Situated in the north of the Reserve, Shamwari Bayethe is secluded and surrounded by lush vegetation. This distance from other lodges increases the feel of intimacy and luxury it offers.

The tented accommodation enjoys floor to ceiling windows looking into the trees, and direct access onto a private terrace with plunge pool. Inside, these spacious suites offer their own lounge area, large ensuite and outdoor shower. When you’re not relaxing at your private pool or the rejuvenating spa, take a professionally guided bushwalk to immerse yourself in the savannah, and look for the Big 5 on a game drive.

With no children under the age of 11, Shamwari Bayethe is a great option for couples looking for a romantic and private getaway.

Situated in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Shamwari Long Lee is a refurbished manor offering an exceptional opportunity to experience life on an Edwardian safari. Originally built in 1910, it has been lovingly restored to offer accommodation inside the original manor house. Reminiscent of a bygone era, this includes charming lounge areas and elegant suites from which you may step out onto a private patio.

Long Lee Manor has conservation at its heart, as part of the Shamwari Foundation. They are partnered with Vulpro, who aim to increase the population of the African vulture, and Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation, which operates big cat sanctuaries in the Eastern Cape. With Shamwari meaning ‘friend’ in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, it’s clear to see how this lodge strives to be a friend to the natural world. Lodges in the Shamwari Reserve are perfect for those looking for an up-close view of conservation efforts.

Kariega Settlers Drift is a family-owned luxurious lodge offering something special for couples looking for a romantic safari experience. With only nine tented suites, Settlers Drift provides intimacy and complete privacy. Suites overlook the Bushman’s River and are spacious, nestled into the tree line with natural materials heightening the feeling of being surrounded by nature. Floor to ceiling glass walls invite the outside in, while the private viewing deck offers a perfect place to relax in comfort.

During the day, explore the Kariega Game Reserve with game drives and bush walks, or enjoy a spa treatment. By night, perhaps visit the wine cellar and experience a traditional Boma dinner. This is a brilliant lodge for couples and honeymooners looking for a unique and luxurious stay.

Lalibela Kichaka Lodge offers its guests a blend of modern amenities with colonial charm, through its stone and thatch buildings furnished with cosy seating areas and eclectic art pieces. Situated within the vast Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, guests can opt for open top game drives and nature walks by day, and a relaxing drink at the cocktail bar by night. The lodge has a prime location beside a thriving waterhole, meaning that animals can be spotted from the pool.

Each of the suites boast their own plunge pool on their private terraces, with views either of the bush or the waterhole. Inside, they combine natural materials, such as the thatched roof, with indulgent and elegant colonial-style furnishings. This sophisticated lodge is ideal for couples looking to get away from it all.

Converted from the private home of the founder of the Shamwari reserves, Founders Lodge blends its heritage of conservation with modern South African art and decorative touches. Explore the natural environment with guided bushwalks, game drives and immerse yourself in the photographic hide which overlooks a watering hole, bringing you up close to rhinos and giraffes.

This intimate lodge offers several options for accommodation, including the thoughtfully restored main house, the spacious and historic Founders Railway Carriage, and the modern and secluded Honeymoon Pod.

As the birthplace of conservation in the Eastern Cape, Founders Lodge is the perfect choice for history lovers.

A family favourite situated in the Lalibela Game Reserve, Mark’s Camp is designed with young explorers in mind! From suites with spacious lounge areas to a dedicated children’s programme which includes safari drives, bird spotting and animal track identification, families are in good hands. Perhaps while the kids are off exploring, grown-ups can relax by the swimming pool or enjoy the views with a drink on their private deck.

Suites have cosy furnishings with eclectic art and vibrant Pan-African décor, creating a sense of connection with the natural environment. This laidback lodge is an excellent choice for families looking for a safari for all ages.

Guests at Kariega Ukhozi Lodge can enjoy African-inspired décor in this beautiful hillside setting. Nestled into the landscape, the lodge and suites offer panoramic views of the valley, with a stunning infinity pool perched at the valley edge.

Cosy and laidback, the Ukhozi Lodge offers ten luxury suites, set on meandering bush paths which guarantee ultimate privacy. These log cabins feature huge windows which open onto a private viewing deck with a romantic plunge pool from which you can spot animals in the distance. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment in between game drives and make sure to enjoy a hosted meal in the open-air dining room.

With spectacular views, it’s no wonder this lodge is named Ukhozi - the eagle!

Kariega Main Lodge offers a brilliant family friendly safari experience, with children over 5 able to experience game drives and river cruises. In between game drives, the fantastic Kids on Safari centre offers different activities such as making moulds of animal tracks, learning bushcraft and survival skills, and creating “bushman paintings”.

At the end of an exciting day roaming the wilderness, the whole family can relax at their cosy log chalets which boast spectacular views over the Kariega River valley from their private viewing decks. This relaxed lodge is a great choice for families to enjoy a safari trip.