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Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.

''Away-away from the dwellings of men,
By the wild deer's haunt, by the buffalo's glen,
By valleys remote where the oribi plays,
Where the gnu, the gazelle and the hartebeest graze,
And the kudu and eland undaunted recline
By the skirts of grey forests o'erhung with wild vine,
Where the elephant browses at peace in his wood,
And the river-horse gambols unscared in the flood,
And the mighty rhinoceros wallows at will,
In the fen where the wild-ass is drinking his fill."
Thomas Pringle. 1820

Activities and Safari

When you visit Shamwari Game Reserve, we want you to have the 'safari of a lifetime'...rangers dine with you - sharing daily experiences and providing further information.

Something you'll look back on in years to come, long after the video has been lost and the photos have faded. We want you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. To achieve this goal To achieve this goal, the staff at SHAMWARI Game Reserve have brought together the best that the area has to offer. There is great game viewing, of course, but we also provide modern Land Rovers converted into open viewing. Each vehicle has a trained ranger who will increase your enjoyment with his knowledge of both the flora and fauna. The rangers are in 2-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 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; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group. In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts!

The heat of the day is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, swimming, reading and, of course, enjoying a delicious lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive. As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see elephants browsing, rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld. At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox ) and snacks.

Then, as the light fades, your ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals. By 8:00pm you are back at your lodge where a drink in the bar with your ranger, amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries is followed either by another great meal expertly prepared by our chefs, or a barbecue next to a roaring fire. Finally, a hot shower and a well-earned sleep. Before repeating it again the next day!

Generally, you may not leave your vehicle when it is in the reserve. Guided walks can be arranged in the company of your armed ranger, in search of rare animals. These hikes can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is really only then that you gain a perspective of this great continent.

The 6 Lodges in Shamwari Game Reserve
Luxury accommodation is offered 6 different lodges on the reserve. Choose a lodge that perfectly complements your ideal African experience.

Long Lee Monor

Tented luxury and Riverine privacy where you are greeted “Bayethe Nkosi” – “I salute you great one”.

Premier Lodges

Lobengula Lodge

Bush Weddings and Honeymoons
If your dream wedding includes a luxury honeymoon to one of Africa's finest, luxury, Big 5 game reserves, then why not extend the dream and get married in the wild? Shamwari offers a romantic wedding package based on two people (bride and groom) that does not include accommodation. Accommodation charges can be requested separately.

Wedding Packages Include: Minister; Flowers; Photographer; Wedding Cake; Spa Treatments; Champagne; Wedding Drive; Private Dinner; Witnesses. Please contact us for full details regarding our wedding packages.

Conference
Conference Venue: "The Barn" at Longlee Manor. Capacity: 42 Delegates. The centre is fully air-conditioned and secretarial services are available. Equipment: TV and VHS VCR, Flipchart, Overhead Projector, Screen. Other equipment requirements can be arranged at an additional charge. Additionally, we can arrange Game Drives. Executive library/boardroom at Eagles Crag.

Wilderness Trails
This adventurous experience takes place in the Wilderness, the highest form of conservation category an area can achieve, and is defined by the World Conservation Union as a “large area of unmodified or slightly modified land which retains its natural character and influence and which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition”.

Shamwari has set aside 16% of their land, over 3000 hectares (7500 acres) as a wilderness area.
Guests are accompanied by a qualified trail guide while backpacking through an area where no human interference or permanent structures are permitted and all trails practice minimum impact camping.
Camping is kept simple in open bush and the focus of the trail is a more holistic nature experience than a Big 5 viewing walk.

Born Free Foundation
The Born Free Foundation is at the forefront of drawing the public's attention to the plight of wild animals confined in impoverished captive environments and promoting through education and public awareness, a humane agenda. It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna's Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre.