My first ever safari
The saying goes 'save the best 'til last' and I certainly did.
Having had many happy clients that have stayed at and raved about Shamwari, this was always going to be my first choice. If it's good enough for Brad Pitt, it's good enough for me!
Shamwari is in the Eastern Cape Province and less than an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth which makes it a great choice for anyone on a trip to South Africa. Not only is it easy to get to, it also Malaria-free. Shamwari is a private game and conservation reserve that is almost 100 square miles and is s perfect choice for families, couples or small groups. It is home to the 'big 5' and the white rhino, elephant and lion are very commonly seen here, and there's also a good chance of seeing the more elusive black rhino, cheetah and leopard.
There are several lodges dotted around Shamwari Game Reserve, which vary in their level of luxury and cost and facilities.
The newly renovated Riverdene is ideal for families - and their kids club and new adventure playground is amazing.
The contemporarily designed Sarili Lodge has fantastic views overlooking the Bushman's River and the luxury rooms have massive en-suite bathrooms.
Long Lee Manor is currently being updated and due to open in December 2019 and promises to be amazing!
If you prefer a more traditional lodge, Lobengula luxury en-suite rooms are housed in ethnic thatched surroundings.
Bayethe Tented Lodge is tented accommodation - but not how I thought tented accommodation would look like - glamping on a whole new scale with gorgeous en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and heating and hot tub!
Sandile is the newest addition and will offer the ultimate in luxury tented accommodation with the most amazing views and due to start welcoming guests from December 2019.
We opted for the more secluded Eagles Crag which overlooks rocky crags that are regularly frequented by eagles and we regularly had deer and monkeys outside our door. The nine luxurious thatched glass-and-stone rooms, all decorated in contemporary colours, came complete with private plunge pools and inside and outside showers.
The service and food here was outstanding. Everything is seamless. You are always greeted by the door with hot towels and drinks each and every time you come back. The food was worth the trip on its own!
We had 2 game drives a day and our ranger, Mino was amazing. He was knowledgeable and entertaining and took great care of us. On cold mornings we were wrapped in ponchos, blankets and given hot water bottles! We were surprised with drinks and snacks set up in the bush one evening and am amazing picnic lunch another day...complete with our favourite drinks!
The game drives take place in open-topped 4WDs in small groups of up to 10 and you can also arrange game walks.
There are other things to do here and we visited the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The centre provides veterinary care to young, abandoned, orphaned or injured animals. On a visit here, a member of the team will show you around and explain the centre’s work to you. Provided there are “patients" in care during your visit, you can see them in the “animal hospital" or the custom-built bomas, where especially larger animals stay while recovering.
During our drives we managed to find 4 of the big 5, but the leopard proved elusive, but in no way affected our enjoyment. We watched a pride of lion cubs playing with their parents, saw both black and white rhinos - up close! - and were delayed getting back for dinner most nights due to roadblocks: one night elephants, the following night rhinos! Quite rightly so, they move only when they are ready to move!
There are many reasons why I would recommend Shamwari:
- the choice of lodges meaning there is one for everyone and I can help find the perfect one for you - the exception service, luxurious accommodation and amazing food - the convenience of combining with a Cape Town and Garden Route trip and being Malaria-free - the knowledge of the staff and the up-close and personal experience of the game drive - the conservation outlook and the great work they are doing for these wonderful creatures
If you are thinking of a trip to Africa or taking a safari, I would love to chat and help plan your perfect trip.