Sarili Lodge provides the perfect bush experience, and is located in the Southern region of the award winning Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a 25,000 hectare malaria-free private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape. The lodge can only be booked on an 'exclusive use' basis, making this an ideal destination for larger groups travelling together.
Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life, and has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the reserve is home to the Big 5 as well as wild dog, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and numerous antelope species.
Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives when the wildlife is most active. The vehicles are open and comfortable, and give you a panoramic view of the area. You’ll be guided by a trained game ranger who’ll take you through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way. The game drives themselves last for approximately 3 to 4 hours and included on the game drive is a coffee stop for the morning drive and a sun-downer stop in the evening.
There is also the option to go on a guided bush walk with your ranger after breakfast.
Sarili Lodge has 6 en-suite rooms in total, all overlooking the Bushman's River and offering superb views over the plains of Shamwari. All the rooms have air-conditioning and a private minibar, as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
The main guest areas of this African thatched lodge feature a child friendly swimming pool, a gym, a spa, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a large lounge with a television and fireplace.There is also a spacious deck overlooking the river with expansive views over the plains. The décor emulates an old traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment.
Rates Include
All meals; selected drinks (excluding French champagne and premium products); twice-daily game drives; guided walks; and the Conservation Levy are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 4 years of age are not allowed on game drives but babysitting services are available at an additional cost.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Guests over 65 wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Directions For Drivers
From Port Elizabeth: Follow the N2 out of Port Elizabeth heading towards Grahamstown bypassing the town of Colchester. 11 km past Colchester use the left lane to take the N2 ramp to Grahamstown. Continue on the N2 for 17 km and take the R342 turn-off for Shamwari Private Game Reserve on your left. Travel 7 km up the gravel road and enter at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve gate where you will stop at the Welcome Lounge to check in.
From Grahamstown: Travel along the N2 towards Port Elizabeth, and follow the directions as above.
Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.
General Information For Guests
All of the rooms have a private patio/balcony, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with a bath, separate shower and under floor heating, international dial telephone, private minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, electronic safe and fitted international adaptors.
The main area has a heated swimming pool with shallow area for children, a deck overlooking the Bushmans River, lounge with a fire place and satellite television, in and outdoor dining facilities, a small selection of gift items and Wi-Fi connection.
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners credit cards are accepted.
Should you wish to leave a gratuity, envelopes are available at reception. Alternatively you can add it to your final bill and settle by credit card when you check out.
In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, the Big Cat Rescue and Education Centres are situated within the game reserve. They aim to draw attention to the plight of wild cats, confined in impoverished, captive environments throughout the world. It is the mission of The Born Free Foundation, founded by actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna and her late husband Bill Travers, to ‘Keep Wildlife in the Wild’. Both Shamwari and Born Free aim to promote conservation and protect these species and their habitat, whilst maintaining a compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. The rescue and education centres home rescued lions and leopards from across the world and aim to be an enlightening experience for all visitors.
You also have the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre when you visit Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The Centre helps to rescue, rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned or orphaned animals under the care of professional veterinary team. Once these animals have been nursed back to health, they are released back into their natural habitat. Part of this experience is Vulpro - a unique captive breeding centre and the only one of its kind in Africa. Injured vulture species that can’t fly will breed in captivity and the healthy young are released back into the wild.
A compulsory Conservation Levy has been included in your rate - this contribution will aid conservation efforts as well as the anti-poaching unit.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Guests over 65 wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. A guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.
Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.
Excellent stay - good food, good service, very knowledgeable guide and lovely rooms and location. Highly recommended.