Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari you’ll find the exquisite Long Lee Manor. The malaria-free Big 5 game reserve is easily accessible from Port Elizabeth Airport (Gqeberha) in the Eastern Cape. The original Manor was built in 1910, and has been lovingly restored and redesigned; to redefine elegance in nature.
The main guest areas include a large rim flow swimming pool with a poolside bar and a lovely dining room with both in and outdoor seating. In addition, there is also a gift shop, spa, fitness center, and teen play zone. There is an electric perimeter fence around the property.
Sumptuously prepared meals are enjoyed in the main dining room or around the open blazing fire at the boma overlooking a waterhole.
In October 2025, Long Lee Manor was awarded a Michelin Key. The hospitality world’s equivalent of a Michelin Star. This prestigious accolade recognizes exceptional stays.
Shamwari Shamwari Long Lee Manor keypoints about your stay |
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| Location | Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. |
| Best for | Couples or small groups traveling together. There is 1 family suite that can sleep 4 x adults and 2 x children (from 6 years old). |
| Activities | Malaria-free game drives and guided bush walks with professional guides. Conservation focus with wildlife rehabilitation and sanctuaries. |
| Experiences | Interactive safari game drives including birding, game walks and star gazing. |
| Wildlife | All the big 5 plus more and excellent birding safari destination. |
| The best time to stay at Shamwari Long Lee Manor | All year round depending on your interests. |
Skip to Shamwari Long Lee Manor Rates or Specials and Packages
Shamwari Long Lee Manor Accommodation
The opulent Long Lee Manor has 17 x air conditioned Edwardian style rooms / suites sleeping a maximum of 2 x adults:
4 x Garden Rooms with veranda. The rooms are conveniently inter leading. Therefore, great for families as well as friends and groups traveling together.
11 x Plains Rooms with veranda and outdoor shower (2 x inter leading of which one can accommodate a wheelchair)
2 x Manor House Suites situated upstairs in the historic manor house dating back to 1910. The suites exude luxury. With balconies overlooking the stupendous rim flow pool and impressive waterhole.
In addition, there is 1 x Family Suite with 2 en suite bedrooms, a living room, and a private plunge pool. This suite sleeps a maximum of 4 x adults and 2 x children (6 – 11 years). Family time is uninterrupted with unspoiled views of the surrounding plains.
All of the accommodation is tastefully designed to enhance its location; while the Manor House has been lovingly restored to pay homage to the area’s rich heritage, adding a bit of romance to any stay. WiFi is available throughout the lodge. The rooms and suites also include a Nespresso coffee machine, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer, electronic safe, a television with selected satellite channels, and a private patio or balcony.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor Family Safari
Children aged 6 and over are welcome at Long Lee Manor where there is a small games room. They also have the chance to run wild at The Kid’s Adventure Center at Riverdene Family Lodge.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor 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 Private Game Reserve also offers professionally guided bush walks. Rangers share their intimate knowledge of the reserve and their own expert insights; to make each natural encounter a special event. 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. Plus educate you on the area and its rich history.
Birding
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve; which 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
Additionally, Shamwari Private Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve, which 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 we are privileged 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
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.
Rates are per night.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor accepts children from 6 years old.
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 Long Lee Manor Accommodation Special Offers
The below special offers are valid from 1st May – 30th September every year.
Long Stay Discount – 10% on accommodation for 4 nights at Shamwari. 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 Long Lee Manor 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 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.
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 safari weddings are also very popular.
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