Shamwari Explorer Camp

The Shamwari Explorer Camp is a unique walking experience, and is ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic option offering the ambience of a tented bush camp of old safari lore. The camp is located on a plateau set amongst the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari. A truly magical setting awaits!

The camp reflects the original safari of being on foot and sleeping around the fire at night within the comfort of a bush tent. The Explorer Camp operates every Friday/Saturday nights as well as every Tuesday/Wednesday nights throughout the year. Sunday night can be added onto the weekend stay on request.

Guests will enjoy walks through the magnificent Shamwari Private Game Reserve, whereby their guide will enhance their experience with birding, cultural history and other natural history of the area, along with ample opportunity of some Big 5 encounters.

Each trail is 2 nights, and are hosted and guided by an armed qualified walking guide. Distances walked vary each day but can last up to 4 hours. A game viewing vehicle remains in camp and depending on where guests walk that day, the trail may start from camp or depart camp by vehicle to visit another area of the reserve.

The camp consists of just 3 canvas (camping) tents with en-suite bathrooms and showers, that sleep a maximum of 2 people each. The camp site is unfenced to provide the true explorer ambience and tents are placed in fairly close proximity without encroaching on another tents privacy. Wild animals are able to cross through the camp at any time and although all safety precautions have been followed in setting up the camp, this remains a reality.

All meals are prepared by the camp hosts, and enjoyed under the stars.

Rates Include

All meals; beverages; the Conservation Levy; a Born Free and Animal Rehab visit; and walking activities are included. PLEASE NOTE: This can ONLY be booked as a 2 night package.

Children Policy

Children aged 16 years and older are welcome. Normal adult rates apply.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

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. More details available on request.

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 camp - 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

Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, a small cupboard and 2 x solar LED lights for night time use. Guest amenities include insect repellent, toilet paper, towels, tissues, sanitary bags as well as shower gel and shampoo.

The camp has a dining tent, viewing deck and a swimming pool.

Culinary feasts are presented around the camp fire or in the dining tent.

The walking trails are hosted and guided by an armed qualified walking guide.

Distances walked vary each day but can last up to 4 hours.

A game viewing vehicle remains in camp and will be utilised depending on where guests walk that day, the trail may start from camp or depart camp by vehicle to visit another area of the reserve.

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

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. More details available on request.

Popular Alternatives to Shamwari Explorer Camp

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Shamwari Explorer Camp, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Shamwari Explorer Camp was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.