Located in South Africa, Eastern Cape

Wildlife Species at Shamwari Game Reserve

As the only organisation with a focus on covering the entire African sub-Saharan continent with its travel routes and partner destinations, Open Africa is committed to using its website to improve awareness (and thereby promote conservation) by mapping the incidence of conserved African wildlife across the continent. The following flagship species occur at Shamwari Game Reserve.

Wildlife Conservation & Social Upliftment

Ecological History and Conservation Initiatives

The Eastern Cape was once considered the richest and most diverse wildlife area in Africa. In the 18th century vast herds of Cape Buffalo, zebra, Black Wildebeest, elephant and Black Rhino roamed the landscape, as well as packs of predators such as the Cape Lion. However over the last two centuries and pursuant to the arrival of the 1820 Settlers, indigenous fauna and flora became depleted and in some cases destroyed by way of agriculture, unbridled hunting and drought. By 1853 rhinos had been eradicated from the area. In 1857 the last Cape Lion was shot, and similarly in 1919 the Cape Buffalo became extinct. By 1931 when Addo Elephant Park was opened as an elephant sanctuary, close to what is now Shamwari Game Reserve, there were only 11 elephant left.

In 1990 Adrian Gardner bought the first portion of Shamwari. These first 1200 hectares were intended for weekend getaways, however as Gardner began to explore the history of the region, a dream of restoration was born. In 1992 Shamwari Game Reserve was opened with a fierce determination to make conservation sustainable. With the help of renowned conservationists, Dr Ian Player and John Aspinall, Shamwari Game Reserve began restoration of the land, indigenous plants, and repopulation of African wildlife that once roamed the area. By 2000 the reserve was large enough, and home to a sufficient amount of game needed to support large predators - in October that year the first lions were re-introduced to the Eastern Cape. Shamwari now spans a massive 25 000 hectares of rehabilitated African landscape and wildlife.

Shamwari Wildlife Department

The restoration of land to natural habitats for indigenous wildlife has always been a priority for Shamwari Game Reserve, especially considering that for the last two centuries land in the Eastern Cape was used predominantly for agricultural purposes. Since the 1990s land restoration has included the restoration of both the natural vegetation and natural predator-prey dynamics.

In 1996 the Shamwari Wildlife Department was opened for a full-time commitment to the restoration and management of Shamwari’s unique eco-systems.  Shamwari spans over 25 000 hectares and forms part of the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The area is extremely diverse, being home to 5 of South Africa’s biomes as well as having 14 different vegetation types. The Shamwari Wildlife Department has been crucial not only to the restoration of land, but also to the on-going management required for the maintenance of the regions intricate and diverse eco-systems.

Environmentalists employed by the Shamwari Wildlife Department also monitor water and electricity usage and ensure that South Africa’s environmental legislation is honoured. For the wellbeing, health and safety of wildlife at Shamwari, the Department includes wildlife veterinary experts and an anti-poaching unit.

Shamwari Conservation Experience

Shamwari Game Reserve facilitates an exciting volunteer conservation experience known as the Shamwari CNSV:XP. This programme aims to give nature-lovers the opportunity to get hands on with African wildlife conservation, and get behind the scenes and make a difference in maintaining our precious natural environment.

The Shamwari CNSV:XP offers an excellent experiece of the day to day operational requirements needed to manage the game reserve. Volunteers work with Shamwari game rangers to assist with the tracking and monitoring African wildlife. Volunteers also work closely with the Shamwari Wildlife Department, helping with ongoing conservation efforts. There are also opportunities to assist with the rehabilitation of African wildlife at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries as well as get involved with environmental education and other interactions with local communities.

Shamwari CNSV:XP operates from a purpose built student centre and also hosts the following three specialised experiences:

1. Experiences for Gap year individuals
2. Specialised Group Experiences
3. Ranger Field Guide Training

The programme is safe and exciting and always overseen by suitably qualified guides and conservation staff.

Ecological Footprints

Shamwari Game Reserve has been given Green Leaf Environmental status by the Wilderness Foundation. This status reflects a high standard of practice pertaining to the wise use of water and electricity, careful waste management and recycling as well as the provision of education and training on these matters.

Shamwari Game Reserve has developed a long-standing relationship with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). As such the University has been commissioned by Shamwari to research renewable energy, with emphasis on solar energy designed specifically for use at game lodges.

Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue & Education Centre

Shamwari Game Reserve has a joint venture with the Born Free Foundation, UK, to provide treatment and care for African Cats rescued from inhumane conditions. Two Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries operate on Shamwari – the Julie Ward Centre in the south and the Jean Byrd Centre in the north. A number of big cats have been rehabilitated at the Shamwari Big Cat Sanctuaries, and later found excellent life-time care under the centres guardianship. Guests are encouraged to visit these facilities and both establishments are coupled with education centres geared toward increasing awareness about wildlife exploitation and captivity.

The Education Centres provide education to not only to visitors, but also to school children and students. A vast range of topics are explored including the wonders of African wildlife, the importance of conservation, and the suffering of wildlife in captivity – a worldwide occurrence which desperately needs to be addressed. At the Education Centres priority is given to young children from disadvantaged communities, and every month approximately 700 young minds benefit from the curriculum on offer.

Breeding grounds at Shamwari

Shamwari has dedicated 3500 hectares of land for the uninterrupted proliferation of rare or endangered wildlife species such as the Cape Mountain Zebra and the Disease Free Buffalo. The area is characterised by an absence of predators so that these species may multiply without natural predator threat. An annual game auction is hosted by Shamwari Game Reserve with proceeding funds directed toward Eastern Cape conservation initiatives as well as toward sustaining the Shamwari Wildlife Department.