Shamwari Private Game Reserve

An inspiring African experience

Riverdene Family Lodge is a beautifully restored settler's lodge which provides an ideal base for your safari experience in the Eastern Cape's Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

With just nine suites, Riverdene offers you homely comfort and a warm welcome – perfect for a family safari holiday. A stay at Riverdene will see you immersed in the natural beautiful of your surrounds – after a day packed with safari adventures, relax and unwind in the boma overlooking the Bushman's River.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is ideal for a family safari due to its in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape. offers many additional activities to entertain children of all ages. Children can engage in the 'Kids on Safari' programme, visiting the wildlife rehabilitation and Born Free Centres as well as enjoying play time at the kids club and outdoor adventure centre.

The private reserve is one of the world's leading safari and game conservation areas and has had its 25th anniversary marked by achieving the acclaimed Fair Trade Tourism certification. With the reserve's strong focus on conservation – and in addition to offering a comprehensive wildlife experience – it incorporates the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and its own wildlife rehabilitation centre – we recommend a visit during your stay, as they are fascinating and educational for adults and children alike.

To watch a short video on how amazing Shamwari is, click here

Hayes & Jarvis Rating
Information about hotel ratings
Average: 5 (1 vote)
Hotel Category
Luxury
Location Type
National park
TripAdvisor Review
Tripadvisor rating 1339 Reviews
a brown and white cow lying on top of a grass covered field

Hotel highlights

  • Enticing pool with shallow end for younger guests and comfortable loungers
  • Newly refurbished in September 2018
  • Visit Born Free's Big Cat Sanctuary and Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Newly refurbished in September 2018 Enticing pool with shallow end for younger
  • Ideal for families, with many activities and facilities to suit children of all ages
  • Situated in the Eastern Cape – a malaria-free Big Five safari destination

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

  • Check-in Time:
    12:00
  • Check-out Time:
    11:00
  • Transfer duration: approx. two drive hours from Port Elizabeth

Main Facilities

  • Outdoor pool
  • Wifi

Accommodation Type

  • H&J Recommended
  • Lodge
  • Luxury Collection
  • Tented camp

Board Basis Options

  • Full Board

For Families

  • Kid's Club

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

  • National park
  • approx. two drive hours from Port Elizabeth
1339 Reviews 96% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

  • Excellent 1223
  • Very Good 78
  • Average 24
  • Poor 10
  • Terrible 4

What to Expect

  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Service
  • Value
  • Cleanliness

Reviews

Mar 11, 2020

Another amazing visit to Shamwari

We visited 2 years ago and loved Shamwari, so wanted to return with our son and daughter, this time to sarilli lodge, requesting if it was possible for our first ranger Mino to guide us and show his passion and knowledge to all the family. We were not disappointed, thank to all, Mino, the lodge and the animals. Amazing food and service too and a great family experience from which we have learnt so much and appreciate the conservation that is going on especially with the Born Free Trust and rehabilitation centre. We now cannot wait to return. Thank you again Mino
Mar 05, 2020

Bucket List!!!

Myself and my husband stayed here for one night of our honeymoon in the Bayete Tent. It was exceptional from start to finish - the hospitality is out of this world!!! The food is top class and go hungry! You really felt the 5 star quality in the details and service. Our ranger was Siya, who was genuinely interested in the game drives and his enthusiasm/knowledge shone through the experience. He didnt chase animals and was very respectful and gave everything it's time and really tried his best for us to see as many animals as possible. Would definitely go back in a heartbeat.
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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Facilities

a couple of lawn chairs sitting on top of a body of water

Swimming Pool

The infinity pool also has a shallow area for children to enjoy the cool waters.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Room Types

Luxury Room

Of the nine luxurious rooms, six are twin/king bedded suites and three are twin/king bedded suites with an extra sleeper couch to accommodate a maximum of two adults, sharing with one child. 

Show room facilities
  • Air Conditioning
  • Hairdryer
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Satellite/Cable TV
  • Separate Shower
  • Telephone
  • Towels included
Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Food & Drink

Boma Dining

Enjoy your meal with lush views overlooking Bushmans River from the boma.

Lounge Bar

Relax, unwind and treat yourself with a ice cold drink or two.

Board Basis Options

Full Board

Included: 3 meals daily, 2 game drives daily, hot drinks and snacks before morning and afternoon game drives, coffee/tea stop on morning drives, sundowner drinks for evening game drives, guided walks, visits to Born Free sanctuary, animal rehabilitation centre and rhino awareness centre. Kids on Safari programme is also included for children. Please note drinks are NOT included in the Full Board package.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Family Friendly Facilities

Kid's Safari

Upon arrival at the Riverdene Lodge, you will be met by one of the fully qualified children's coordinators who will discuss the various activity options for the family. The children can enjoy supervised game drives from the age of 4 years.Children will also be given a Kids on Safari backpack, complete with goodies including a children’s activity book and pencils, which are great for them to take on game drive with them. The guide will walk children round the lodge’s ‘bone walk’ and teach them about the different animals, and families can also visit the reserve’s Born Free sanctuary, animal rehabilitation centre and rhino awareness centre.

a woman sitting at a desk

Play Room & Jungle Gym

Kids can enjoy access to the supervised childrens play room and jungle gym.

Zip Line

Outdoor Adventure Centre

The outdoor adventure centre will keep children occupied for hours , complete with zip-lines, rock climbing, slides and sandpits.

How we tailor make your holiday

1. Browse

Look through our website for inspiration, then call our Destination Specialists

2. Create

We'll listen to your wish-list and use our knowledge to design a unique itinerary

3. Customise

We'll keep on refining until we've created your perfect personalised holiday

Talk to our experts

01 433 1041

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We’ve been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations 
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unforgettable holiday experiences.

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