Shamwari Bayethe Lodge is a luxury tented camp in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. A malaria-free, private game reserve situated on over 49,000 acres in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Shamwari Bayethe offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in utter tranquillity. Surrounded by the rich vegetation of the unique location. This canopy paradise provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush. A once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday.
Bayethe is pronounced “By-ye-ti”. Meaning “I salute you”. A warm, African greeting that welcomes each morning sunrise in this tented paradise. Guests awake to the sounds of the African bush. And the resident game making their daily pilgrimage to the neighboring watering hole.
Dine either indoors or outdoors on the deck or boma amid the wild. Mouthwatering cuisine, and attentive service are some of the many little luxuries one will find at the main lodge. As are an array of sumptuous spa treatments at the Bayethe Bush Spa. WiFi is available throughout the lodge.
Accommodation at Shamwari Bayethe Lodge consists of 12 x glass fronted luxury tents. Countless luxuries exist within the suites. These include air conditioning, private viewing decks, en-suite bathrooms, and private plunge pools.
The suites also include a Nespresso coffee machine, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer, and an electronic safe.
Private plunge pool and deckTent interior
Shamwari Activities
The dominant vegetation type in this area is the thicket biome and more specifically known as the Albany Thicket. This biome sustains and bolsters a healthy population of animal species including kudu, elephants, black rhinos, monkeys, and bush buck. The Addo flightless dung beetle, is another conservation success story. This is unique to the Eastern Cape. A recent discovery was made of the Albany Adder which is a puff adder snake endemic to this area. Spekboom and Spike Thorn trees are also specific to this biome.
Game Drives and Walks
Game viewing drives are available for morning and afternoon trips. As this is when the animals are most active. The vehicles are open and comfortable and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by a trained game ranger who’ll take you through the reserve. Encountering many animals along the way; including the rare Black Rhino. The game drives last for approximately 3 to 4 hours. Including a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun downer stop in the evening.
In addition to spectacular game drives; Shamwari also offers professionally guided bush walks. Rangers share their intimate knowledge of the reserve and their own expert insights. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the fauna and flora indigenous to the region. You may see a herd of wild buffalo. But the tiny ox peckers on their backs are the real conservation success. Your guide can also point out animal tracks, dung, and birds. And educate you on the area and its rich history.
RhinosLions on game drive
Birding
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve. This means it’s the ideal opportunity to catch sight of the teeming bird life. From tiny feathered friends to majestic birds of prey. Birds of prey include: Black Shouldered Kites Booted Eagles Pale Chanting Goshawks Secretary birds
The bodies of water means it’s the ideal opportunity to catch sight of: African Darters African Shelducks Hamerkops Malachite Kingfishers Three-banded Lapwings
The rangers are knowledgeable about the various bird species residing in the reserve. And will happily share their insights with guests. At the moment there are more than 275 different bird species at Shamwari for guests to spot.
There is an abundance of special birds that you can see at Shamwari too. Specialist guides will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment. Some of these are: Olive Bush-Shrike (Ruddy form) White Backed Night Heron Black Harrier Denhams Bustard Narina Trogon
Visits to the Conservation and Rehabilitation Centers
Shamwari takes great pride in their wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. The reserve is home to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. As well as two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries. To gain valuable insights into the work that goes into caring for abandoned, young, injured or orphaned animals. And the plight of captive and confined wild cats respectively, be sure to stop by for a visit.
The latest addition to Shamwari’s conservation efforts is the vulture conservation project. Vultures are vital for a healthy ecosystem. However, they are severely threatened. Shamwari is now home to sick or injured vultures which have been rehabilitated and are able to breed. The Cape Vulture offspring will be released at Shamwari. In keeping with its ethos of restoring the indigenous fauna and flora on the reserve. To what it once was.
These visits are included in your stay and no entry fees are required.
Getting to Shamwari Private Game Reserve
The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Shamwari makes an ideal starting or ending point for self-drive Garden Route tours. We can arrange private road transfers or charter flights; for an additional fee when booked with your accommodation.
Shamwari Bayethe Accommodation Rates
Luxury Tented Suite
Adult Sharing
Single Adult
1st April to 30th September 2024
R13 110
R17 045
1st October 2024until 31st March 2025
R17 940
R23 320
1st April to 30th September 2025
R15 080
R19 600
1st October 2025 until 31st March 2026
R19 730
R25 650
Shamwari Bayethe Tented Camp allows children of 12 years and older. They are charged the above adult rates.
Rates include: Accommodation, All meals, and selected local beverages, Game drives, and guided walks, Tourism levy, and 15% VAT.
Rates exclude: French Champagne and premium branded beverages, Transfers, and laundry, Gift boutique purchases, spa treatment and retail, and conservation levy.
Shamwari Bayethe Accommodation Special Offers
Special offers are valid between 1st May – 30th September every year.
Long Stay Discount
Book 4 consecutive nights and more, and get 10% OFF your stay at Shamwari Bayethe. Or a 15% discount on 6 or more nights. Combine the lodges for a great all-round experience at Shamwari.
Sole Use Offer
Book all the rooms at Shamwari Bayethe for 2 nights. And receive one room free of charge.
A honeymoon at Shamwari is the perfect place to start your new life with your partner. The luxury lodges of Shamwari are nestled in the African bush. The ideal place to unwind after the whirlwind of a wedding. With the unsurpassed beauty of nature and the comfort of luxury, we can guarantee an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
The friendly and dedicated staff are committed to making your stay exceptional. With a choice between five magnificent lodges, you will be able to find your oasis. As one of the top rated honeymoon destinations, Shamwari is made for a romantic getaway.
Shamwari romantic safari honeymoon
The honeymoon package includes the following provided guest stay a minimum of 3 nights stay.
Romantic turn down with some treats Private Dinner on one of the nights One Guided Bush Walk A treatment voucher for the Spa.
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