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
Where is it
On 30,000 hectares of bushveld in the Eastern Cape. Driving time from Port Elizabeth Airport: 1 hour.
Hotel information
There are 7 different lodges in total: Riverdene - is perfect for families, with a very exciting and complimentary children's programme. This is a wonderful lodge with relaxed loungers, offering the perfect stay for families, with interconnecting rooms, childcare facilities and an exciting new outdoor kids activity centre, child-friendly game-drives for children from the age of 4 years, a child friendly dining room, pool and a place to relax and enjoy the bush. There are only 9 rooms, all with private facilities, air conditioning and TV, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child.
All Inclusive of: meals and selected local beverages. All game-drives and visits to Education Centres, Animal Rehabilitation centre, Vulpro @ Shamwari and The Born Free Foundation.
Long Lee Manor - this colonial building offers a traditional stay in either a room or suite and has amazing views over the open plains with game wandering across throughout the day and night. With a rim-flow pool, a garden lounge and spa* you are sure to feel at home in this gracious manor house. Offering accommodation in 17 beautifully decorated rooms and one 2-bedroom villa with a private pool. All with air-conditioning, TV, heating and en-suite facilities. Children from the age of 8 years old are welcome at Long Lee.
Sarili - suitable for older families, couples or small parties. This luxury lodge consists of 5 Luxury Rooms sleeping a maximum of 10 people. Enjoy Bushman's River and plains view on the deck of this African thatch design villa. There are bar/lounge and dining areas and a child friendly swimming pool. Choose from a Luxury Courtyard Room (rooms are interconnecting via a passage so are suitable for a family) or a Luxury River Room, each sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Bayethe - located in the northern part of the reserve, here you can enjoy drinks with the wildlife after dark, and relax in one of the 12 luxury tents. All with en-suite facilities, private outdoor shower, plunge pool and viewing deck.
Eagles Crag - this premium lodge, which has been newly refurbished, is for the traveller who wants to enjoy contemporary and modern African design alongside the traditional chic of the African bush. The upper level offers a great dining area and lounge with individual 'dining pods' that look over cliffs. There is also a spa* for extra relaxation - and with only 9 rooms, you are sure to be spoilt. Secluded by natural vegetation your suite offers privacy and tranquillity, with your own private deck and heated plunge pool, indoor and outdoor shower and luxury en-suite facilities. Sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Sindile - set deep in the African veld, with 9 free standing luxury tents. Premier Luxury Tents are elevated high above the bush and feature a private deck with heated plunge pool and lounging area under a pergola. Sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Explorer's Camp - from October to May, Shamwari Private Game Reserve expands its offering even further by opening the Explorer Camp. The camp is located on a plateau set among the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari, a truly magical setting. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes guests on a guided walking safari of the surrounding land, allowing you to get up close and personal with nature. These tents feature two single beds, and en suite bathroom with shower, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Traditional African bomas. African barbecues. Game-drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon. Guided walks and night drives. Kids on Safari programme. Eagles Crag, Sindile, Bayethe and Long Lee Manor all have a spa* but spa treatments are available at all lodges. Gym at Long Lee Manor. Complimentary WiFi. 2 night Explorer Camp experience*, in dome tented lodges, is also available. Guided walking safari (available Oct-Apr). Born Free and Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Welcome Lounge (for guests staying at Long Lee Manor, Riverdene, Sarili, Sindile and Explorer camp), all guests staying at Eagles Crag and Bayethe will check in at the new Northern Welcome Lounge and be transferred to their lodge, this transfer would be approximately 30 minutes’ drive time.
Wheelchair adapted rooms with partially accessible amenities or facilities available on request (Riverdene and Long Lee Manor). Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page
2 nights between 1 May-20 Apr.
* Denotes local charge.
