Comments from previous guests. From American Guest we took 2 weeks ago.
Shamwari. There are no words to describe our delight at every aspect of our Shamwari experience. The lodging, the food, the staff, and most of all the animals. Our stay there seemed longer than the actual time we were there and yet was over much too soon. We were treated like kings and queens, saw more animals than we ever thought possible. Our first evening at dinner in the open dining area was accompanied by a caracul strolling through and among the tables! Our biggest goal on our Africa trip was a lion viewing and we had one of the highest caliber on our last morning. We spent time on a hilltop, surrounded by an entire pride as they relaxed and played after eating their fill the night before. Photo opportunities were of the highest possible rating. Our guide (Mzi) was extremely well educated, informed and helpful. His genuine love and respect for this environment and its natural offerings was clearly evident. We were left in awe of the steps Shamwari Nature Preserve has taken to recreate what So. Africal has to offer and allows visitors to see it in a natural way that has minimal impact to the animals.
Also earlier one from guest who stayed at Eagles Crag the most luxurious lodge
We absolutely loved the shamwari, the best trip we've ever done. There are a number of different lodges in the reserve and we were due to stay at Long Lee Manor but this was closed for renovations so we were upgraded to Eagles cragg which is a luxury lodge with only 9 rooms (john travolta had recently stayed there). We could never have normally afforded to stay at the eagles cragg which made the experience even more special! The 9 rooms are individual chalets in the grounds, beatifully furnished, spacious, quiet, small plunge pool and shower outside, bathroom and separate bath overlooking the forest, very private and quiet. The main lodge is also very attractive and tastefully furnished with a wonderful large area for sitting and lots of books etc. There is a beauty therapist on site for massages etc and a bar area. Meals included in the price. The food was good, breakfast at 7am, brunch after first game drive at 11.30am, afternoon tea at 2.30pm and dinner at 7pm! You are escorted to and from your lodge at night by armed guard as the
animals (except elephants) can wander through the lodge. Hot water bottles are provided at night!( we were there in winter)
The safari itself was fantastic, there were 5 in our vehicle plus the guide. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and went out of his way to
take us to different parts of the reserve on each game drive (which were 7.30am and 3pm every day). You have your meals with the guide as well, he is your host whilst you are there, he even rings you in the morning with a wake up call (6.30am!). We rarely saw another vehicle it is not like some of the very busy game parks where there is a crowd of vehicles around every animal. We loved the game drives, very exhilarating - but wrap up warm. We saw elephants, lion, leopard, rhino, hippo, wild dogs, jackals, wildebeest and numerous birds, buck and smaller animals. We learned a huge amount about the animals and it was a truly amazing experience (sometimes a little scary) to get so close to wild animals.
The reserve is huge and we never saw the perimeter.
Safari is quite demanding, the trips are long and bumpy and can be cold and you don't get much time to yourself during the day, can be tiring, but is totally worth it, you will have the experience of a lifetime that you will never forget. In our vehicle were a south African family who have been on safari to numerous places and said that this was the best they had ever been on. I can't recommend it highly enough - in fact I cried when it was time to leave!!!!! - can't say better than that!. We were there 2 nights which was 4 game drives.
As there are so many different lodges in the park, there should be something to suit every price range and the actual safari experience is
the same no matter what lodge you stay at.
Shamwari is the "Africa's leading Safari" "The World's Leading Safari and Game Reserve". "The Worlds Leading Conservation Company". |
