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At a glance

  • One of South Africa's finest private game reserves, set in the malaria-free Eastern Cape
  • Home to all the Big Five and a host of other wildlife
  • Numerous luxury accommodation options, including great choices for families
  • Known for its laudable conservation efforts
  • Home to the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre as well as big cat sanctuaries run in partnership with the Born Free Foundation

Overview

A conservation success story, Shamwari is an internationally renowned reserve dedicated to restocking large tracts of reclaimed land with animals that were common in the region before the advent of farmers and big-game hunters. All of the Big Five are present (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) and expertly guided game drives mean you'll have a good chance of seeing them over the course of a few days.

When to visit

  • January
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    126mm
    Average Rainfall
    January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days are hot and interspersed with spectacular thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoon. The Eastern Cape is mostly dry with some light rains. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants.
  • February
    29ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    19ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    107mm
    Average Rainfall
    As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot with rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation, many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants.
  • March
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    91mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures are still hot during the day. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, meaning layers are recommended when on safari. Bird watching is still very good.
  • April
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    51mm
    Average Rainfall
    Temperatures start to cool down as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are still warm, dry and clear throughout the country making it a good time to visit. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, and layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to migrate to warmer climes.
  • May
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    10ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    14mm
    Average Rainfall
    May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evenings and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out.
  • June
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    7ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    4mm
    Average Rainfall
    June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. The dry season is well underway, landscapes turn to shades of brown and yellow, and the foliage thins out making wildlife viewing much easier. Days are clear and sunny, but evenings and mornings are cold.
  • July
    23ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    6ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    July is an excellent time for a safari with less foliage and wildlife gathering around remaining waterholes. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are cold, meaning layers are recommended.
  • August
    25ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    9ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    10mm
    Average Rainfall
    Early mornings and evenings are cold and layers are recommended, though days are sunny and mild.
  • September
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    11ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    26mm
    Average Rainfall
    September, like August, is still dry. Even though the days are getting warmer, the mornings and evenings are still chilly, so layers are recommended. Vegetation is still sparse and would have been grazed down during the winter months so visibility for spotting game is excellent.
  • October
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    14ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    76mm
    Average Rainfall
    October heralds the end of the dry season in many parts of South Africa, with temperatures on the increase. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though game viewing and visibility are still good.
  • November
    27ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    17ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    115mm
    Average Rainfall
    With the rise in temperature there is increased rainfall, which tends to come in spectacular thunderstorms that occur in the late afternoon. With the rains the vegetation thickens, making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season.
  • December
    28ºC
    Maximum Tempurature
    18ºC
    Minimum Tempurature
    130mm
    Average Rainfall
    December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Days are warm during the day and cooler at night, and afternoon thunderstorms are to be expected. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from the waterholes. However, the lush greenery and a host of migratory birds in their breeding plumage compensate for this.

Location

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is in the Eastern Cape, a 60-minute road transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport.