In Pictures | A Postcard from Shamwari Game Reserve

“We offer game drives through the reserve for an experience of a lifetime.” Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari Game Reserve is a multi-award winning private reserve in the Eastern Cape that guarantees visitors an unforgettable outdoor adventure, a malaria-free safari experience with close interaction with indigenous wildlife. The big five roam free at Shamwari, if you’re really lucky you might spot a rare sighted leopard, we didn’t but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

A South African safari is a once in a lifetime experience. At Shamwari, professional and knowledgeable rangers take you out across the plains in open top jeeps from sunrise to sunset. Game drives, included with your stay, are available in both the early morning when the animals are most active and again in the afternoon. The game drives last for a few hours and take you through the reserve, picnic lunches can be arranged and there’s sundowners on the afternoon drive. We were lucky to see four out of the five coveted big five as well as adorable lion cubs with their pride on several occasions. We also got to witness a cheetah stalking, catching and then losing its newborn pray.

There’s a choice of six fully inclusive five-star lodges each with their own unique style of accommodation and one luxury tented camp. We stayed at Lobengula Lodge, inspired by a traditional African kraal (traditional African village), located in the bushveld. The lodge has a pool, fine-dining options and a spa. Voted as the World’s Leading Safari, Game Reserve and Conservation Company for consecutive years, Shamwari is a staunch promoter of nature and tourist conservation in South Africa. Shamwari is home to two Born-free sanctuaries where you can see leopards, albeit in captivity. Here’s a first look at our trip in pictures.