Shamwari Game Reserve

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Shamwari Game Reserve Overview

Reasons to Visit Shamwari Game Reserve

* Excellent wildlife viewing * Open-vehicle game drives with knowledgeable guides * Night drives and walking safaris are available * Very accessible and easily added to the popular Garden Route * Some lodge caters specifically to kids * Malaria-free reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve Wildlife

Shamwari is home to all big safari animals, including the Big Five. Both black and white rhinos can be seen. Lion sightings are quite common, but leopards and cheetahs are more difficult to spot. A good variety of antelope has been re-introduced, including red-hartebeest and springbok. The unusual black morph of the springbok is a rare sighting.With over 250 species recorded, Shamwari is an excellent birding destination. However, as in many private reserves, birding tends to be overlooked with checking off flagship species like the Big Five as the main emphasis. Sharing game drives with other people that might not share a birding interest could be frustrating. In that case, it is advisable to book private wildlife drives. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Black Rhino
Occasional
Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Rare
Elephant
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Hyena
Common
Leopard
Rare
Lion
Common
Rhino
Common
Wild Dog
--
Wildebeest
Common
Zebra
Common

Wildlife Highlights

Most visitors will see four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and leopards are also present, but quite shy. The northern half of Shamwari ranks among the best places in South Africa to see the endangered black rhino.A visit to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can get you up close to some orphaned or sick animals, which are nursed here to be released back into the wild when ready.

Best Time to Visit Shamwari Game Reserve

Best Time to Visit

Best Weather

Worst Weather

Wildlife viewing in Shamwari is good throughout the year, as it's arid to semi-arid climate draws animals to water sources at any time. The best wildlife viewing is during the driest winter months of June to September. However, it can be very cold during this time of the year, and warm winter clothing is essential, particularly for taking part in nighttime and early morning game drives in open vehicles.

Low Season

May to September (Low season rates)

High Season

October to April (High season rates)

Shamwari Game Reserve Weather and Climate

Shamwari has a classification of semi-arid to arid and receives an average annual rainfall of less than 450mm/17.7in. Here, the winter and summer seasons occur opposite to their Europe and North American counterparts. Rain is fairly evenly distributed all year long. However, it peaks at two times during the year: February-March and October-November. During the mid-winter, temperatures can reach freezing point.

How to get to Shamwari Game Reserve

When visiting Shamwari Game Reserve, most people first fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. A tour may be started here in the form of an organized safari or by opting for a self-drive package. Many people will take a week or two to drive east from Cape Town to Shamwari via the Winelands and Garden Route.

By Air

There are domestic flights to Port Elizabeth where people can also choose self-drive options.

By Road

Follow the N2 out of Port Elizabeth heading towards Grahamstown bypassing the town of Colchester. 11km past Colchester use the left lane to take the N2 ramp to Grahamstown. Continue on the N2 for 17km and take the R342 turn-off for Shamwari Private Game Reserve on your left. Travel 7km up the gravel road and enter at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve gate for the Welcome Lounge.

Where to stay in Shamwari Game Reserve

Sarili Private Lodge at Shamwari

Discover Unmatched Elegance and Wilderness: Sarili Private Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve Welcome to Sarili Private Lodge, an exclusive sanctuary nestled in South Africa’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve. This unique haven seamlessly blends luxury with the untamed wilderness, providing travelers with an extraordinary safari adventure. Accommodation at Sarili Private Lodge features five spacious suites, each offering […]

Eagles Crag Safari Lodge at Shamwari

Discover Eagles Crag Safari Lodge: Where Luxury Meets Nature Welcome to Eagles Crag Safari Lodge, a haven nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape within the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Here, luxury and the untamed wilderness harmoniously converge to offer an exceptional experience. At Eagles Crag, nine exclusive suites await, each uniquely designed […]

Bayethe Safari Lodge at Shamwari

Bayethe Safari Lodge: A Wilderness Retreat Nestled within the prestigious Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Bayethe Safari Lodge offers an unrivalled experience, seamlessly blending opulence with the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. Named ‘Bayethe,’ this lodge extends a warm African welcome, inviting guests to explore the remarkable Big 5 wildlife in a malaria-free setting. […]

Riverdene Family Lodge at Shamwari

Riverdene Family Lodge: A Perfect Family Safari Retreat Welcome to Riverdene Family Lodge, an oasis of luxury nestled within South Africa’s renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. This lodge is your perfect escape for families in search of adventure, wildlife encounters, and ultimate comfort. The lodge radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere […]

Long Lee Manor at Shamwari

Long Lee Manor: Gracious Living Inspired By Nature Welcome to the exquisite Long Lee Manor at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a masterpiece of luxury and elegance nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. Originally built in 1910 and recently redesigned, this lodge offers Edwardian-styled suites with views of Shamwari’s magnificent plains. You can enjoy the […]