Shamwari Private Game Reserve Big 5 Safari
Duration
10 hours
Start
06:30
Group Size
Max 8
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Hotel pickup in Port Elizabeth...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
7 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“Full-day Big 5 safari at the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve with open-vehicle game drives and gourmet bush lunch.
About This Experience
Shamwari is one of South Africa's most prestigious private game reserves and a multiple-award winner. This malaria-free, 25,000-hectare reserve is home to the Big 5 and offers an exclusive safari experience with far fewer vehicles than national parks. Enjoy morning and afternoon open-vehicle game drives with expert rangers, a gourmet lunch at the lodge, and the possibility of off-road tracking for closer animal encounters. Shamwari's dedication to conservation — including a wildlife rehabilitation centre — makes this a meaningful and luxurious wildlife experience.
Starting from
Cape Town Door-to-Door
Complimentary pickup & drop-off included with every booking
Door-to-Door Collection
We collect guests from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or cruise ship terminal across the Cape Town metro area.
Within 8 km from Cape Town CBD
Up to 25 km from the city centre
Cape Town CBD · V&A Waterfront · Sea Point · Camps Bay · Green Point · Hout Bay · Stellenbosch
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Pickup
Collection from Port Elizabeth hotel
Arrive Shamwari
Welcome at the lodge, coffee & briefing
Stop 3Morning Game Drive
Big 5 tracking in open vehicle — off-road capability
Stop 4Wildlife Rehab Visit
Tour the conservation and rehabilitation centre
Gourmet Lunch
Three-course lunch at the lodge
Afternoon Drive
Second game drive — predator focus
Departure
Drive back to Port Elizabeth
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Pickup from Port Elizabeth
- Open safari vehicle
- Expert ranger & tracker
- Park entrance fees
- Gourmet lunch
- Afternoon refreshments
- Conservation levy
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha
Start Time
Departs at 06:30. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
Shamwari has excellent leopard sighting rates
The wildlife rehabilitation centre does incredible work — inspiring to visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 604+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About Shamwari Private Game Reserve Big 5 Safari
The Shamwari Private Game Reserve Big 5 Safari is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Gray Line South Africa — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This 10 hours experience takes you through 7 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off is included from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English commentary and small group sizes of maximum 8 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Gray Line South Africa for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Operated by Gray Line South Africa
Sightseeing Everywhere · Since 1910
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.