Based on 1445 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (1325)
Very good (82)
Average (24)
Poor (10)
Terrible (4)
Best safari experience on earth and amazing lodges, food and staff
Jun 29, 2025972gemmat
The BEST BEST place to go on safari with the most amazing staff and people to ensure you will have the greatest trip of your life! We were recommended it by a friend and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have their dream safari. Ruin our guide was amazing, Jean, Noah… all the staff just next level brilliant and lovely. And we were so close to…
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The BEST BEST place to go on safari with the most amazing staff and people to ensure you will have the greatest trip of your life! We were recommended it by a friend and I recommend it to anyone who wants to have their dream safari. Ruin our guide was amazing, Jean, Noah… all the staff just next level brilliant and lovely. And we were so close to the animals who are looked after fully. This is the place to do safari, nowhere else. Loved every second
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Unforgettable Family Safari at Shamwari – Worth Every Second of the 21-Hour Flight!
Jun 18, 2025m lKeller, Texas
We stayed at Riverdene Lodge in 2024 and had an absolutely phenomenal experience. The food was out of this world, and the staff went above and beyond, especially with our 8-year-old son, he was treated like royalty from the moment we arrived.
A special shoutout to Josh, our guide, who was incredibly enthusiastic and attentive to our needs. He…
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We stayed at Riverdene Lodge in 2024 and had an absolutely phenomenal experience. The food was out of this world, and the staff went above and beyond, especially with our 8-year-old son, he was treated like royalty from the moment we arrived.
A special shoutout to Josh, our guide, who was incredibly enthusiastic and attentive to our needs. He made every game drive engaging, informative, and fun—even during the freezing early morning safaris, he made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of.
The lodge was luxurious yet kid-friendly, the wildlife sightings were incredible, and the entire experience was smooth and thoughtful from start to finish.
Yes, the 21-hour plane ride from the U.S. was a haul—but Shamwari made it absolutely worth it. Highly recommended for families looking for a high-end, unforgettable safari experience.
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5 star experience
May 18, 2025Irina WSomerset West, South Africa
An experience, nothing short than magical. Absolute 5 star.The passion for conservation at the reserve is absolutely contagious. I have so much admiration for the vast knowledge of our guide Jesse who was the best of best. The game drives, food, lodging - incredible.
Excellent game drives, luxurious accommodations
May 13, 2025rkret17Fairfax, Virginia
I absolutely loved everything about this place. I stayed at the Bayethe lodge where I had spacious luxurious accommodations. I had complete privacy in my cabin, except for occasional visits from monkeys or nyala. I went on every game drive. My ranger Sihle was the best. He was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and obviously loves…
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I absolutely loved everything about this place. I stayed at the Bayethe lodge where I had spacious luxurious accommodations. I had complete privacy in my cabin, except for occasional visits from monkeys or nyala. I went on every game drive. My ranger Sihle was the best. He was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and obviously loves his job and cares about conservation. He found all of the animals we wanted to see, and taught us about the varied environments in the park. I always felt safe with him, even when driving on some challenging terrains. The food was amazing and plentiful. They sent a questionnaire about dietary restrictions before I arrived and I had my own personalized menu every day. The entire staff was amazing. They made an effort to get to know the guests, and I felt very comfortable and welcomed even as a solo traveler. My room was always immaculate and they even did my laundry for no extra charge. I didn’t check out the spa, will need to stay longer next time.
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Outstanding game reserve with five star accomodation.
Apr 28, 2025YorksfamilyreviewWakefield, United Kingdom
We booked our stay at this private game reserve over a year in advance as a celebration of both myself and my wifes 60th birthday year. The reserve came highly recommended to me from South African business associates so we took our Daughter and son along with their partners as part of this celebration to make unforgattable memories.
What can I…
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We booked our stay at this private game reserve over a year in advance as a celebration of both myself and my wifes 60th birthday year. The reserve came highly recommended to me from South African business associates so we took our Daughter and son along with their partners as part of this celebration to make unforgattable memories.
What can I say, this reserve exceeded any expecation that we had and provided us with so many wonderful memories for a probably once in a lifetime experience. Everything about this reserve is a highlight and the standards are exceptional. We wanted for nothing and were humbled by everything that was provided. Wonderful staff, amazing butler (Bridgette), outstanding ranger (Abel). Superb food from the talented chefs and wonderfully supported by all other staff members. We loved every minute and were sad to leave. This Private game reserve offered us such an exclusive and personal experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone.
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Best safari experience on earth and amazing lodges, food and staff