Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape , South Africa
As one of the leading game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari has set the benchmark for conservation and restoring previous farmlands to plains abundant with game. Shamwari Game Reserve covers an impressive 25 000 hectares and is in a malaria free area. Once considered to be one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa, the Eastern Cape’s natural fauna was all but wiped out by uncontrolled hunting, agriculture and drought. In 1992, Shamwari began what would become one of the world’s most famous conservation success stories by slowly acquiring farm land, introducing animals that once occurred in the area and actively aiding the re-establishment habitats and ecosystems. Great numbers of game that once occurred in the area were slowly re-introduced. In addition some hotly debated species such as the
giraffe (which are believed by some to have not occurred naturally in the eastern cape in times gone by) were also introduced on to the property. The re-introduction programme was like no other and also targeted smaller creatures. The reserve’s wildlife team successfully re-introduced the locally endemic Flightless Dung Beetle and the Red-billed Oxpecker bird.
The blend of valley bushveld, savannah grassland, fynbos, riverine areas and acacia woodland produce an ideal setting for great game viewing. The reserve has a high carrying capacity and most of the typical game species of Africa are found here. The Bushman’s river meanders through the reserve adding an interesting aquatic element to a safari experience and provides a great refuge for exciting bird species such as kingfishers, darters, finfoots and the iconic african fish eagle. Rocky outcrops interspersed with euphorbia trees and shrubbery provide great vistas and the large open plains are ideal for spotting larger game. Thickets create idyllic conditions for shier antelope that prefer the shelter of the bushes and trees. Once the evidence of farming clears completely, the reserve will be almost Eden-like and a true paradise for visitors wanting to experience the African bush. The south of the reserve is dominated by large open areas. Lodges are located in a small ‘rural’ zone on the reserve to lessen the impact on the environment but can unfortunately be seen from many vantage points in the south of the property. The north is mountainous with rolling rocky hills and thickly vegetated valleys.
Wildlife sightings and general game viewing on the reserve are arguably some of the best in the Eastern Cape. Even the elusive leopard viewing is improving (although its not on the same level as some of the Lowveld reserves). Due to their high value, the disease-free buffalo population are kept on a separate 3500 hectare ‘breeding’ section of the reserve along with various antelope that Shamwari breeds with to restock the reserve when required. This helps to ensure good game numbers at all times. The wildlife department is active in maintaining the delicate ecological balance and taking care of the health and safety of the animals.
Located on the reserve are two Born Free Foundation centres, the Julie Ward Animal Rescue Centre and the Jean Byrd Born Free Animal Rescue Centre. They provide a haven for African animals rescued from zoos and circles around the world. In addition there is also an animal rehabilitation centre. All of these form an educational part of the Shamwari experience.
Shamwari continues to be an example of what a conservation minded approach to ecotourism can achieve. Shamwari has shown how conservation and commercial tourism can work together with the underlying aim of making a positive contribution to the environment. From de-habilitated farmlands twenty years ago to its present state as a successful game reserve, the property now boasts:
- Over 250 species of birds have been recorded there,
- 60 larger species of mammal,
- Over 60 tree and plant species
- And over 25 reptile species
Shamwari does have a public road that travels through the reserve which can bring in a little extra traffic at times, however no day game drives are permitted on the reserve ensuring exclusive viewing for guests staying at Shamwari. All of Shamwari’s lodges are graded 5 Star establishments and offer excellent service and are a most comfortable retreat for any visitor. The lodges are styled in a traditional Eastern Cape farmhouse fashion other than the Bayete Tented Camp and the colonial hotel styled Long Lee Manor. All are modernly furnished and have the latest accessories.
Shamwari lodges and camps:
Shamwari is located one hour from Port Elizabeth and is easily accessible from the N2 highway. There are daily flights to and from Port Elizabeth airport and Shamwari can assist with arranging transfers to the reserve. There are different gates to access the various lodges and there is no entrance fee. The reserve has a landing strip for private charter flights direct to the reserve.