Shamwari Sindile (Eastern Cape)

Shamwari Sindile is an adults-only luxury tented camp in the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Making it ideal for a luxury honeymoon or getaway. Shamwari is in South Africa’s ecologically and culturally significant Eastern Cape Province. This luxury camp blends into the surrounding bush. While providing excellent vantages over the Bushman’s River and surrounding plains.

The main lodge at Sindile consists of large staggered tents. Joined together by viewing decks and elevated walkways. The dining area and bar are positioned to make the most of the views over the reserve. With focal points including a large harvest table and fire pit. There is also a reception, gift boutique, lounge area with a big screen TV, boma, and a relaxation retreat (Spa). Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.

Sindile is Xhosa for ‘survivor’. A testament to the leopardess that survived numerous lion maulings and raised five litters of cubs.

Skip to Shamwari Sindile Accommodation Rates or Specials and Packages

Shamwari Sindile Accommodation

The 9 x premier free standing air-conditioned guest tents are elevated above the surrounding bush. Allowing uninhibited views. Unsullied by any other man-made structures or light pollution. The harmonious design minimizes the environmental footprint.

The luxury tents all have an en-suite bathroom with a bath and shower. Along with an outdoor shower. They also have a private viewing deck, with a heated plunge pool. The suites all have a Nespresso coffee machine, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer, electronic safe, and an indoor fireplace.

Sindile is an adults-only safari camp (over 16 years).

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. As is the recent discovery of the endangered Albany Adder which is a Puff Adder snake.

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. And includes 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. 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.

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. 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. 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 you can see at Shamwari too. The 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.

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 when we book your accommodation.

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 Sindile Accommodation Special Offers

The below special offers are valid from 1st May – 30th September every year

Long Stay Discount

10% discount on accommodation for 3 consecutive nights. 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 9 x rooms at Sindile 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 Sindile Safari Honeymoon

Personally, this would be my first choice for a honeymoon at Shamwari. You truly feel like it is just you and your spouse on top of the world. Nestled in the African bush. This is 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. Shamwari Sindile will be the epitome of a romantic honeymoon.

The honeymoon package is for 3 or more nights stay and includes:
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.