Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Smaller then the other game reserves. Mostly devoted to large cats.

An unforgettable experience.

I went to Shamwari Game Reserve for two weeks on the Shamwari Conservation Experience. The guides were brilliant and had a vast array of in-depth knowledge about the reserve, it's plants and it's animals. The weather was variable but I did go in their winter time so it was to be expected. The highlights of my stay were the scenery which was absolutely beautiful, seeing three lionesses feeding on a hippo carcass and seeing two cheetah brothers resting in the shade of a tree. If you have the chance, I would definitely recommend going.

shamwari

just wonderful the accommodation and other visitors were great

Magnificent, as an hobby photographer, I couldn't capture it all

From our very first moment entering the Reserve accomodation I was impressed by the reception, personnel and food and as an extra we were also greeted by a young Bull Elephant who broke in inside the compound for a little threat. We didn't see the big 5 as everyone like to bragged about but we saw plenty of animals (lions, rhino, hippo, zebra, giraffe all sort of gazelles and antelopes, elan etc... and a mother chetah hunting down a young wildebeast with her 2 youngs. Fabulous photos. I didn't rate the birding high because birding wasn't my main focus, but I got a few shots of birds and I am sure that it could have been excellent.

A place for someone who is looking for an excellent safari experience

Our children had been worried when the brochure described the accommodation as "tented". They needn't have been worried, not many tents include a very comfortable double bed, a good side bathroom (though an outside shower was a surprise) and its own plunge pool. The "tent" was extremely private being set in its own wooded area, the only visitors being the nyala and wart hogs which unconcernedly wandered past.

The ranger we had for the game drives was top-notch. He and his fellow rangers obviously kept track of all the animals on the reserve and we saw a good selection on each drive. However he was also very knowledgeable about the environment as well, stopping to show us interesting plants, birds and smaller animals as well as the "big five".

The only downside was the restaurant in the evening, service wasn't all it could have been and the food presented wasn't what I would have expected from somewhere with Shamwari's reputation.

If you want an excellent safari experience then Shamwari is definitely the place to go, but go on the understanding that the restaurant service might not be of the best.

3 days of superb closeup interaction with wildfire and scenery.

The experience at Shamwari was the highlight of an already brilliant trip to South Africa. Everything about it was was just great. Of course what made it special were the game drives with out experienced and knowledgeable ranger , Jonathan . Each day a bit more of the beautiful scenery and the wildlife in it unfolded fir us. We were so close to amazing animals without feeling we were disturbing them. Jonathan told us enough to increase our own knowledge and had humour which made it fun too. I really appreciated the fact that only 2 vehicles are allowed close to an animal at a time. Conservation and animal welfare is important to everyone there. The accommodation was excellent and the food too. The staff took care of everything you might wish for with a feeling that they really wanted to make your day special. The combination of being in your group eating together and being on the drive together meant you got to know others and share your experience but also you had time to yourselves. I know we paid a bit more than we could have for some other reserves but it was well worth it. I cried when we left! That doesn't happen after a usual holiday!

A fantastic experience

My wife and I spent three fantastic days at Shamwari Game Reserve in April 2017. We came close to lots of beautiful animals, including all the big five, but also many others, during two three-hours safaris each day. The weather was great, the guide (Stef) was excellent, the accommodation was superb, the food was very good, and the service was perfect. We are dreaming about going back as soon as possible. You can find a few of the pictures we took at https://www.flickr.com/photos/nilsaxel/sets/72157683166837055.

As a Photogrpher, it was a perfect driving trip for shooting wildlife

We had a very fantastic experience, it was longtime ago, but i still remember well all the details. Impressive scenery, perfect and friendly accommodation and food and very competent guides that help us to discover the big five for make the perfect click with ours camera.

Thanks Shamwari Game Reserve

Everything we hoped for and more.

We stayed at Bayethe lodge - quite a drive on rough-ish tracks from the main road (a positive!)

Our ranger was superb - great knowledge and personality, also properly respectful of the animals. Organisation of game drive programme was very good and we were able to get close up experience of elephant, zebra, giraffe, black and white rhino, hippo, lions and cheetahs.

Accommodation and food was very good with plenty of opportunity to spend time with fellow guests at meal times.

Staff were friendly and helpful.

Weather was great - warm/hot during the day, chilly mornings and evenings.

Overall - fantastic experience.

Impressive

As a photographer it was a perfect experience for shooting wildlife and the big five. We had a fantastic experience, even if it was long time ago i still remember the perfect organisation to let us make the right click with ours camera. All with friendly and perfect service from the staff of Shamwari. If you like to make the right click in front of a Lion ....go there fantastic guides are waiting you.

Alessandro