Located about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, award-winning Shamwari is not only a natural extension to the Garden Route, but also a wonderful opportunity to spot game in a malaria-free corner of South Africa. It lies amidst verdant bush along the Bushmans River, its 20,000 hectares featuring five quite different eco-systems rich in biodiversity. Animal conservation and education are now its raisons d’être and not only can the Big Five be spotted here, but also an amazing variety of plant and birdlife.

Your most difficult decision will be which of its six lodges to stay in. The flagship property is Long Lee Manor, an elegant Edwardian house with two pools, a spa and spacious en-suite rooms and family suites for up to 36 guests. Bushmans River Lodge is a beautifully-restored Victorian homestead with just four deluxe ensuite rooms, a thatched boma and a plunge pool, whilst Riverdene Lodge will take you back to colonial times with its nine elegant guest rooms, outdoor barbecue area and magnificent rim-flow swimming pool. The 12 tents at Bayethe offers the ultimate in tented accommodation, whilst Lobengula is a truly traditional African experience of just six luxury rooms and a spa tucked deep in the valley. And last, but certainly not least, waits Shamwari’s most luxurious lodge, the tranquil Eagles Crag, its nine contemporary suites enhanced by private decks with their own pools and private telescopes, a spa and stunning views over the surrounding cliffs.

Accommodation:

Long Lee Manor 18 rooms;
Bushmans River Lodge 4 rooms;
Riverdene Lodge 9 rooms;
Bayethe Lodge - 9 rooms and Bayethe Hills – 3 rooms
Lobengula - 6 rooms;
Eagles Crag - 9 rooms.

Children: welcome year round, restrictions apply. Long Lee manor offers complimentary children's program and complimentary game drives for families with children under 7 years.

Access: 50-minutes drive from Port Elizabeth Airport. Also a private landing strip at Long Lee.

Meal plan: all meals & local drinks included, as well as 2 open game viewing vehicle safaris per day.