Situated in the verdant bush along the Bushmans River, Shamwari Game Reserve — the malaria-free private game reserve in the Eastern Cape — is a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realization of one man’s dream and the success of many people’s passion. Steeped in pioneer history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the present 25 000 hectare reserve boasts five ecosystems and supports many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

In 1990 Adrian Gardiner, a businessman from Port Elizabeth, decided to buy a small farm to use as a weekend getaway for his family. What started out as a family retreat became Adrian’s passion — to return to the land the flora which had since been exterminated, to return to the plains abundant herds of game, and to ensure that the roar of the lion would again be heard in the heat of the early evening.

Adrian Gardiner’s very own African dream of conserving a vanishing way of life, was born. Soon the dream started taking on a life of its own and expanded beyond the conservation of nature to include the preservation of history and tradition.

Adrian realised that the dream had grown to such proportions that he had no choice but to consider the commercial viability of keeping it alive. The dream would have to show a return on investment and a way had to be found to make the venture a financial success. It was Adrian’s heart-felt belief that conservation could be profitable. In 1992 Shamwari Game Reserve was founded.

Today, conservation at Shamwari has taken on a larger than life role and conservation at Shamwari is about the management, development and rehabilitation of the environment to create sustainable ecosystems through the implementation of fundamental conservation principles. The conservation department at Shamwari has a highly effective unit consisting of a wildlife vet, ecologist, education department, wildlife rehabilitation center, an animal hospital, two born free rescue centers and anti-poaching unit.

Currently, Shamwari is not only home to the coveted Big Five and renowned as the crown jewel of private game reserves; it boasts six luxurious lodges on the Reserve, each offering a distinctive ambiance and exclusive retreat experience against the backdrop of untamed Africa.

  • Long Lee Manor, originally built in 1920, offers a distinctive Colonial experience in a restored Edwardian Manor house. Long Lee Manor is a reminder of an era of gracious living; it’s positioned as the flagship of Shamwari, and overlooks the sweeping plains leading down to the Bushmans River.
  • Bushmans River Lodge is a beautifully restored Victorian homestead. The home-from-home atmosphere is a welcoming reminder of true South African hospitality as it offers pure unadulterated luxury surrounded by the African wilderness.
  • Riverdene Lodge is a restored settler's lodge that embodies pure elegance in the wilderness featuring luxurious family accommodation with a special ‘Kids on Safari’ programme and many children activities.
  • Bayethe Lodge offers the ultimate in luxurious tented accommodation. Each tent is nestled along the river bed, camouflaged under trees allowing ample private and unsurpassed comforts. With private plunge pool and viewing deck, it’s all forms part of this magnificent experience.
  • Lobengula Lodge is a truly traditional African experience. Tucked deep in the valley bushveld, this thatched ethnically decorated lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway. Lobengula has played host to celebrities such as Tiger Woods and John Travolta.
  • Eagles Crag, Shamwari's premier lodge which has hosted many members of royalty, is nestled in a valley that provides the ultimate luxury for the most discerning of travelers. Each of the nine superior rooms has been built to maximize the privacy of the guest in the most tranquil of settings.

Shamwari truly offers the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism. So take up the opportunity to explore the 25 000 hectares of prime wildlife terrain through interactive game drives or visits to the Born Free Animal Rescue and Educational Centres — a sanctuary for abandoned wild cats or the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

For further information on special packages at Shamwari Game Reserve visit www.shamwari.com or contact 041 407 1000.

We've got a two-night stay for two people at Shamwari Game Reserve to give away! All you have to do to stand a chance of winning is fill in your details below…


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Competition rules
  • The prize consists of a two-night stay for two people at Shamwari Game Reserve, including all meals, game activities and accommodation.
  • Transport to the reserve, beverages and any other costs not mentioned above are not included in the prize and will be for the prize-winner's account.
  • The prize is valid from 23 June – 31 August 2009, and is subject to availability.
  • One completed entry per person, per competition.
  • Winners will be contacted by email or telephone and announced on the iafrica.com site.
  • The prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
  • The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Closing date: 22 June 2009
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