Safari to Amakhala and Shamwari

significant rewildification projects

The Amakhala and Shamwari area is an inland section of the Eastern Cape region which contains a collection of private safari reserves, all of which are easily accessible from Port Elizabeth.
This area is slowly being converted from farmland back to wildlife, a rewildification project which has enormous potential, but whose progress is frustratingly slow.

What we have so far is a number of small privately owned reserves, each fenced and individually stocked with wildlife.

Unfortunately these areas are relatively small, surrounded by residual farmland and lacking in that essential wilderness feel.

Hopefully as the years pass by we will see the areas expanded sufficiently that it no longer feels like you are surrounded by farmland and the fences in between the separate areas removed in order that the animals once again become free to roam.

The upsides of safari in these reserves is that the area is non-malarial, the landscapes are reasonably attractive, the wildlife viewing is easy, there is a wide range of accommodation options, many of which are particularly child-friendly. The lodges here also tend to be relatively well priced compared with most safari areas across the continent.

We tend to recommend these areas most commonly to families with very small children and people who happen to be in the area anyway and are happy to simply see a few animals.

The Amakhala and Shamwari area is usually accessed as part of a self-drive trip, typically originating in Cape Town and ending at Port Elizabeth.

It is also possible to fly into Port Elizabeth and get a road transfer from the airport to the reserve of your choice.

Where to stay

The main reserve is Shamwari itself, which contains a handful of upmarket lodges.
Perhaps the most authentic safari can be found on the Lalibela Reserve, which has four lodges.

Next comes the Pumba Reserve, slightly smaller and with two very comfortable lodges.

Across the main N2 highway lies the larger Amakhala Reserve, which contains half a dozen lodges of various specifications.

lacking that important sense of wilderness