Search Cottages in Shamwari Game Reserve

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

"The grounds go down to Sundays River, so amazing view. Room was super comfortable— deep bathtub! Breakfast and delicious. I wish I could’ve stayed another night or two."

"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"

"Nice staff. Well managed. Rooms clean, but not perfect "

"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!"

"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. "

"Our stay was incredible. Desmond, our guide, gave us some incredible sights and we were really lucky to see 4 out of the big 5 alongside various other interesting animals. The reserve is vast and there is plenty to see, the fact that there are various lodges across the reserve means even if you have a fairly quiet hotel, there are plenty of rangers out doing drives which helps your chances of animals being spotted and your ranger making their way there. The accomodation is lovely, a perfect room with comfortable bed and a view of a watering hole from your private plunge pool. This includes a free mini-bar which is perfect for dipping in to to spend time on the patio. The food was fantastic, very generous and well cooked portions and the service at dinner from Sheldon and Thambo was perfect. We weren't renting a car so got a private transfer from Martin who gave us some great info on the drive from PE and it felt like our trip started early! All in, a perfect stay and I wouldn't hesitate to return. My only regret was only booking two night. All in all, a faultless stay"

"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."

"There is no better safari geared up for families in the world. We had the best time ever as did our seven year old daughter, and the staff couldn’t have done any more for us. This place is THE gold standard in luxury safaris and Riverdene ensured it worked for children too without compromising quality for adults too. Cannot recommend highly enough and thanks so much to all the team! "