Shamwari Sindile (Eastern Cape)

Shamwari Sindile Overview:

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). WiFi 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 artificial 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.

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 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 is 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.