South Africa Safaris > Family Safari

Shamwari Game Reserve

Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve, the ultimate luxury big five African safari adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Luxury safari accommodation is offered in 7 different lodges on this private game reserve. Choose a lodge that compliments your ideal African experience.

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 pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

Shamwari – "my friend"

Kids on Safari

A truly unique, educational and fun family safari

The colonial-style, Riverdene Lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility will ensure entertainment for the whole family.

Upon arrival, the children’s co-ordinator will discuss activity options with the family taking the family’s size, children’s ages and the weather into consideration. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than four years as they are too young to join game drives.

Each child will receive a gift pack which includes a cuddly toy, activity workbook and other surprises.

Exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre
Activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

Shamwari Wildlife Hospital
Different types of wild animals or raptors that are being cared for at the time, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild. Read About Themba the orphan elephant.

Shamwari Film Studio
Children will be given a sneak preview of the film footage of the new “Shamwari – a wild life” series, which is due for airing in August/September 2008 on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet.

Exclusive access to one of the Shamwari Film Studio crew members is available to film and produce a high quality DVD of your Family Safari experience. Advanced bookings are essential as the filming and production of the DVD is at an additional cost. You enjoy the moment while we record the memories.

Children can partake in various social, sporting and arts and cultural activities under the supervision of our children’s co-ordinator. Options could include: African bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star-gazing and African story-telling

Special notes:
All swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times
Children younger than four years of age are too young to join game drives
Parents must accompany children of younger than four years when visiting the Born Free Centre and Shamwari Wildlife Hospital
Children’s menu available

Activities Overview

When you visit Shamwari Game Reserve, we would want you to have the 'safari of a lifetime'. We will assign a personal game ranger to your group of 6. Your game ranger and lodge manager will design your daily program with you.

We want you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. To achieve this goal, we have brought together the best that the area has to offer. There is great game viewing, in modern open game viewing vehicles that have been especially converted to maximise comfort and viewing potential. Your personal game ranger will provide insightful and valuable information about the fauna and flora.

In between game drives your time is filled with relaxing, reading, spa treatments, swimming, enjoying delicious cuisine, a game walk, or a visit to one of the two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary.

2010 rates	Shamwari Game Reserve
LOW SEASON	Please inquire for rates
Rates go up depending on lodge used

Many camps allow kids from various ages in malaria areas, please inquire.

Low risk for Malaria is in the dry season June through September in Malaria Areas.

*** Custom Tailor Made Safaris are our specialty, if you do not see a Safari that makes you happy, let us know and we can design the perfect fit for you!***