Game Drives and the Big Five at Shamwari Game Reserve

Our luxury reserve offers 5 star luxy in african surroundings

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GAME DRIVES AND ACTIVITIES

When you visit SHAMWARI Game Reserve, we want you to have the 'safari of a lifetime'...rangers dine with you - sharing daily experiences and providing further information.

Something you'll look back on in years to come, long after the video has been lost and the photos have faded. We want you to experience, learn and enjoy the very best that African wildlife viewing can offer. To achieve this goal To achieve this goal, the staff at SHAMWARI Game Reserve have brought together the best that the area has to offer. There is great game viewing, of course, but we also provide modern Land Rovers converted into open viewing. Each vehicle has a trained ranger who will increase your enjoyment with his knowledge of both the flora and fauna. The rangers are in 2-way communication with each other at all times, so on any day they know where the game is, and how to find the elusive animals such as the rare Black Rhino.

Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group. In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts!

The heat of the day is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, swimming, reading and, of course, enjoying a delicious lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive. As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see elephants browsing, rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld. At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox ) and snacks.

Then, as the light fades, your ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals. By 8:00pm you are back at your lodge where a drink in the bar with your ranger, amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries is followed either by another great meal expertly prepared by our chefs, or a barbecue next to a roaring fire. Finally, a hot shower and a well-earned sleep. Before repeating it again the next day!

Generally, you may not leave your vehicle when it is in the reserve. Guided walks can be arranged in the company of your armed ranger, in search of rare animals. These hikes can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is really only then that you gain a perspective of this great continent.

Note: Game drives are done in open Land Rovers, so you can feel close to Nature.

OUR LUXURY SPAS

Awaken your senses and allow us to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Inspired by surrounding nature and elements that guide us, our selection of body and beauty treatments cater for both men and women. As a Mantis Collection Spa member, we strive for quality, excellence and distinction in all we do. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Retail products for sale.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Spas

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow your self time to check in, change and familiarize your self with our facility. We recommend that you shower and begin to relax by, utilizing the steam and Jacuzzi before your treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A bathing suit/bikini is optional for the hydrotherapy treatments. Robes and towels are provided by the spa.

CAN I ASK THE THERAPIST TO ADJUST CERTAIN THINGS TO INCREASE MY COMFORT
Definitely. It is your time and you should enjoy the experience to the fullest. For example, ask for the massage pressure to be adjusted, or for your favourite aroma blend.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS?
Definitely. Please inform your therapist of any health conditions for example, Pregnancy, Diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy etc.

DO YOU HAVE TREATMENTS FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN?
Our spa caters for both men and women designed to benefit both.

cancellations - Kindly arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment for a relaxing shower / steam bath. 2 Hours advance notice is required for cancellation, after which 50% of the treatments will be charged. We will however assist in rescheduling your appointments where possible. In case of late arrivals, treatment duration will be reduced accordingly, unless accommodation can be made within the schedule.

BORN FREE FOUNDATION

The Born Free Foundation is at the forefront of drawing the public's attention to the plight of wild animals confined in impoverished captive environments and promoting through education and public awareness, a humane agenda.

It is the mission of both The Born Free Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat while maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

In partnership with actress/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 whose goal is to create an 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 are in serious danger and provide them with excellent life time care. Guests at Shamwari are able to see some of these rescued animals at the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue and Education Centre. Click the link to our news page for articles on animals rescued in conjunction with Born Free.


 

Shamwari Game Reserve Activities Game Drives Spa Born to be Free Foundation