hamwari Game Reserve is the southernmost, big game, private reserve in Africa offering the ultimate African adventure. The Reserve stretches along the Bushman's River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route and Cape Town.



Shamwari is an African dream of a holiday offering you a multitude of plant, animal and birdlife, the very soul of an untamed African continent, along with the most luxurious means of experiencing your safari holiday. The Reserve provides modern Land Rovers converted into open viewing. Each vehicle has a trained ranger who, along with skilled service staff, will ensure you have a most memorable adventure The rangers are in constant communication at all times, so on any day they know where the game is, and how to find an abundance of animals such as the rare Black Rhino.



The Evening Game Drive leaves between 4:00pm to 5:00pm At dusk, Game Rangers will stop at magnificent panoramic areas to view the beautiful African bush sunset. Your Ranger will point out the nocturnal animals on the Reserve while using hand-held lights.



After the game drives guests can swim in one of the two pools, enjoy a drink at the pool bar or even play an invigorating game of tennis on the floodlit court. If, however, you just want to relax just laze around one of the swimming pool patios or in the beautifully appointed garden lounge. A small gym and steambath is also available for the guests. African curios and branded clothing is sold at the curio shop.

In keeping with it's conservation policy, Shamwari has a complete wildlife research team as well as it's own anti poaching unit, ensuring an ecological balance prevails on this reclaimed piece of wilderness. Together with the Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve rescues big cats and other animals from impossible circumstances. The Shamwari-Born Free Conservation and Education Centres is located in the southern area, next to Kaya Lendaba, an African Arts and Culture Village.



Safari Walks are available with your own personal ranger to guide you through the African bush sharing his knowledge of the fauna and flora. Avid bird-watchers can view the birds and other wildlife on the walk or from their lodge verandah.

Weddings at Shamwari Game Reserve are small and intimate and very special. The professional reservations and events team will organise the venue and all the arrangements including the Minister, flowers, wedding cake, champagne, photography and wedding video. You can choose to be married in the beautiful garden at Long Lee Manor, The Barn or at any of the lodges on the reserve.



The bush lapa is ideal for a wedding with an African feel with the local choir singing African wedding songs during the ceremony or reception. After exchanging vows, have a romantic meal together, or a small reception at one of the lodges, the bush lapa or at The Barn. The wedding couple are accommodated in the Honeymoon Suite at Long Lee Manor, or at any of the other romantic rooms..