Introducing Shamwari Private Game Reserve

A new chapter for Kerzner International

On 1^st April, Kerzner International’s Hospitality Division reached a significant milestone, assuming management of South Africa’s esteemed Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The latest addition to its prestigious portfolio, this appointment further strengthens the iconic group’s commitment to distinctive, experience-led destinations in a region they’ve yet to explore. 

If you consider yourself a conservationist, this spectacular stay is sure to exceed your expectations. Central to Shamwari’s ethos is its unwavering commitment to conservation and community upliftment. Already recognised as one of South Africa’s largest private conservation initiatives, Shamwari Private Game Reserve spans an impressive 25,000 hectares of protected wilderness - meaning there’s plenty of space for the wildlife to roam freely. 

Through dedicated initiatives and responsible tourism practices, the reserve has already made its name as an award-winning safari destination, driven by a genuine passion for protecting biodiversity, fostering local partnerships and championing long-term sustainable development.  

Shamwari Private Game Reserve: What To Expect

Big experiences
If you’re all about experiences, guests can expect an exceptional line-up of things to do at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Whether it’s witnessing birds of prey and catching sight of the Big Five on a once-in-a-lifetime safari game drive, or simply knowing the kids are having the time of their lives with dedicated resort spaces that encourage wild adventure - every detail is taken care of when it comes to guest enjoyment. 

The Big Five
This bucket-list experience is, quite rightly, a popular pastime at the resort. In the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset, the resort’s private game drives get underway, offering opportunities to witness the coveted Big Five roaming freely across diverse landscapes of bushveld, riverine forest and the open plains. Every game drive and guided walk is shaped by the expert rangers and trackers, each with an undeniable passion for all things wildlife. 

Renew your body, soul & mind
A gentler counterpoint to the thrill of up-close-and-personal wildlife encounters, guests that are pro-pamper will be pleased to learn that wellness is very much part of the experience at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Discover a variety of bespoke treatments that thoughtfully draw inspiration from local traditions, natural elements and the rhythms of the surrounding wilderness - creating a unique menu of restorative rituals you’ll find hard to resist. Set against serene views of the bush and a natural soundtrack of birdsong, each spa moment invites you to slow down, reset, and reconnect. 

Kids on safari 
Whether your kids are hot on conservation practices themselves or you have curious toddlers eager to make a positive impact early on, this retreat has a fantastic line-up of activities specifically designed with families in mind. From dedicated accommodations including Riverdene Lodge and Sarili Private Villa to fun family safaris plus a host of indoor and outdoor activities including ziplining, rockclimbing, treehouse networks, pizza making, arts and crafts and beyond - youngsters (and adults, too) will be in their element. 

First class facilities
Being located in the wilderness doesn’t mean scrimping on facilities, either. With everything from butler service to child minding, a kids’ play area, fitness centre, swimming and plunge pools, spa treatment rooms and more - guests will be treated like royalty. And when hunger strikes, comprehensive dining is typically included in your stay, with daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) available to indulge indoors or out on the deck. 

Luxurious lodges

After a jam-packed day, some well-earned rest is calling. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beating heart of the Eastern Cape when you stay in one of Shamwari’s luxury accommodations. Peppered across the resort, a clutch of unique lodges, villas and one adventurous explorer camp offer their own character and atmosphere - from intimate secluded hideaways fit for honeymooners to rustic camp experiences and refined retreats suitable for families and friends. The best part? No matter which stay you choose, you’ll benefit from sweeping wilderness views. Let's delve in and explore them:

Explorer Camp

This is Shamwari at its most elemental. Explorer Camp is tented, off grid in feel, and intentionally limited in comfort compared to the rest of the reserve. There is no attempt to soften the environment. You hear everything, you feel the shifts in temperature, and evenings are built around the fire rather than a formal lounge. It attracts travellers who have already done safari, and want to strip it back. Not first timers, not those looking for spa treatments or long lunches. This is for people who care more about tracking, guiding and time in the bush than the room they return to.

Riverdene

Riverdene is the most straightforward and accessible lodge on the reserve. It is designed with families in mind, both in layout and in atmosphere. Rooms are practical, communal areas are easy to navigate, and there is a sense of structure that makes travelling with children feel manageable. This is where you stay if safari is a shared experience rather than a personal one. Parents with younger children, multigenerational groups, or anyone who wants a comfortable base without overcomplicating the stay. It does not try to compete on design or seclusion; its strength is how well it works.

Bayethe

Bayethe is built around privacy and space. Each suite stands apart with its own plunge pool, outdoor deck and enough distance from the next to feel genuinely separate. The design leans into classic safari references, but the focus is on what happens within the suite rather than around it. It suits couples who want to retreat between game drives, not return to a social lodge environment. Honeymoons, anniversaries, or anyone who values quiet over interaction. You come here to switch off, not to meet other guests.

Long Lee Manor

Long Lee Manor is the most traditional expression of luxury on the reserve. A restored manor house, formal in structure, with wide views across the plains and interiors that lean towards classic rather than contemporary. There is a sense of order here that the other lodges do not try to create. This appeals to travellers who prefer familiarity. Those who want a safari experience that still feels close to a country house hotel, with defined spaces, consistent service and a more composed pace. It is the least experimental, and that is exactly the point.

Eagles Crag

Eagles Crag is about position. Built into the cliffs, with elevated walkways and suites hidden within the rock, it offers one of the most visually distinct settings on the reserve. You are not looking out over open plains here, but into a layered, more enclosed landscape. It suits guests who want something that feels different from a standard safari lodge. The design and location create a stronger sense of separation, so it works well for those who value privacy but still want architectural interest. It is less about tradition, more about perspective.

Sindile

Sindile is the most design led of the group. Tented suites are raised above the ground, with clean lines, lighter interiors and a more contemporary approach to safari living. It feels considered rather than decorative, with a focus on space, light and structure. This is for travellers who are less interested in heritage and more interested in design. People who would choose a modern villa over a classic lodge, and who notice how a space is put together. It still delivers the safari experience, but through a more current lens.

Sarili

Sarili is not a lodge in the conventional sense. It is a sole use villa with its own team, positioned separately along the Bushman’s River. There are no shared spaces, no fixed schedules unless you want them, and no interaction with other guests. This is for groups who want complete control. Families travelling together, or small groups of friends who would rather shape their own pace than fit into a lodge routine. It is less about choosing a room, more about taking over a private residence within the reserve.

A visit to Shamwari Private Game Reserve delivers far more than a traditional safari experience. It’s a place where breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife encounters, and a strong commitment to conservation come together in blissful unison. From bucket-list moments like tracking the Big Five to learning about vital wildlife rehabilitation efforts, every moment spent at Shamwari offers a deeper appreciation for South Africa’s incredible biodiversity. An unforgettable escape for the whole family.