A Brief History: From Farmland to Flagship Reserve

Shamwari’s story dates back to 1992. Like many private reserves in the Eastern Cape, the land was previously used for farming, but what followed was a long-term and highly intentional rewilding project.

Wildlife was reintroduced, habitats restored, and over time Shamwari grew into one of South Africa’s most respected private reserves. Today, it spans over 25,000 hectares, and importantly, that growth hasn’t stopped. The reserve continues to acquire neighbouring farmland, gradually expanding both its conservation footprint and the space available for wildlife.

Some of this land supports game movement, while other areas are used for conservation initiatives and rehabilitation. Shamwari is also actively involved in training and education programmes on-site, helping to develop future rangers and conservationists.

It’s not a finished product, it’s an evolving one. Speak to any of the rangers and you quickly see the passion they have for what’s being built here. I also had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO over breakfast, and hearing about some of the future plans for the reserve only reinforced that sense of ongoing development.

Here are the key reasons why Shamwari stands out when you experience it first-hand.

elephant at the watering hole

1. Luxury Accommodation While Staying True to Its Setting

One of the things Shamwari does particularly well is how deliberately each lodge has been designed and positioned.

While all properties sit under the same umbrella, they are very clearly tailored to different types of travellers. Whether that’s honeymooners, couples, families or groups, the aim is to ensure that when you choose your lodge, you are genuinely choosing the right fit for your trip.

For couples, lodges like Sindile, Eagles Crag and Bayethe focus on privacy and immersion in the bush, with freestanding suites, plunge pools and uninterrupted views.

For families, Riverdene is exceptionally well set up. All rooms are interconnecting, there’s plenty of space, and the layout makes travelling with younger children easy. Long Lee Manor offers something slightly different again, with a more classic, elegant feel. In my opinion, it sits a level above in terms of styling and finish, and works particularly well for families with slightly older children or groups travelling together. The two-bedroom family suite with a private pool is a standout for those wanting both space and a bit more exclusivity.

For larger groups or those wanting complete privacy, options like the private villa at Sarili offer full buyouts, creating a much more exclusive, tailored experience.

Across all of them, the level of inclusion is what really sets Shamwari apart. It’s genuinely ultra all-inclusive, and goes far beyond the typical safari inclusions. You’re not limited to a basic house wine selection or standard minibar, instead you have access to fine wines, premium branded drinks, a high-quality stocked minibar and snacks throughout your stay. It removes that underlying thought of what will this cost at the end and allows you to fully relax into the experience.

That feeling starts as soon as you arrive. Guests are welcomed into either the north or south welcome lounge, where check-in is relaxed and seamless. From there, your transfer to the lodge becomes your first mini game drive, setting the tone before you’ve even reached your room.

Having sold Shamwari for a number of years, I’ve always understood how the lodges are positioned. But seeing them first-hand really fine-tunes that understanding, particularly the subtle differences between properties that you simply don’t get from a website or brochure.

From left to right: bayethe - sindile - long lee manor

2. A Safari Experience That Works Brilliantly for Families

Safaris with children can sometimes feel a little restrictive depending on age limits and logistics, but Shamwari has clearly put a lot of thought into making sure younger guests are just as well catered for.

Riverdene is the main family lodge and offers one of the most comprehensive setups I’ve seen. Their “Kids on Safari” programme is designed by rangers, with activity books and hands-on experiences that genuinely engage children with the environment.

Children from four years old are able to join game drives, and for those who are younger or prefer not to, there’s a dedicated kids’ club, including a treehouse-style space. Childminders are also available at an additional cost, offering flexibility for parents.

Practical details make a big difference here too. Interconnecting rooms, microwaves for heating milk, and a layout that feels safe and easy to navigate all add to the experience. Even small touches, like the pool at Riverdene being fenced for safety, show how well thought through it is, without taking away from the overall feel of the lodge.

Long Lee Manor works well for families with older, more independent children, particularly those less likely to use kids’ club facilities but still wanting space and flexibility.

In addition, Shamwari’s partnership with the Born Free Foundation adds another dimension. For children who may not have the patience for long periods in a safari vehicle, or who are particularly interested in animals, it offers a more accessible way to learn. It also introduces conservation at a young age, hopefully inspiring the next generation to care about and protect wildlife.

Overall, it feels like families are genuinely welcomed and catered for, rather than simply accommodated.

kids on safari at riverdene

4. Dining That Genuinely Stands Out

South Africa is known for strong food and wine, but Shamwari takes it up another level. The dining experience feels far closer to a high-end restaurant than a traditional safari setup. Think oysters and caviar at lunch, followed by high-quality meats and a well-curated wine list in the evening.

Before each afternoon game drive, guests gather for a more traditional high tea, with coffee, cakes and light bites, a small but enjoyable ritual that breaks up the day nicely.

Even when out on safari, the snacks and refreshments provided are of a noticeably higher standard than many other reserves.

They also cater extremely well for dietary requirements and can arrange more private dining experiences if preferred.

I overheard another guest describe it as feeling like dining at a top restaurant without worrying about the bill at the end, and that felt pretty accurate. The food was genuinely a highlight of my stay, and having dined at some incredible restaurants in Cape Town, it held its own.

Evening dining at bayethe

5. Guiding and Service That Feels Personal, Not Staged

One of the biggest differentiators at Shamwari is the people. When you’re on property, it never feels overly formal or staged, which can sometimes be the case at high-end lodges. Instead, the service is warm, genuine and intuitive.

There’s also a strong sense of staff retention, which says a lot about how the reserve operates behind the scenes. Many guides and team members have been there for years.My guide, Sihle, had been on the reserve for over a decade and was still considered relatively new, which gives you an idea of the level of experience within the team.

It’s often the small details that stand out most. He noticed I was getting cold during one of the drives and brought me a hot water bottle, then had one ready for me the following morning without needing to ask. He also took the time to understand what I was most interested in seeing and tailored the drives accordingly.The level of insight he shared around animal behaviour and patterns added a completely different layer to the experience.

Thea & Sihle In Reserve

Getting There: An Introduction to Shamwari Air

Access has become even easier with the introduction of Shamwari Air in 2026.

I was fortunate enough to be on the reserve when one of the flights from Johannesburg arrived, which meant I had the opportunity to see the aircraft, step on board, and experience the setup first-hand. From the extra legroom to the onboard service and even chatting with the captain, it’s clear this has been designed with the same level of thought as the lodges themselves.

There is a dedicated airstrip and welcome lounge just outside the reserve, meaning you can be off the plane, through check-in and on your way into the reserve in under 10 minutes.

It’s not going to be the cheapest way to get there, and there are certainly other options, but if your priority is maximising your time on the reserve and minimising travel time, it’s a very strong option.

It also opens up an easier way to combine Shamwari with other parts of South Africa, without the need for multiple connections, and all within a malaria-free region.

Shamwari air

Final Thoughts

Before visiting, I had been selling Shamwari for years and could justify the price point to a degree. Having now experienced it, I see it very differently.

It’s not a cheap product, and it won’t be the right fit for everyone. That’s exactly why it’s not the only reserve I visited in the Eastern Cape. But for the right traveller, it delivers something that genuinely stands apart. The level of accommodation, the quality of guiding, the food, the service, and how it all comes together as one seamless experience.

It’s a reminder that true luxury on safari isn’t just about the physical product, it’s about how you are made to feel from start to finish.

If you’re considering a safari in South Africa and want to explore whether Shamwari is the right fit for your trip, feel free to get in touch. I’d be more than happy to help tailor a safari experience that works perfectly for you.