Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge is an oasis of exclusive luxury overlooking the grassy plains of Africa and the Bushman’s River. From where you and your family and friends can watch Africa’s iconic Big Five. Sarili Private Lodge provides the perfect exclusive-use bush experience for families or small groups. With magnificent African wilderness at your doorstep in Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Since the refurbishment in 2024, it now has the addition of a private spa treatment room and fitness centre.
An African thatch exclusive-use villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River and the plains, the lodge is in the Southern Region of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The villa is a private oasis for families, groups and friends.
The lodge consists of 2 x Luxury River Facing Suites and 4 x Luxury River Facing Rooms. One of the Luxury River Facing Rooms is on the ground floor and is wheelchair friendly. The villa can sleep a maximum of twelve adults and 2 x children under 11. The lodge features complimentary WiFi, in and outdoor dining areas and a boma area. And a large lounge with a television and fireplace. There is a separate children’s lounge / play area. And bespoke fitness and spa treatment rooms. A child friendly swimming pool finishes this exclusive-use villa.
Luxury River Facing SuiteLuxury River Facing Room
Having this villa all to yourselves mean you can dictate your daily routine with personal staff including a House Manager, a Private Chef, and a Personal Guide and vehicle to take you on game drives.
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. Additionally; the Addo flightless dung beetle, unique to the Eastern Cape, is another conservation success story. 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.
Lion on game drive
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 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.
Shamwari family safari
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 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.
Please note: Children 4 years and older are permitted on all game drives. Kids 3 years and younger are not permitted on any game drives. Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted on walking safaris.
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.
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.
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. This is at an additional fee.
Rates include: Accommodation, All meals, and selected local beverages, Game drives, and guided walks, Laundry, Private staff including house manager, personal chef and ranger and housekeeper, Tourism levy, and 15% VAT.
Rates exclude: French Champagne and premium branded beverages, Transfers, Gift boutique purchases, spa treatment and retail, and conservation levy.
Shamwari Sarili Private Lodge Accommodation Special Offers
Valid from 1st May until 30th September every year.
Long Stay Discount
10% discount on accommodation for 4 consecutive nights. Or a 15% discount on 6 or more nights. Combine the lodges for a great all-round experience at Shamwari.
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 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 lodge 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
