Accommodation
There are several different lodges at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star. They include: Eagle's Crag Lodge - an Avant Garde masterpiece of thatch, stone and wall-to-wall glass; Riverdene Lodge and Sarili Lodge which with just four luxury rooms and one suite, is perfect for families, small parties and couples alike.
Select a room for more information
| Room View: | Bushman's River and game views |
Facilities
Riverdene Lodge is Colonial in style and offers nine inter-connecting luxury rooms, an infinity pool, children's playroom, green lawns and jungle gym facilities, as well as spa treatments (at Long Lee Manor Spa). The en suite guest suites are air-conditioned and feature satellite television, a small lounge area, tea and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, a safe and private balconies leading out onto landscaped gardens. In the public areas, guests have the benefit of two lounges, an infinity-edge swimming pool, gift shop, an outdoor barbecue area, dining room, boma and a deck overlooking Bushman's River. There is a choice of twenty-four excellent wines, though a further range of rare and fine wines, as well as French Champagne, is also available. The humidor houses a selection of Cuban cigars. Guests are assigned a Ranger for the duration of their stay, while the lodge also has a perimeter electric fence. Very family-friendly, this lodge is an excellent option for a fun-filled family safari.
| Room View: | Expansive views of Bushman's River and the surrounding plains |
Facilities
Perfect for families and small parties, Sarili Lodge is a brand-new, environmentally-friendly addition to Shamwari Game Reserve, and offers contemporary luxury accommodation for up to ten guests in five suites with either king-size or twin beds, air-conditioning, mini-bar, an en suite bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer and safe. Features of the lodge itself include a child-friendly swimming pool, dning and lounge areas, a courtyard, barbecue area and a special children's menu. The lodge boasts a full complement of staff, including Chefs, Field Guides and hosts. An excellent option for families, youngsters over four years of age can participate in the 'Kids on Safari' activity programme with the opportunity to view the 'Big Five', view educational wildlife films and visit the Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
| Room View: | Views of the surrounding valley and hillside |
Facilities
Nestled in a valley, Eagle's Crag offers the ultimate in luxury and boasts gorgeous African interior design. The lodge features nine luxury en suite rooms, each with a private pool, deck and indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer, safe and bird-watching scope. In the public areas, you'll find a spa offering luxurious treatments, an upper floor dining room which offers a specially selected range of wines as well as French Champagne (Cuban cigars are available in the humador), lounge area, library, expansive balconies offering magnificent views, a boma and cocktail bar. This is an exclusive, very private, quiet option for discerning travellers and is a particularly good option for those who enjoy bird-watching.
Leisure Facilities
The reserve offers great game-viewing from modern open 4X4 vehicles. Each vehicle has a trained Ranger who will increase your enjoyment with his knowledge of the flora and fauna. The Rangers are in two-way communication with each other at all times, so on any day they know where the game is and how to find the elusive animals, such as the rare Black Rhino.
Game-viewing is carried out in the morning and evening on game-drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your Ranger who will be happy to merge your plans into the group. Early morning drives leave before dawn, spending up to three to four hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for cold morning starts. Evening drives to spot nocturnal animals are completed by 8pm - plenty of time to enjoy a drink in the bar with your Ranger - followed by another great meal expertly prepared by the Chefs or a barbecue next to a roaring fire.
A unique partnership with the Born Free Foundation means guests are able to visit two Born Free Centres and Big Cat Sanctuaries. The Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre provides education facilities and a museum to demonstrate the centre's success in rescuing poorly treated animals across the globe.
Inspired by the surrounding nature and elements, a selection of body and beauty treatments cater for ladies and gentlemen.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in a malaria-free area and boasts a lodge which is absolutely perfect for families who wish to share a unique, educational and exciting safari experience. Family-friendly Riverdene Lodge offers elegant and comfortable accommodation and provides activities for children of all ages, who are welcome to participate in Shawari's 'Kids on Safari' programme. Activities might include social, sports, arts and cultural activities, supervised by the lodge's Children's Coordinator who, upon guests' arrival, will discuss activity options, taking into consideration the size of the family, the children's ages and also the weather. Children's menus are also available.
Guests can visit the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre, where animals are cared for before being released back into the wild, while the reserve’s partnership with the Born Free Foundation (children receive a year’s complimentary membership) allows families to visit the two Born Free Centres and Big Cat Sanctuaries. Shamwari has its own film studio and children will love visiting it to see the footage of animals taken on the reserve. It is also possible to hire one of the Safari Cam crew members to provide a high quality DVD of your fsmily's 'Kids on Safari' experience.
Due to their age, little ones under four years of age are unable to join their parents on game-drives, so childminding is available, at an additional cost, and must be pre-booked. They must also be accompanied by their parents on any visits to the Born Free Centre and Shamwari Wildlife Hospital.
Sarili Lodge is an alternative option for families, but please be aware that it does not have a dedicated Children's Coordinator, so a complimentary childminder must be requested prior to arrival.
Please note that any swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times.
Shamwari Game Reserve offers guests two fabulous wedding packages in the heart of South Africa's premier safari destination.
1. Receive a complimentary wedding when you book three nights or more at the reserve. Included in your package are:
Minister
Wedding Cake
Bridal bouquet and button hole
Massage and manicure treats
Witnesses
Private game-drive on your wedding day
On-site coordinator
2. Alternatively, book one of Shamwari's lodges for two nights (the smallest lodge has four rooms), and receive a complimentary wedding and accommodation for the bride and groom.