Lobengula Lodge is a truly traditional African experience. Tucked deep in the valley bushveld of the 25,000 malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, this thatched ethnically decorated lodge offers guests a tranquil, luxurious and exclusive getaway.
The award-winning Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the reserve boasts 5 eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life, including the Big 5 as well as cheetah, hyena, giraffe, hippo, zebra and numerous antelope species. The reserve is also home to one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.
Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle over the rolling hills and valleys in search of the wildlife. 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. The rangers are experts at navigating the Shamwari terrain and are readily available to answer any questions you may have.
In addition to spectacular game drives, Shamwari also offers professionally guided walking tours. Here, you can gain a true perspective of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Your guide can point out animal tracks, dung, hiding spots, rare birds and educate you on the area and its history.
All 6 suites at Lobengula Lodge has a private patio with a plunge pool, and an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers.
In-between game drive guests can relax, swim or enjoy a drink at the bar. The magnificent wooden deck overlooking the dense African bush is beautifully appointed for meals or mystical African storytelling in front of the fireplace. There is also a spa retreat, offering a range of treatments.
Rates Include
All meals; selected drinks (excluding French champagne and premium products); twice-daily shared game drives; guided walks; and the Conservation Levy are included.
Children Policy
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve.
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. For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted on guided walks.
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 until you reach the N2/N10 cross over. Follow the N10 to Paterson/Cradock bypassing Paterson. Travel for 11 km from Paterson until you reach the Alicedale turn-off. Turn right at the Lobengula Lodge sign board and travel for a further 12 km on a gravel road. Turn right at the Shamwari Gate and follow the sign boards to Lobengula Lodge.
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 rooms have air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower facilities, bathtub, a private patio, plunge pool, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, electronic safe, fitted international adaptors, international dial telephone and a private minibar.
Other facilities include a swimming pool, deck lounge, relaxation retreat, fitness centre, curio shop, a main lounge with a satellite TV and a fireplace, indoor and outdoor dining facilities and a boma.
The spa offers a variety of treatments and massages (additional cost).
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided.
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners are accepted.
A laundry service is available (additional cost).
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 will be 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. For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted on guided walks.
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.
