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Bisate Lodge
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Morukuru Family De Hoop
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Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Currently seeing:
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Malaria-free, Big 5 nature reserve where conservation is king
Shamwari Private Game Reserve spreads over an area of 25.000 hectares of malaria-free safari land in the heart of South Africa’s gorgeous Eastern Cape. This award-winning Big 5 private game reserve has won countless awards for its conservation efforts and eco-mindedness. Situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, the reserve boasts 5 eco-systems, enabling the support of diverse plants, animals, and birds. This Eastern Cape game reserve is the ultimate South African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.
Find it on the map
Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
11 nights- •
0.273t CO₂
The Spectacular South in 12 Days: From Grasslands to the Atlantic
From $4,341/person
- 18 nights
- •
- 0.249t CO₂
The Perfect Garden Route Roadtrip: Wilderness, Winelands and Sensational Wildlife
From $7,525/person
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens from certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. To determine if you need a visa, it's best to check with the South African embassy or consulate in your home country. Find out more here. Additionally, South Africa offers a visa waiver program for certain countries, allowing visitors to enter for tourism purposes without a visa for a specified period. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry into South Africa and at least 1 blank page in your passport for endorsements.
South Africa is safe to visit, but like most developing countries, it's important to be street-smart:
- Keep a watchful eye on your belongings, whether you're solo or with a group.
- Avoid displaying valuables like phones and cameras, especially when out and about.
- Do not walk alone in deserted areas at night.
- Don’t keep large sums of money on you.
- When self-driving, be aware of the distance between the towns or petrol stations and know how to handle breakdowns or a flat tire.
- Admire wildlife from a safe distance –never exit your vehicle in national parks or reserves except at designated areas.
When driving in South Africa, travellers can use their valid foreign driver's licence if it meets specific criteria: it should be in English (or any other official South African language) or have an official English translation, and include a photo and signature. Road conditions vary by region. In the Western Cape, roads are generally well-maintained. In areas like the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, occasional potholes may be encountered. To navigate, we recommend using Google Maps for the best routes, which will likely correspond to well-kept roads.
South Africa uses the currency Rand (ZAR) exclusively. You can exchange your currency for Rand at selected airports, banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs. Card facilities are widely available, reducing the need for excessive cash on hand. Before your trip, check if your credit or debit card will work in South Africa for convenient card payments. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small tips and when visiting remote destinations.
Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
Bayethe Safari Lodge
A luxury tented lodge in the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve
From $659/person
- South Africa
- •
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Eagles Crag
Glass and stone suites with pristine vistas on an exclusive malaria-free safari
From $747/person
- South Africa
- •
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Explorer Camp
A nostalgic and immersive safari camp in Shamwari’s Big-5 Private Game Reserve
- South Africa
- •
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Long Lee Manor
An Eastern Cape manor house showcasing the area’s rich heritage amongst pristine nature
From $633/person
- South Africa
- •
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Riverdene Family Lodge
A nature-inspired retreat for family relaxation at Shamwari Game Reserve
From $603/person
- South Africa
- •
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Sarili Private Lodge
Luxury safari lodge inspired by the beauty of Shamwari Game Reserve’s bush
From $5,315/person
- South Africa
- •
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Sindile Safari Lodge
A luxury tented camp paying homage to the celebrated leopard of Shamwari
From $817/person
Recent postcards
What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified Traveller
I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified Traveller
We loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerThe recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerWe loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller
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