Villa Lobengula Exclusive Villa hidden in the valley bushveld Villa Lobengula is a beautiful and tranquil space tucked away in the depths of the valley bushveld. It is a place where your soul can rejuvenate and rest in supreme peace and comfort whilst the vibration of authentic Africa dances through your being. The Villa mirrors a traditional African kraal which is enclosed by breath-taking views. Wildlife activities vary from guided game drives, guided game walks, camping under the stars, picnics, sundowners with scenic views and informal wildlife presentations. Lodge Facilities Swimming pool Tsala deck Relaxation Retreat with team room and sauna Fitness room Intimate library collection Wine cellar Small gift boutique Wi-Fi Main lounge boasting a central media centre Perimeter electric fence Suite Configuration All 6 suites can sleep a maximum of 2 adults per suite. 1 King bedded Chief Suite with private plunge pool, lounge and fireplace 2 Twin/King bedded Junior Suites, each with private plunge pool 3 Twin/King bedded Junior Suites Suite Features Air conditioning Tea and coffee making facilities Hairdryer Electronic safe En-suite bathroom Private patio Fitted international adaptors International dial telephone In and outdoor shower facilities Private minibar
At a Glance Pride of the Eastern Cape Shamwari, meaning my friend in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Shamwari is a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature, however fleeting the moment, where wildlife freely roam the landscape under the relentless African sun. Shamwari incorporates five lodges, one villa and one explorer camp; each one unique with its own essence. Lodges are designed in harmony with their surroundings where guests can experience nature in sublime comfort. Conserving a vanishing way of life... World s Leading Safari and Game Reserve and the World s Leading Conservation Company since 1998 Environmental Award from American Society of Travel Agents Traveler s Choice 2008 from Trip Advisor Largest private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa Largest concentration of wildlife in the Eastern & Southern Cape A premier Big 5 safari which is private and exclusive to Shamwari guests only 5 of South Africa s 7 biomes occur on Shamwari Game Reserve Dedicated Wildlife Department (including qualified wildlife veterinarians, ecologist and environmentalist) boasting a breeding centre, Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, a rehabilitation centre, an animal hospital, an education centre and an anti-poaching unit. Shamwari Game Reserve has received the Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice Unique safari based activities to allow for a complete 5-star and tailor-made experience Malaria Free Approximately 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth Airport with daily flights to international airports Natural extension of the famous Garden Route Ultimate family destination Unique activities aimed at children of all ages All food items are sourced in an environmentally responsible manner. Guest Activities Game Drives Interactive game drives, lasting up to 3 hours, take place in the tranquil moods of sunrise and sunset. You are guided by your game ranger in an open game viewing vehicle and you are asked to share any particular interests with your ranger who will try to incorporate these into your game drive. On game drives guests will enjoy a sundowner drink at sunset and coffee/tea at sunrise. No persons under the age of 4 years are permitted to join game drives. Guided Game Walks Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of approaching species on foot. No persons under the age of 16 years are permitted to join the game walks. Kindly ensure to request this activity at the time of booking accommodation as game walks are subject to the availability of qualified guides. Guided Nature Walks Qualified walking guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of tracking, bird, insect, plant and animal dropping identification. No persons under the age of 16 years are permitted to join the nature walks. Kindly ensure to request this activity at the time of booking accommodation as nature walks are subject to the availability of qualified guides.
