Africa now has many options when it comes to visiting a game reserve, but we chose Bayethe Lodge at Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa for ours. This is a private game reserve which has luxury accommodation, loads of animal species and all-inclusive “game drives” with experienced rangers. We particularly liked the tent-style cabins – each with their own small pool, where you can relax when you’re not on a game drive. The canvas windows can be rolled up, for a true feeling of being outdoors on safari. It was an unforgettable experience.
The central area had another pool and 5 star service. The food at Shamwari Game Reserve is all-inclusive and there’s lots of it. We were offered food so regularly that we struggled to eat it, but it really is a luxury experience. The lodge as lovely views of the reserve and it’s normal to see passing giraffes or warthogs from the viewing areas. Shamwari covers about 25,000 hectares in size and they don’t feed the animals – it’s a true natural habitat.
We hadn’t realised just how early the game drives take place. The drives go out just after sunrise and just before sunset, so times vary throughout the year. You’ll get an alarm call to wake you up in time! They typically last around 3 hours each and the time absolutely flies by. We got the impression that a lot depends on how good your ranger is because the animals aren’t just hanging around waiting for tourists, they’re behaving naturally and have to be sought out by the rangers. One thing that amazed us is how these wild animals just ignore a safari car full of tourists. It’s like they don’t really see them and so they behave normally even if you’re right next to them.
All the rangers talk to each other on radios to pass on their finds to the others. Over our 3 days, we managed to see the ‘Big 5’ safari animals, but many people don’t. Our most memorable experience was a huge herd of elephants crossing the road right in front of our safari vehicle. One tiny elephant was less than a week old and it was an incredible experience. We also saw lions hunting and consuming a ‘kill’, hippos sleeping by the river at sunset and a leopard just sauntering along in front of our car.
Shamwari Game Reserve has various lodges you can stay in. You can see latest prices for the game reserve here: Shamwari Game Reserve: Accommodation prices
LOCATION & MAP
Address: Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Tel: +27 41 509 3000
This map shows the location of Shamwari, but the reserve covers a vast area. Shamwari is accessed via the N2 motorway, but directions vary depending on which lodge you’re staying at and where you’re coming from. The nearest large airport is Port Elizabeth, which you can fly to from all over South Africa. You can then arranged an hour-long car transfer from the airport to Shamwari with a reputable company.
MORE ON SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
Shamwari Game Reserve – Official Website
Shamwari Game Reserve – Wikipedia
Things To Do In Cape Town