Bushman Sands Four Star Private Game Reserve.

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Bushmans River Canyon

The town steamed along as an important link in the railway until steam trains were sidelined in the 1980s. By 1996 the management of its rail functions had been transferred to neighbouring Port Elizabeth and the junction slid into ruin. Since then the town has been virtually dormant with soaring unemployment.

At the beginning of 2003 a joint initiative between the Mantis Group, owners of Shamwari, and the Eastern Cape government was established to redevelop the town. Mantis Group Co-chairman Adrian Gardiner initiated the vision to see the town regain its vibrancy. In much the same way that Shamwari was transformed from barren farmland into one of the world s top conservation destinations, this initiative seeks to become a model of transformation for a previously disadvantaged community and the turnaround of a rural town.

The Africa of a bygone era is further recaptured by the Bushman paintings some of which are accessible in the reserve and can be viewed on request. Dating back thousands of years, these rock art paintings ensure that the cultural legacy of the Khoi San people remains for years to come. Another unique feature is the massive 200ha New Years Dam in the heart of the reserve. Originally built as a source of water for the steam trains, the dam now sustains the wildlife in the arid Eastern Cape landscape. Interesting features on game drives include the historical site of the Battle of Death valley and the Sunset cruises on the New Years Dam.

Ninety-nine relentless years of war ensued between 1779 and 1878, with only brief periods of peace. At the height of the tension 4000 British men, women and children, known as the 1820 settlers, arrived. The intention was to create a buffer zone between the Cape Colony and the Xhosa. In reality, it was fuel to the fire. On 21 October 1854, a British Settler by the name of John Richard Wilmot purchased land - Plot 1020 - on which Alicedale now stands.

In 1873, four years before the outbreak of the Ninth and Last Frontier War, the Cape Colony decided to establish an efficient transport route between Port Elizabeth and the diamond mines in Kimberley. With this in mind, the colonial government commissioned a Scottish construction company to build a railway line in 1875. At the junction to Grahamstown, South African Railways purchased part of plot 1020 which the projects chief engineer christened Alice Dale, after his fiancee. After the 1876 elections, records show the establishment of a circuit court at Alicedale, Bushmans River Canyon. With the completion of the railway line and station building in 1877, Alicedale thrived under the administration of South African Railways.

GAME VIEWING
Three-hour game viewing through the Bushman Sands Reserve take place daily from the hotel. Accompanied by qualified rangers who have been employed mostly from the Alicedale community, visitors are introduced to true African big game from open landrovers. Sundowners at scenic spots offer guests the opportunity to take in the tranquility of the surrounding bush whilst sipping their choice of beverage and nibbling on a selection of light snacks. Tea and coffee is served on morning drives.

BOAT CRUISES

The 200ha New Years Dam in the Bushman Sands Reserve provides the ideal platform to watch the mesmerising effect of an African sunset with the opportunity to view big game at the waters edge. Accompanied by a qualified game ranger, visitors aboard “Imvubu” could come upon antelope cautiously sipping or elephant bathing, whilst enjoying a drink from the onboard bar.

This is an experience which is possibly unique this side of Lake Kariba.The twin hull, double-decker “Imvubu” (Xhosa for Hippo) accommodates a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 50 guests and is also available for private functions and corporate events. She is fully equipped with a bar and toilet facilities and offers serene 1½ hour afternoon cruises on the New Years Dam.

SPA

Our rejuvenating and detoxifying Spa extravaganza begins with treatments that have been designed to invigorate the body in the wonderful soothing comfort of restful surroundings. The 3 treatment rooms - each with its own shower and air-conditioning – are located in the Leisure Centre and along with a small but fully equipped gymnasium offer guests the ideal opportunity to truly relax and be pampered.

The Hydro-Therapy area includes a 4-seater Jacuzzi, chill pool, and steam room where highly skilled therapists will tailor make your treatment.

Rates for Bed and Breakfast

Junior suite

Shamwari Game Drive -

Please ask us for the latest rate.

Rates are quoted per room per night, including bed, breakfast, tourism levy and tax.

Game drives, boat cruises and quad bike tours are additional activities.

CONFERENCE PACKAGES available

Bushmans River Canyon

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