


Shamwari is a private game reserve approximately an hour's drive east of Port Elizabeth. During my stay I was fortunate to see all of the Big Five which was a real privilege. The safari guides were fantastic, very knowledgable and friendly. The accommodation superb.
After the late afternoon game drive, which normally finishes just after sundown, you will be served an evening meal that will definiately impress and be a talking point. Cooking on the barbeque, or brie as the South African's call it, will be a choice of meats including warthog and kuku!
At meal times you eat with your guide and the other guests that will share your vehicle giving you a great opportunity to get to know each other. This reals helps everyone to bond and enjoy a shared experience together.
www.shamwari.com
Nearest airport is Port Elizabeth.
Best way to get there is to rent a car. Alternatively, Shamwari can arrange for you to be collected from PE airport, or your hotel.
The Donkin Reserve, featuring a lighthouse and a pyramid, is one of the iconic landmarks of PE. The lighthouse is no longer in use, and now houses a military museum.
Sir Rufane Donkin, arrived here in 1820 to oversee the settlement of the embryo town, having been en-route for England when he was requested to remain at the Cape as Acting-Governor. The pyramid was built as a monument to his late lamented wife, Elizabeth Donkin, who had died while he was in still India. He was devastated by her loss, so he named the town Port Elizabeth in her memory.
The reserve is on the brow of a hill overlooking the City Centre and the harbour, and it was decreed that no building in front of it would be high enough to block the views. It is like the balcony of the city, and the views from here, especially at sunrise, are spectacular.
Access from Belmont Terrace, in front of the Edward Hotel.
Google map: tinyurl.com/yhwcysy
A complex of traditional build mud huts situated on an eco-friendly farm 12Km from the Addo Elephant Park main gates.
The en-suite huts have ceiling fans and tea and coffee facilities, plus a fridge.
Evening meals can be reserved and traditional food is served, cooked over an open fire.
Time can be spent relaxing alongside the pool or in the louging lapa.
The family who run the Lodge are very friendly and helpful with information about the area. This was my first experience of South Africa - Wow!
www.africanhuts-addo.co.za
info@chrislin.co.za
Tel: +27(0) 42 233 0022
Google map: tinyurl.com/ykj8ro9
Brilliant safari with the big five. Excellent guides, fabulous lodges, plus your own personal chef at a very pleasing price. Stay in the heart of the reserve with the animals or outside. Had a truly fab three days here and wish I could have stayed longer.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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