The Shamwari Game Reserve
Practicalities
By Rick Hudson
 Map courtesy Shamwari Game Reserve |
The Shamwari Reserve is relatively easy to get to and even easier to enjoy, offering a hospitable climate and comfortable lodging. For more information and QuickTime movies of the reservation, check out the Shamwari web site.
Ecosystem & Climate
Shamwari Game Reserve is different from the East African savanna. It comprises densely wooded hills with open ridges offering panoramic views. The area is malaria free. Being close to the sea, it is not subject to intense temperature variations. Maximum summer temperature (January) is 77 degrees fahreinheit, winter (July) is 68 degrees.
Game viewing is usually sudden, at close quarters. The reserve has the Big Five (elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and buffalo), plus numerous rare species such as black springbuck, black wildebeest, Cape buffalo, black rhino, and bontebok. There are hippo in the Bushmans River, which flows past Long Lee Manor and the Day Centre.
How to Get There
From the U.S.: South African Airways flies from New York and Miami to Johannesburg. From Canada and Europe: British Airways, Lufthanza and KLM all fly via Europe to Johannesburg. From Johannesburg: Take SAA to Port Elizabeth. Shamwari staff will meet you at the airport. The reserve is an hour's drive on the N2 road east of Port Elizabeth.
 Sunbirds flourish at Shamwari.
Photo Credit: Shamwari Game Reserve |
Tours and Lodging
Day visitors go to the Day Centre, meeting at 12 noon for lunch, followed by a tour of Khaya Lendaba (a traditional African village), the Born Free Foundation, and a game drive, finishing at 6:30 P.M. Overnight visitors can stay at either the four-star Long Lee Manor, the five-star Lobengula Lodge, or at three private lodges. All are on the reserve. The day starts before dawn with a game drive in open Land Rovers, followed by breakfast at 9 A.M. The middle of the day is spent reading, swimming, playing tennis, and eating a large buffet lunch. The evening game drive begins around 5 P.M. and lasts until approximately 8 P.M. (after dark with a spotlight). Dinner is served after you return. Game walks are also possible. Your ranger joins your party (maximum of eight) for all meals.
For Reservations
Shamwari Game Reserve
P.O. Box 113, Swartkops, Port Elizabeth, 6210, South Africa
Tel: 011-27-42-203-1111, fax: 011-27-42-235-1224, email: shamwaribooking@ global.co.za
Rick Hudson is a freelance writer who specializes in adventure travel. He wrote the Field Guide to Gold, Gemstone & Mineral Sites of British Columbia: Vancouver Island, from Orcas Books.
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Story © Rick Hudson.
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