
Photo by Doug Smith

Independent Shamwari Game Reserve hotels
- Change your mindBook hotels with free cancellation
- Be pickySearch almost a million properties worldwide
Check prices for these dates
Top Shamwari Game Reserve Hotel Reviews

Woodbury Tented Camp - Amakhala Game Reserve
10/10 Excellent
"We had the most incredible stay at Woodbury Tented Camp in the AmaKhala Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived, Frankie made us feel so welcome, setting the tone for what turned out to be a truly memorable experience. The level of service was outstanding throughout. Athenkosi and Lizole looked after us beautifully during meals, always attentive, friendly, and ensuring every detail was just right. The game drives were a real highlight. Greg, our ranger, was fantastic—knowledgeable, passionate, and determined to give us the best possible sightings. We were lucky enough to see most of the Big 5 as well as giraffe and zebra, along with some unexpected treats like a black-backed jackal, a mongoose, and even a troop of baboons making an escape on our way out of the reserve. The tents were extremely comfortable, with everything we needed including air conditioning and heating, and the views over the reserve were simply stunning. Even the main pool overlooks the landscape, making it a perfect place to relax between drives. Meeting the owners, Gile and Jennifer, was another highlight. Their personal involvement and genuine care for guests really set this camp apart. This was a truly special experience, and we would absolutely love to return."

Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve
8/10 Good
"Great game drives "

Safari Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve
10/10 Excellent
"Excellent stay in Safari Lodge. Staff were super helpful and friendly. The game drives with Bon Bon were incredible as we saw so many animals and learnt about their behaviours. Each lodge was individually located so you had a strong sense of privacy. We even watched warthogs coming to drink at the water hole from our lodge. The food was very good. My one suggestion for improvement is either to have an indoor toilet near the dining areas or to spray the outdoor toilet with mosquito repellent each morning as the standing water meant it was full of mosquitos in the morning."

Pumba Private Game Reserve
10/10 Excellent
"This was our first safari which was absolutely amazing. We got to see 4 of the big 5. We had one of the bush lodges. The lodges themselves are beautiful and huge. Our only disappointment was that we were given one of the lodges without a view onto the plain and waterhole. I did request a lodge with a view but they cannot guarantee it. The bath is huge and the outdoor shower was fabulous. The food was really good too. The service and friendliness of the staff was impeccable. Our game driver was really knowledgeable and we got to see the white lions before anyone else showed up. The area is huge. You just never know what to expect. My only criticism was that in the book in your lodge they recommend that you tip the driver at least R300 per person per drive. Apart from this, it was a very memorable and delightful trip"

Kwantu Private Game Reserve
10/10 Excellent
"The room was amazing and the staff are super knowledgeable and friendly! We would stay here again! We were able to see all of the animals on our first game drive and that made the trip! Thank you again for making our vacation so memorable!"

Shamwari Bayethe
10/10 Excellent
"Outstanding staff in a fabulous location. Safari trips were productive each day with many species represented."

RiverBend Lodge
10/10 Excellent
"Truly, a five star experience that went above and beyond expectations because of Ranger John! He is an expert level two ranger; has deep knowledge of the nature and history of the land is completely unparalleled! There are many times where he was able to see animals that no one else could see because of his 40 years of experience in the bush. On one of the game drives, he smelled a carcass, and we went to explore the carcass and subsequently which led us to who hidden lions that were finished feasting on the carcass! If John had not been in tune with the sights, sounds, smells of the animals in the land, we would not have been able to see these lions!! In addition, John had shared his excellent knowledge history of politics within the region, which was extremely eye-opening! He is a renaissance man. Truly, I wish I could take John with me as a guide all throughout Africa. The food was 7/10, service in the restaurant was 8/10, the rooms itself were 8/10, but ranger John was 100/10 and truly made this an unforgettable experience."

Shamwari Long Lee Manor
10/10 Excellent
"Outstanding in every way. Service, staff, facilities, environment, world class dining, game drives, etc. Already planning our next stay."

Gorah Elephant Camp
10/10 Excellent
"Extremely well taken care of by the attentive staff; game drive guide ensured excellent sightings of key wildlife; delicious food. Lovely facilities and magical experience. "