A sophisticated safari experience, Shamwari Eagles Crag provides exclusivity and spectacular views. Making efficient use of its idyllic setting, guests can immerse themselves in nature’s magnificent beauty. Shamwari Eagles Crag is in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Eagles Crag blends exclusive luxury with the unprecedented perfection that nature offers. The lodge’s upper deck with aerial viewing pods provides panoramic views of the surrounding rock faces where eagles soar.
A Spa offers treatments as well as a hydro bath, steam room, and sauna. There is an on-site gym, and WiFi access is available throughout.
Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge Keypoints
Location
Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Best for
Couples and honeymooners (no kids under 12)
Activities
Malaria-free game drives and guided bush walks with professional guides. Conservation focus with wildlife rehabilitation and sanctuaries. Photographic safari
Experiences
Exclusive Safari Encounters in five of South Africa’s seven biomes, Responsible Tourism and conservation in action, Bushman’s River Boat Experience on stays of 3+ nights
Wildlife
All the big 5 plus more; an excellent birding safari destination with over 275 species.
The 9 x private glass and stone air-conditioned Junior Suites blend sophisticated interiors with the natural surroundings. They have en-suite bathrooms with a bath and shower. The rooms all have a telephone, Nespresso coffee machine, mini bar, hairdryer, and an electronic safe.
Eagles Crag Lodge accommodation
All suites have a large private deck with a heated plunge pool and an outdoor shower. This is a great place to relax while bird spotting.
Heated private pool
Shamwari Eagles Crag Activities
The dominant vegetation type in this area is the thicket biome, more specifically known as the Albany Thicket. This biome sustains and bolsters a healthy population of animal species. Including kudus, elephants, black rhinos, monkeys, and bushbuck. 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. This is when the animals are most active. The vehicles are open and comfortable, giving 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.
Each game drive lasts for approximately 3 to 4 hours. They include a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sundowner stop in the evening.
In addition to spectacular game drives; Shamwari Private Game Reserve 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 oxpeckers 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.
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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
There is an abundance of special birds that guests can get to see at Shamwari. Specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds; 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
The rangers will happily share their bird knowledge with guests. At the moment there are more than 275 different bird species at Shamwari for guests to spot.
Owl
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.
African vulture species are experiencing a catastrophic decline. With certain populations having decreased by more than 90% over the past three decades. Vultures are highly efficient scavengers that play a vital role in the African ecosystem. Their capacity to complete the lifecycle of a carcass prevents the spread of disease and safeguards both human and animal health. As one of the few organizations in Africa focused exclusively on protecting and rehabilitating vultures, VulPro operates throughout Southern Africa. Together with the Shamwari Foundation, VulPro Shamwari operates at the Eastern Cape rehabilitation centre.
Passionate about rhino conservation, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has an expertly trained anti-poaching unit. However, poaching regimes have become increasingly sophisticated, and ongoing upgrades to monitoring and tracking equipment are needed to stay a step ahead of poachers. Funding to continue these high impact projects is of vital importance in proactively saving rhino lives and to protect their rightful place in the wild.
These visits are included in your stay and no entry fees are required.
When to visit Shamwari Lodges?
The best time of the year to visit depends entirely on your preferences. In the off season (April – September) the temperatures range between 7-22°C. While summer temperatures can range between 16-36°C (October – March). The wildlife is always there so this means anytime of year is great.
October to April is summer. This brings lush landscapes, newborns, and migratory birds. Fantastic for photographers and birders.
However, we recommend June to September if you only want to see the Big 5 and other wildlife on the reserve. This is when dry conditions force animals to the fewer waterholes. There is also less vegetation at this time of year so wildlife is easier to find.
Getting to Shamwari Private Game Reserve
You can now fly directly into Shamwari. Eliminating the need for time consuming airport transfers. The air shuttle service operates from both of South Africa’s main airports. 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town and 2 hours 12 minutes from OR Tambo International. Enjoy the exclusivity of private lounges at both airports, ensuring a stress-free, seamless pre flight experience.
Alternatively, 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. This is at an additional fee.
Shamwari Eagles Crag Accommodation Rates
Junior Suite
Per Adult Sharing
Single
1st October 2025 until 31st March 2026
R21 320
R27 715
1st April to 30th September 2026
R20 520
R26 670
1st October 2026 until 31st March 2027
R22 810
R29 650
Eagles Crag accepts children 12 years old and over at the above adult rates.
Rates include:
Accommodation, meals, selected local beverages, game drives, guided walks, tourism levy, and 15% VAT.
Rates exclude:
French Champagne and premium branded beverages, transfers, laundry, gift boutique purchases, spa treatment and retail, and conservation levy.
Shamwari Eagles Crag Accommodation Special Offers
These special offers are valid from 1st May – 30th September every year.
Long Stay Discount
Book 4 consecutive nights and more, and get 10% OFF your stay at Shamwari Eagles Crag Lodge. 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 Eagles Crag for 2 nights and receive one room free of charge.
Which Shamwari lodge to choose:
Sindile – Ultimate tented luxury (no kids) Long Lee Manor – Gracious Edwardian Living Bayethe – Contemporary tented living (no kids) Sarili Private Lodge – exclusive-use safari lodge (Private Villa) Riverdene Family Lodge – Family Relaxation
Eagles Crag – Secluded luxury (no kids)
Shamwari Safari Honeymoon
A honeymoon at Shamwari is the perfect place to start your new life together. 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.
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.
Shamwari Bayethe Lodge is a luxury tented camp in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve; a malaria-free, private game reserve in the Eastern Cape – the best rates and offers
Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge is a malaria-free luxury villa from where you and your family and friends can watch Africa’s iconic Big Five – Exclusive Use safari
Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve is a luxury boutique hotel on the coast of the Eastern Cape – South Africa luxury bush and beach holiday, honeymoon or wedding
Shamwari Eagles Crag (Eastern Cape)
Shamwari Eagles Crag Paterson Eastern Cape South Africa
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