Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most established wildlife areas in the malaria-free Eastern Cape and is renowned for its luxury lodges and exceptional conservation initiatives. This Big 5 game reserve has won The World's Leading Safari and Game Reserve and World's Leading Conservaton Company consistently for more than a decade.

Shamwari has led the way in returning overgrazed farm land in the Eastern Cape to the diverse wilderness area it is today and closer to the incredibly rich wildlife area it once was.

Today the 25 000 hectares that run along the Bushman's River supports over 5000 head of free-roaming game - including the Big 5; lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino.

Shamwari contains over 200 varieties of raptors and birds, from the majestic marshall eagle to the greater double-collared sunbird.

There are 7 different safari lodges at Shamwari, Bayethe Tented Lodge, Eagle's Crag, Lobengula, Sarili Lodge, Riverdene, Bushmans River Lodge and Long Lee Manor, each with its own views, character and brand of luxury.

Conservation at Shamwari

In 1996 Shamwari Game Reserve introduced the Shamwari Wildlife Department to responsibly and sustainably manage the unique ecosystems within the reserve, and the rich wildlife it supports. Two wildlife vets, two ecologists, an environmentalist and a variety of qualified nature conservationists contribute to the Shamwari Wildlife Department.

Guests at Shamwari Game Reserve can visit the two big cat sanctuaries on the reserve, the Julie Ward Centre and the Jean Byrd Centre, which provide care and rehabilitation to rescued lions and leopards. These sanctuaries are a joint venture between Shamwari Game Reserve and The Born Free Foundation.

Shamwari has also set aside 3500 hectares for the breeding of rare animals such as the Cape Mountain Zebra and the Disease Free Buffalo.

Shamwari Wildlife Documentary

In September 2008, a wildlife documentary was filmed at Shamwari for Animal Planet.

The 'Shamwari: A Wild Life' documentary follows the exciting lives of people working on an African reserve. Unique and exciting documented moments include rhino capturing, lion translocations, a mother giraffe giving birth and incredible wildlife rescues.

View all Shamwari Game Reserve accommodation

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