Shamwari Game Reserve

The Shamwari Game Reserve is a true treasure of the Eastern Cape! This private game reserve has 20 000 hectares (49000 acres) of unspoilt Eastern Cape verdant bush to explore. It was started by a local entrepreneur as well. One of its biggest selling points is that the Eastern Cape is malaria free, unlike most of the better known Game Reserves in South Africa or indeed Africa.

Something that I really like about the good folks at Shamwari is that they have a true & responsible conservation policy (see my article on false conservation). So much so that they have received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years.

Shamwari is situated along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

To quote from their site: "Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life. This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism."

One thing to realise though before you even consider Shamwari, is that this experience doesn't come cheap!

Check for accommodation at Shamwari.