Shamwari Game Reserve – Bayethe Lodge, South Africa

Adam Chapman

This was my personal favourite of the Shamwari Lodges simply because I love sleeping under canvas. The tents are ultra luxurious as you would expect from the Shamwari experience. This lodge is perfect for honeymooners and those looking to get away from it all.

  • Adam Chapman

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), is malaria free and is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for many consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town and forms a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. Luxury safari accommodation is offered in 6 different lodges on this private game reserve.

Bayethe is a splendid stone walled and thatch roofed lodge with a large deck area overlooking a waterhole. There is a double volume lounge and dining area which spills out onto the deck which is adjacent to the outside boma for traditional fireside dining under the stars.

Location

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is approximately 1 hour drive from Port Elizabeth and approximately a 3.5 hour drive from the Garden Route.

Highlights

  • One of the biggest private game reserves in the Eastern Cape
  • A private game reserve that boasts many high profile animals including the Big 5
  • Malaria free area.
  • Natural extension to the famous Garden Route
  • Two unique Born Free Sanctuaries
  • Award winning Game Private Reserve
  • Close to breathtaking beaches

Facilities

  • Indoor dining or outdoor dining on deck, or in the boma
  • Fireplace in lounge and indoor dining room
  • Satellite TV in lounge
  • Separate deck area overlooking waterhole
  • Gift boutique
  • Personal ranger service – only 6 passengers per vehicle
  • Bayethe Bush Spa overlooking the water hole offers a range of treatments
  • Guests are also able to enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of their rooms

Activities

Game drives, relaxing, reading, spa treatments, swimming, enjoying delicious cuisine, game walks, or visits to one of the two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries.

Meal Basis

Full Inclusive accommodation including all meals, selected beverages and game drives.

Child Policy

No children under the age of 12 years.

Accommodation

Shamwari Game Reserve offers 9 luxury tents camouflaged under trees allowing for ample privacy and unsurpassed comforts. Each tent is air-conditioned and heated and has an en-suite bathroom, shower, private plunge pool and viewing deck. The 3 premier tents at Bayethe Hills are the ultimate in tented luxury. These tents offer the additional luxuries of a fireplace, satelite TV, plunge pool and hammocks suspended out of the wooden decks.

Customer Reviews of the Shamwari Bayethe

Honeymoon to South Africa during September 2011

Out of this world. We stayed in Bayethe - our ''tent'' was luxurious!! Huge bed, stand alone bath, outside shower, (although the monkey's stole the shower gel)! Plunge pool and sooo quiet. At night the breeze knocks the canvas and you hear the insects, animals and nature. One day when I woke up there was a monkey on the tree outside another day a giraffe was visible from deck. Dont worry no lions can get to that area. I heard about snakes though, and every night my husband would have to go on a rambo style insect killing spree, before I could sleep. There was a lot of moths. (also no TV or radio etc - but was glad of that) The food was heavenly, the champagne flowed - and because its all inclusive there's no mega bill after. The staff are so so friendly, we had a bush breakfast one morning, as a suprise - they took us into the wilderness and made us a bbq after early drive - fabulous. The ranger Jacques was so friendly, the game drives were fantastic. We walked with wild cheetah, were chased by a bull elephant - HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT?

Signed:

Natasha & Brian McCann - BelfastRated...

Customer Review

Holiday to South Africa during December 2011

South Africa Review

Beautiful country wth large variations - from lush green to semidesert.

Rated...

Signed:

Anonymous

South Africa Factfile

Timezone:
EAT (UTC+2)
Language:
English, local languages
Currency:
South African Rand
Best time:
Year round destination
Flights:
9 hours from Europe
Visas:
Not needed for many Europeans, call for info
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