Shamwari Sindile

Game Drives
At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we not only offer our guests 5-star luxury accommodation, but pride ourselves on presenting wildlife interaction that is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Coupled with the African horizon and spectacular skies, we offer game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime. Our game viewing drives are available for morning and afternoon trips, as this is when the animals are most active. Our vehicles are open and comfortable, and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by one of our trained game rangers who’ll take you and your party through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way.

If you have a particular area of interest, you’re welcome to inform your guide who will include it along the journey, if possible. In order to ensure that you have a memorable experience, we want you to be prepared and comfortable. We highly recommend you bring:

• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Warm clothing
• Sunscreen
• Hat

The game drives themselves last for approximately three to four hours and take you through the reserve. Included on the game drive is a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening. Our rangers are experts at navigating the Shamwari terrain and are readily available to answer any questions you may have. If there is a certain species you’re hoping to spot, or an area you wish to visit, chat to your coordinator to make arrangements.

We do suggest mentioning any special requests you may have when you make your booking. That way, we can advise you on the ideal time of year to visit, which lodge to stay at, and make any other arrangements that might be needed. Unfortunately, no children under the age of 4 are permitted on the game drives; however we can arrange a childminder at an additional cost.

Birding
For a truly African safari experience, consider Shamwari Private Game Reserve as your next destination. Not only do we offer unforgettable views and 5-star luxury accommodation, but we also have a host of activities available, including bird watching. This malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is home to a host of wild game, Big 5, and beautiful birds.

Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike are treated to an array of birds of prey sightings, including:

• Black Shouldered Kites
• Booted Eagles
• Pale Chanting Goshawks
• Secretary birds

These are a few special birds that we are privileged to see here. Specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds, will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment.

• Olive Bush Shrike (Ruddy form)
• White Backed Night Heron
• Black Harrier
• Denhams Bustard
• Narina Trogon

Pro Photo Safaris
At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we want to ensure that your stay with us is magical, educational and memorable. One of the many ways in which we do this is by providing a vast selection of entertainment, for hobbyists and professionals alike. That’s why we’ve created the comprehensive Pro Photo Safari package. This 2-day photographically adventure is guided by Iky and Ryan of Iky’s Photographic. Each of them has over 30 years of experience in the field, in addition to being awarded an Agfa Wildlife photography award.

When booking the Pro Photo Safari, you’ll be exposed to the skills of these two professionals, who will take you around the game reserve to capture the wonders of African nature. Ryan’s years of wildlife guiding and his additional skill sets of photography and hospitality perfectly complement Iky’s in-depth knowledge of photography and technical repairs. Coupled together, this presents a truly unique and memorable photographic journey for guests.

Relaxation Retreat
Escape to Shamwari Private Game Reserve and enjoy a safari spa experience in the wilderness surrounds of the Eastern Cape. Our spa retreats will leave you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated, with treatments that are proven to be beneficial for the mind, body and soul. Shamwari spa treatments are the ideal way to unwind and each of our offerings are created for men and women. Our luxury wellness retreats are based at certain lodges, but treatments can be arranged for guests staying in any of our other luxury accommodations.

Guided Walking Safaris
In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari Game Reserve also offers professionally guided walking tours. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and educate you on the area and its history.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
At Shamwari Private Game Reserve we’re passionate about the conservation of nature and the animals within the reserve. One of our endeavours includes the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which helps to rescue, rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of our professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat.