Mantis Shamwari

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape, an hour’s drive from the seaside town of Port Elizabeth, South Africa’s 5th largest city located on the Wild Coast. Shamwari encompasses approximately 25,000 hectares of privately owned land that was rehabilitated and restored to its natural condition almost 20 years ago, opening its doors to the public in 1992. Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life - and giving guests the privilege to experience this in a stunning and luxurious setting.

 
Shamwari is now one of the premier game reserves in the country, home to the Big Five, including white and black rhino, as well as cheetah, fox, jackal, abundant plains game and much more! The game viewing is simply superb and it is one of the few places in Africa, where one can appreciate such untamed wilderness in a malaria free area! Furthermore, Shamwari is situated in one of the Global Biodiversity Hotspots of the World, Maputuland-Pondoland-Albany Thicket, with rolling hills, lush valleys and dramatic gorges. The landscape is wild and spectacular, and merely awaiting your arrival.
 
Shamwari acts as a beacon of conservation within the region, so by staying here you are doing your bit for the environment. The Rehabilitation Centre and Animal Hospital seeks to help injured or orphaned animals that have the potential to be reintroduced back into the wild. Shamwari also provides a home for the Born Free Foundation from the UK, to create awareness for the plight of wild African cats kept in captivity. There are two Born Free Centres on Shamwari which are home to rescued African cats as an example of how animals should not be treated. There is also a Breeding Centre for rare species and an anti-poaching unit, while a few Shamwari Lodges have received the acclaimed environmental Green Leaf Standard for their commitment to conservation.
 
Accommodation:

There are 7 luxury lodges spread throughout the reserve, each graded 5-star and offering a unique, bush experience with the utmost in comfort, style and service - let us help you choose the perfect retreat for your African holiday!
 
NB: With our Price Guarantee, you will get the lowest price possible for these lodges - it's just another way we are putting you first. Contact us (link) to book your spot!
 
Longlee Manor

Originally built in 1910, Longlee was the first lodge established on the reserve and has become something of an institution! A converted Edwardian Manor House with sweeping views of the rolling plains, zebra, giraffe, rhino and even cheetah are often spotted from the comfort of your deckchair. Accommodation comprises 15 elegant en-suite rooms and 3 luxury suites hosting a maximum of 38 guests, each overlooking the uninhibited African bush. An ancient Pepper Tree surrounds the main swimming pool, the perfect place to enjoy a freshly brewed cappuccino or catch up on your tan. The main dining room reflects the elegance of a bygone era, while the river boma adds a distinctly African flavour.
 
Eagles Crag Lodge

Hidden away in a stunning valley, beneath a dramatic cliff face where eagles circle by day, this lodge is luxury personified. The combination of glass, stone and thatch has pioneered a post-modern design that will enthrall guests. There are nine superior rooms but the real treat are the suites, which have wall-to-wall glass doors on two sides, allowing the sights and sounds of the bush to filter into your living room! Each suite has a private deck with plunge pool, there is a stylish cocktail bar, refined library, lavish lounge and state-of-the-art spa should you be in need of some pampering.
 
Lobengula Lodge

A thatched lodge nestled in the valley bushveld, Lobengula is decorated in traditional African style, the ideal retreat for guests wanting to experience the ethnic diversity of the continent. There are 5 luxury suites, two with private plunge pools with the remaining 3 suites located beside the crystal clear swimming pool. This exclusive lodge is private, secluded and ideal for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
 
Riverdene Lodge

Located in the southern section of the reserve, Riverdene promises Safari fun for the whole family. There are nine comfortable, air-conditioned rooms each with a small lounge, en-suite sandstone bathroom and private balcony. The colonial-style lodge also boasts a rim flow pool, spacious manicured gardens and a supervised playroom and jungle gym to keep the children busy. Feasting under the stars at the quintessentially African boma on the banks of the Bushman's River is a guaranteed highlight!
 
Bushmans River Lodge

With just 4 bedrooms, this lodge is ideal for families or groups looking for their own piece of bush paradise! Boasting sensational views over the Bushman's River, with a plethora of birdlife and hippos, this Victorian homestead will provide a true African welcome. Wine and dine under the thatched boma, the sophisticated dining room or at the verandah beside the swimming pool - what more could you want?

Bayethe Tented Lodge

A tented camp with a difference, Bayethe is one of the most popular lodges in the reserve - and for good reason too. Hidden in the heart of the bush with an expansive wooden deck overlooking a busy waterhole, Bayethe also boasts an outside boma and spacious indoor lounge and dining area. There are 9 luxury tents, each with a private plunge pool and viewing deck and 3 premier tents which are even more luxurious with a fireplace, satellite TV and hammocks tailormade for whiling the days away.
 
Sarili Lodge

A recent addition to the Shamwari portfolio, Sarili is a private African villa designed exclusively for families. With sweeping views of the Bushman’s River and open plains, Sarili can cater for a maximum of 10 guests with five luxury suites. It is ideal for children with a special menu, swimming pool and the “Kids on Safari” programme is perfect for the little ones!