At a Glance Relaxation Retreats Various treatments can be enjoyed at our Relaxation Retreats which are situated at Eagles Crag, Bayethe Lodge and Long Lee Manor. Treatments can be booked prior to arrival with reservations. Kindly visit our website for the latest list of treatments available. Animal Rehabilitation Centre / Animal Hospital The Shamwari rehabilitation centre is amongst the best in Southern Africa and is fully registered to provide veterinary care to young, abandoned, orphaned or injured animals. On arrival you will be met by a member of this caring team who will show you the facilities and explain what it is that they do. During the recovery phase; patients are kept in custom built bomas. Provided there are patients in care, an opportunity to meet them should arise during your visit. The animal rehabilitation centre operates on donations only; therefore no entrance fee is requested, but a monetary donation will be much appreciated. Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre The Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, was created in conjunction with the Wilderness Foundation to highlight the devastating effect of rhino poaching which South Africa and the rest of the continent is facing. The centre offers guests the opportunity to learn about the plight of the rhino and more about these magnificent endangered animals, as well as the many conservation and anti-poaching activities presently underway at Shamwari Game Reserve. Born Free Foundation, Animal Rescue & Education Centre In partnership with actress and conservationist, Virginia McKenna s Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Game Reserve designed the Born Free Foundation, Animal Rescue and Education Centre to incorporate a museum and educational facility with the goal to create awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world. Over the years the Born Free Foundation has been able to rescue several big cats from situations where they focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The Born Free Foundation is a registered charity organization and therefore solely relies on donations. No entry fees are charged, but a monetary donation is requested. Where to stay Eagles Crag 9 Suites - S 33 24 59.2 E 26 05 32.3 Bayethe Lodge 12 Tents - S 33 24 01.2 E 26 11 04.3 Long Lee Manor 15 Suites/Rooms - S 33 28 01.3 E 26 03 01.6 Riverdene Lodge 9 Rooms - S 33 29 29.1 E 26 02 52.8 Sarili Lodge 5 Suites - S 33 30 11.0 E 26 02 57.9 Villa Lobengula 6 Suites - S 33 21 31.7 E 26 06 28.4 Explorer Camp 3 Tents - Guests arrive at and depart from Eagles Crag What to pack Sun block Hat/cap Walking boots Comfortable and casual clothing Warm jackets for game drives Camera (300-600mm lenses for good photographs) Medication for allergies General Information Private airstrip, situated adjacent to Long Lee Manor. Guests will be transferred by Shamwari rangers in open game vehicles. Ensure to contact Shamwari Game Reserve with the estimated time of arrival at least 24hours prior to arrival and on the day of arrival Runway details: Elevation 695ft - 1 000m in length, width 20m, compacted gravel surface, caution: animals; Co-ordinates S 33 27 42 E 26 03 13 Landing areas for helicopters are available at Long Lee Manor (30 meters from lodge), Eagles Crag (1 minute drive from lodge), Bayethe Lodge (3 minute drive from lodge) and at Villa Lobengula (within walking distance from the lodge) Driving distances between lodges: 10/15 minutes between Long Lee Manor, Riverdene and Sarili (Southern Lodges) 20/30 minutes between Eagles Crag, Bayethe Lodge and Villa Lobengula (Northern Lodges) 30/45 minutes between Southern & Northern Lodges
Program of Events The following times are only an indication and approximate as these may vary according to seasons and weather conditions. All lodges operate independently, each with a full staff compliment including its own management team, chef brigade, hosts and hostesses and experienced field guides. Dinner alternates between the in and outdoor facilities, weather permitting. Although guests may enter and exit the game reserve at any time; we do suggest that guests arrive in time for lunch on their day of arrival as not to miss out on any game drives during their stay. Road transfers can be arranged at an additional cost with reservations. April/May August (Winter) 06h30 Wake up call 07h00 A continental breakfast buffet and (plated) hot breakfast is served 07h30 Depart for morning game drive 10h30 Return from morning game drive 11h00 Requested check-out time 12h30 Lunch is served until 14h30 13h00 Recommended arrival time 14h30 Afternoon tea 15h00 Depart for afternoon game drive 19h30 Pre dinner drinks 20h00 Set menu or Braai/Barbeque dinner is served - every alternate night September April/May (Summer) 05h30 Wake up call 05h45 Early morning refreshments served 06h00 Depart for morning game drive 09h00 A continental breakfast buffet and (plated) hot breakfast is served 11h00 Requested check-out time 12h00 Lunch is served until 14h00 13h00 Recommended arrival time 15h30 Afternoon tea 16h00 Depart for afternoon game drive 20h00 Pre dinner drinks 20h30 Set menu or Braai/Barbeque dinner is served - every alternate night
Kids on Safari Upon arrival, the children s coordinator (Riverdene Lodge) or lodge manager (Sarili Lodge) will discuss activity options with the family taking the family s size, children s ages and the weather into consideration. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than 4 years as they are too young to join game drives. A truly unique, educational and fun family safari Exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre Activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Different types of wild animals or raptors that are being cared for at the time, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild Special Notes Children staying at Riverdene Family Lodge can partake in various social, sporting, arts and cultural activities under the supervision of our children s coordinator Sarili Lodge does not have a dedicated children s coordinator and therefore a child minder must be requested prior to arrival All swimming activities must be supervised by parents at all times Children younger than 4 years of age are too young to join game drives; unfortunately no exceptions can be made Parents must accompany children younger than 4 years when visiting the Born Free Centre and Shamwari Rehabilitation Centre Special children s food menu available Child minding is charged at an additional cost if this service is required for one-on-one attention. Pre-booking is essential Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre The Dr Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre, was created in conjunction with the Wilderness Foundation to highlight the devastating effect of rhino poaching which South Africa and the rest of the continent is facing. The centre offers guests the opportunity to learn about the plight of the rhino and more about these magnificent endangered animals, as well as the many conservation and anti-poaching activities presently underway at Shamwari Game Reserve.