Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari was founded in 1992 by conservationist Adrian Gardiner. The project began with the purchase of former farmland and gradually expanded through acquisitions of neighbouring properties. Key milestones include: • 1990s – Reintroduction of elephants, rhino, buffalo, and antelope. • 2000s – Predator introductions (lion, cheetah, hyena, leopard). • 2017 – New ownership invested US$25 million in refurbishing lodges and conservation facilities. == Wildlife ==

Shamwari supports species from multiple biomes, including: • The Big five game (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros) • Cheetah, hyena, serval, and other predators • Cape mountain zebra, hippopotamus, South African giraffe, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species == Lodges and Tourism ==

The reserve operates six luxury lodges and one explorer camp: • Eagles Crag – luxury suites in a secluded valley • Long Lee Manor – restored Edwardian-style manor • Sindile Lodge – elevated tented camp • Bayethe Tented Lodge – canvas suites with plunge pools • Riverdene Family Lodge – family-oriented accommodation • Explorer Camp – rustic bush experience Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, birding, and conservation tours. == Shamwari Air Shuttle ==

In 2025 Shamwari launched an Air Shuttle service, offering direct flights from Cape Town International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport to the reserve, reducing travel time by several hours. == Conservation and Partner Organisations ==

VulPro @ Shamwari In 2024 Shamwari partnered with the NGO VulPro to establish a vulture breeding and rehabilitation centre. The project relocated 163 vultures (Cape and African white-backed) in what was described as the largest vulture relocation in Africa. The aim is to bolster endangered vulture populations through captive breeding and future wild releases. Wildlife Rehabilitation Shamwari operates a wildlife hospital treating injured or orphaned animals, with the goal of release back into the wild. Born Free Foundation The Born Free Foundation funds two big cat sanctuaries at Shamwari. Lions and leopards rescued from circuses or zoos live out their lives at these centres. == Awards and honours ==

• 2005 – Awarded the Global Nature Fund Award for Best Conservation Practice . == In popular culture ==

• The 2018 Netflix series Shamwari Untamed was filmed at the reserve. • The BBC series Safari School and the Animal Planet documentary Shamwari: A Wild Life were also filmed on site. == References ==