About
Ideal for safari virgins or those coming from Cape Town or the Garden Route, malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve boasts Big Five game and six superb lodges across a 25,000 hectare reserve. Home to prolific game and exceptional game rangers, Shamwari is well known for their intense conservation practices, and their ethos is to 'conserve a vanishing way of life' which is apparent at each of their lodges.
This unusual tented option offers walking safaris for up to six adventurers. Blending back-to-basics with a little luxury, the camp is discreetly fenced and magically located on a plateau. Including daily walks, it operates on Friday and Saturday nights (with an optional third night) between October and April. Ideally, combine the experience with one of Shamwari’s other lodges to sample the reserve’s impressive conservation activities.
Accommodation
Each canvas tent sleeps two on aluminium stretcher beds with comfy duvets and pillows, and every one includes an en-suite, portable bio-box toilet. They’re placed in a clump, but without encroaching on one another’s privacy. The basic amenities span insect repellent, shower gel and LED lights for night-time use, while there are two communal showers and outdoor hand basins.
Facilities
Around the wilderness bush camp are a hammock or two for relaxing, while guests wake up to tea, coffee and muffins, served in front of their tents. Lunch is prepared each day between walks, with time to relax following. Served with exquisite silverware, feast-like dinners are taken around a campfire: the classic, romantic bush experience.
Activities
The distances walked each day will vary, but expect to be on the move for around four hours in total. During each unique, twice-daily hike – some following a short drive – armed guides and rangers will reveal their knowledge of birdlife, cultural history and the prolific Big Five, who you’re likely to see. The afternoon walks includes sundowners and snacks.
Child Policy
No-one younger than 16 is permitted on Explorer Camp safaris for obvious reasons. Shamwari’s Riverdene Lodge and Sarili Lodge are more suited to families, as they welcome all ages.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
