Photo: Shamwari Eagles Cragg
Shamwari has long been known as the founder of the Eastern Cape Safari Experience, yet ironically having visited just about every other reserve in the Eastern Cape, I had never experienced Shamwari, but that changed this past weekend as I headed off to Eagles Cragg for two night stay.
I have long been concerned about the “Eastern Cape Safari Experience,” in that all these reserves are built of old farm lands, and in far too many cases, the focus always seem to be of the lodge, rather than the land, wildlife conservation, and quality game-viewing. I’m pleased to say that Shamwari is part of that small elite group conservationists in the region, where land and wildlife conservation top the priority list.
The distinct lack of alien vegetation, coupled with quality game-viewing, makes Shamwari a truly unique Safari destination. The dedication and commitment to wildlife conservation is followed through to the numerous Lodges too. Eagles Crag tops the list in terms of luxury, an intimate lodge in a truly magnificent setting.
The Shamwari people where fantastic, making one feel as though you truly where home away from home. Talking to other guests about there experience of Shamwari reiterated my own, while this may not be a true wilderness experience, it is a genuine safari experience that easily rivals the safari products up north. In addition to this the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, and the greater diversity in plains game, make for a truly unique safari experience.
Big on food and wine, Shamwari certainly exceeded my expectations, and the Boma dinner was held in a spectacular setting. Like any safari I have ever been on, you never go hungry, and from the scrumptious breakfasts to the delicious high-tea, the Shamwari team made sure we where well looked after.
Given the terrain, the game drives at Shamwari are a little tougher than those in Kruger, so the Eagles Crag Spa comes highly recommended, having spent a couple of hours on Saturday experiencing the Shamwari Spa.
With any array of lodges to cater for everyone’s budget, Shamwari comes highly recommended as a Safari Experience and is by far one of the more superior Garden Route Safari products, but what really stole the show for me, was the rare sighting on my first Eastern Cape Leopard seen below.
We at Rhino Africa are Shamwari Experts, so if you’d like to visit this magical place, contact us and let us plan your ideal Shamwari Safari.
Photo: My first Eastern Cape Leopard