a giraffe, elephant or other animals like right there (out of nowhere just eating or crossing in front of you). It was exciting to see all these animals in their world. You are hunting without a weapon, without intentions of harming anything but in a sense of finding these creatures. So exciting when you spot something. Some experiences: We had a male lion, pass us. I was about 7ft away from him. Our guide said not to make any sudden movements as he passed. As I was filming, he looked up at me with his yellow eyes, and I thought I was in trouble. Was I going to be his breakfast? As you can see by this posting I was not but so exiting… You feel safe out there and can forget these animals, hunt their own food. Another day the lion stopped, was on the ground and started roaring, signaling he was present. Not sure you would hear that, at a zoo. One night, we were following 2 lionesses and 3 cubs as they were hunting for food. Oh and wait until you hear the Impala’s at night w all these lights off, pitch black and signaling danger is near. You would think the scariest creature is about to eat you (mind you they are harmless). The white Rino’s (one of them) was massive and breathtaking. The other was young and the two of them together made you freeze in your seat. So much more to share but limited here. There were two other couples in our sweet Land Rover and they were great at spotting animals, birds and even plants. Speaking of plants, our guide would pull over grab a leaf and have us eat it or smell it. He had so much respect for the land and all that was living or growing there. As for the accommodations, fantastic like stunning. Food was great and some of the teas provided after your evening adventure were incredible. This berry / honey one was divine. I want to know the name of it and I want to purchase it. 🫶 To really sum up this portion of our trip: You know this was an incredible stay, when you holding back tears and not wanting to leave.

“The most beautiful and amazing place”

May 31, 2026U7563RQkarenl

From the moment you are greeted at the welcome centre to the point you are waved off this experience is beyond words and expectation. If you are reading this and wondering should you go, wonder no more just book it. Eagles Crag, was the most beautiful place whose staff go above and beyond. A special recognition for Kingston our butler and Keenan our ranger…. The absolute best, both first class in the areas of expertise. There were so many unforgettable moments to mention. The food and drink were of the highest standard every meal was an experience. Thank you so much team Eagles Crag.

“Outstanding.”

May 27, 2026waynecom7

I spent a few days here as part of a business event. I really struggle to find words to express how amazing it is. We were picked up Quintin who drove us to the reserve. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the area and its history. We were greeted on arrival with the perfect cup of coffee and the taken to the Long Lee Manor for breakfast. The view was spectacular - Zebras came the watering hole in front of the Manor for a drink. Breakfast was amazing - like fine dining and set the tone for the rest of our meals there. Each day we went out on drives. The rangers are incredible. I loved Karien - incredibly knowledgeable. More that, it was her love for the animals, the land and Shamwari that was inspiring - and at times very moving. The accommodation was outstanding; truly beautiful. And food - the food! Beautiful. They accommodated various dietary requirements effortlessly. Nothing was too much trouble. And they replicated dishes for vegetarians and vegans so that everything was just as beautifully presented and as full of flavour. Service throughout was outstanding. Many of us had arrived sick with a bacterial infection. Medical staff provided antibiotics and care and the chefs prepared simple food for those that couldn't eat much. The staff members were unbelievably good throughout our staff. I cannot praise Shamwari and the incredible people who work there enough.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Amenities

Hotel details

Facilities

Accessibility

Minimum Stay

Additional Information

Protection for your Package Holiday

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Amenities

Hotel details

Facilities

Accessibility

Minimum Stay

Additional Information

Protection for your Package Holiday