Shamwari Game Reserve hotel guide. Independent hotel in Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

"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"

"Hlosi on the Amakhala game reserve was fabulous from start to finish , all the staff were really friendly and helpful, the food was delicious with several options per course, we enjoyed every meal . The game drives were amazing , our guide Ambe was informative and knowledgeable, took the time to answer all our questions also great fun. The animals and birds we saw here were spectacular."

"Very helpful staff; great rooms; tasty & plentiful food & drinks; excellent safari guide - Desmond- who was informative & resourceful."

"Outstanding staff in a fabulous location. Safari trips were productive each day with many species represented."

"Jade is a wonderful hostess. Very clean and comfortable suite, great restaurant nearby."

"Outstanding in every way. Service, staff, facilities, environment, world class dining, game drives, etc. Already planning our next stay."

"This was a fabulous safari park, with superb rangers and game drives!!! Fodd and service was top class! Saw the big 5 and many more each day Would recommend this with top points"

"A really lovely and relaxing place to spend a few days whilst visiting the game reserves. Very attentive staff, a large and comfy bedroom A lookout deck, pool, hammock and outdoor seating area are all lovely, and would be fabulous in warmer weather. Three course dinner (set menu) was delicious and all home-prepared on site. The dining room is also very nice, and we were seated right by the fire - very welcome in August. The shower did go cold on us twice, but I think in winter it's harder to keep it running hot all the time. Breakfast was perfectly fine (cereal, yoghurt and honey, and then toast, tomato, bacon and egg) but the same every day. However, overall, I would be back in a flash because a lovely, friendly place with great gardens/grounds at a very affordable price is a god-send amongst all the same reserves!"

"The highlight of our holiday to South Africa! A beautiful lodge with comfortable air con and tranquility (and yes a few necessary spiders) but providing the most incredible authentic experience of the wildlife, animals, birds, flora and fauna of this game reserve. Food and wine were excellent and plentiful, the service was superb, including gin and tonics during our afternoon game drive! We had an excellent guide, Greg, with such a knowledge and passion for his work as a guide, and he led us to observe over 60 species over the course of 2 days and 4 game drives, starting with a wake up call at 5.30am for the pre-dawn game drive til 9.30am, then a second at 4pm lasting til nearly 8pm. He drove us through a fantastic storm, thunder and lightning and an impressive downpour which had us soaked but we saw so much! Listening to him explaining the habits of turtles, giraffes, buffalo and rhinos was an education, and will stay with us for life.The memories of elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, ostriches fighting a jackal, a spotted eagle owl capturing a frog at night, secretary birds stalking their prey, a brown hyena and a family of bat-eared foxes… and the white rhinos and hippo, it was all simply wonderful! Many many thanks for the best experience ever. We hope very much to return one day."