The African continent has a special hold on all those who visit. With a safari usually high on the agenda and tropical islands within touching distance, it’s possible to move from complete wilderness to the beach on the same trip. Follow us as we take you from South Africa’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve to a sun-drenched holiday in Mauritius – an evocative trip that will fire up all your senses.
Go wild at Shamwari
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Eastern Cape, South Africa
The first private game reserve to be established in the Eastern Cape, Shamwari is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa, and a thriving malaria-free wildlife destination.
Why go now?
Shamwari’s new private charter is a game changer. Exclusive lounges in Cape Town and Johannesburg make check-in a breeze, and flight times mean that you can have a leisurely breakfast at 8am, and be at your lodge in time for lunch – shaving a good few hours off commercial travel time. A comfortable flight in a Beechcraft 1900D for up to 16 passengers will take you to the Shamwari airstrip in under two hours, followed by a quick Land Cruiser transfer to your lodge – during which you might even spot roaming rhinos and cheetahs.
Creature comforts
With several lodges, each with a distinctive personality, Shamwari has something for every taste. Built in a canyon through one of the mountain ranges that carve up the Shamwari Reserve, Eagles Crag is a Private Travel favourite, a remote hideaway featuring nine thatched suites with outdoor showers and private plunge pools. If you can tear yourself away, lunch or dinner in one of the lodge’s aerial pods affords sweeping views of the surrounding forest and soaring rock faces.
For those travelling with family or friends, the newly renovated Sarili Private Villa offers a stylish exclusive-use retreat for up to 14 guests. Expect expansive living and dining areas, two pools, a children’s playroom, butler service, gym and spa, and private safari vehicles for a bespoke bush experience.
Extraordinary encounters
Shamwari is home to five of South Africa’s nine major biomes, ensuring a diverse range of plant and wildlife. Daily game drives take you into the heart of this incredible biodiversity – the Big Five, and especially rhinos, are thriving here, as well as cheetahs and endemic species such as the Addo flightless dung beetle and critically endangered Albany Adder snake. Bush walks, outdoor spa treatments, drinks around a crackling fire, and dining experiences in surprise locations all add to the feeling of being at one with nature, and special family safaris introduce mini eco-warriors to Shamwari’s conservation efforts.
Nature’s keepers
Shamwari is recognised for restoring degraded farmland into a flourishing conservation area. Created to protect this fragile ecosystem and leave a lasting impact, the reserve’s Shamwari Foundation works on an exceptional range of initiatives – from wildlife monitoring, rewilding, and rehabilitation to anti-poaching units, habitat restoration, and community outreach. As a guest, you have the opportunity to visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and discover more about these vital projects.
Slow down in Mauritius
From the Big Five to vibrant marine life – scintillating shorelines and lush rainforests make Mauritius the perfect post-safari getaway. You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits and upgrades with Private Travel.
Best for marine conservation experiences
Oceanfront villas with private pools are framed by tropical gardens at this re-envisioned resort, which also features a private beach, golf courses, overwater spa, and seven new dining venues. Marine conservation is a focus – go snorkelling with seahorses and visit the resort’s pioneering seagrass nursery.
Best for an exclusive island escape
A highlight of a stay here is a 10-minute boat ride to private island Ilot Mangénie, where you’ll be spoiled with beach cabanas, oceanside lunches, and spa treatments. Golfers meanwhile can tee off at the 18-hole championship golf course, and the kids’ and teen clubs keep young guests entertained.
African Adventures with Private Travel
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