Something you'll look back on in years to come, long after the video has been lost and the photos have faded. Shamwari Game Reserve wants you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. To achieve this goal, the staff at Shamwari Game Reserve have brought together the best that the area has to offer.

There is great game viewing, of course, but Shamwari Game Reserve also provides modern Land Rovers converted into open viewing vehicles. Each vehicle has a trained Shamwari Game Reserve ranger who will increase your enjoyment with his extensive knowledge of both the flora and fauna.

Shamwari Game Reserve rangers are in 2-way communication with each other at all times, so on any day they know where the game is, and how to find the elusive animals such as the rare Black Rhino. Game viewing is carried out in the morning and evening, where you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys.

If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group. In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts.

The heat of the day at Shamwari Game Reserve is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, swimming, reading and, of course, eating a large buffet lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive. As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see Elephant brousing, Rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy Bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld.

At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox ) and snacks. Then, as the light fades, your Shamwari Game Reserve ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals.

Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries

The Born Free Foundation is at the forefront of drawing the public's attention to the plight of wild animals confined in impoverished captive environments and promoting through education and public awareness, a humane agenda. It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

In partnership with actress/conservationist Virginia McKenna's Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility whose goal is to create an awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Guests at Shamwari are able to visit the 2 Big Cat Sanctuaries.

Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre.

Activities at Shamwari Game Reserve

• Game drives and game viewing (up to 2 a day - Morning and evening)
• Nature Walks with armed rangers
• Fine dining with tea breaks or relax at our bars
• Barbeque styled dinners are a popular choice
• Swimming, Gym facilities and tennis courts are available
• Relaxation retreats are also available
• The Born Free Foundation and Wilderness Area are a must see
• Historic stories and legends of the area are often told by the rangers
• On site Guest Boutiques with curios