Shamwari Launches Private Air Shuttle, Strengthening its Position as South Africa’s Next Great Safari Destination
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Shamwari Launches Private Air Shuttle, Strengthening its Position as South Africa’s Next Great Safari Destination
13 November 2025
There are journeys that take you somewhere, and journeys that transform the very idea of arrival. At Shamwari Private Game Reserve one of South Africa’s most distinguished Big Five sanctuaries the unveiling of a new private air shuttle marks not just an operational milestone, but the beginning of a more seamless, more intimate safari experience.
As of this year, travellers may now fly directly from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Shamwari’s private airstrip in just 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town and 2 hours 12 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. What was once an expedition of multiple connections and extended road transfers is now a refined, time-conscious passage into the heart of the Eastern Cape wilderness.
This new service arrives at a defining moment for the reserve, which has experienced a remarkable era of renewal and recognition. Long Lee Manor was recently awarded a coveted Michelin Key, while Shamwari claimed several prestigious honours at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025 including Global Winner: Best Luxury Private Game Reserve in Southern Africa, Luxury All-Inclusive Lodge, and Regional Winner: Best Luxury Tented Safari Camp. These accolades reflect years of dedicated restoration, during which every lodge Eagles Crag, Bayethe, Long Lee Manor, Riverdene Family Lodge, Sarili Private Villa, and the new Sindile Tented Lodge was meticulously refurbished to match the reserve’s evolving vision of sustainable, deeply felt luxury.
A New Way to Arrive
The new air shuttle, operated on a 16-seat Beechcraft 1900D, represents a thoughtful reimagining of the arrival experience. The flight trims up to four hours off traditional travel times, allowing guests to step directly into the world that awaits them.
Upon landing, travellers are met at the airstrip and escorted on a short drive through the reserve a transfer that often feels like an introductory game drive. Wildlife sightings emerge unexpectedly: a giraffe lifting its head above the acacia canopy, a herd of impala scattering through golden grass, or a lone rhino carving a silhouette in the distance. The safari does not begin at check-in. It begins at touchdown.
“The Shamwari Air Shuttle gives people their time back,” explains CEO Joe Cloete. “It provides a convenient and time-efficient way for guests to reach us without spending hours at airports. Their safari experience starts on the aircraft, and the short transfer doubles as a game drive. It means visitors can now enjoy their full stay without having to cut it short to fit commercial flight schedules.”
In an industry where time is the rarest luxury, Shamwari has found a way to gift it back.
The Shamwari Foundation
Beneath the surface of elegance, Shamwari’s heartbeat remains its unwavering dedication to conservation. After more than three decades of pioneering wildlife and community initiatives, the reserve formalised its impact through the establishment of the Shamwari Foundation in 2024.
Built on three pillars Wildlife, Community, and Environment the Foundation now anchors the reserve’s long-term sustainability strategy.
Recent conservation successes illustrate the depth of Shamwari’s work:
29 Cape vultures are nearing release into the wild
Two leopards have been safely relocated through conflict mitigation initiatives
A black rhino orphan, rescued after a poaching incident, continues its recovery journey
Each achievement represents not only a life saved, but a philosophy upheld that tourism, conservation and community must move forward together.
Visitors are encouraged to witness these efforts firsthand. “Guests can visit projects such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and the Vulture Breeding Programme with VulPro, all of which show our work up close,” says Foundation Manager Karla Pienaar.
With the arrival of the new air service, guests are now spending less time travelling and more time immersing themselves in Shamwari’s conservation world. Many have already begun extending their stays specifically to participate in these initiatives.
“Shamwari is a living example of sustainable conservation in action,” Cloete adds. “Every guest who visits contributes to our 33-year rewilding project. The word ‘Shamwari’ means ‘my friend’, and that’s exactly how we want people to feel when they arrive.”
A Region Reimagined
The introduction of private charter flights elevates the Eastern Cape into a new era of accessibility, placing it on equal footing with well-trodden safari regions like the Kruger and North West. For travellers seeking big landscapes, authentic wildlife encounters and elevated hospitality without compromising time Shamwari now represents an unrivalled proposition.
The reserve offers what few destinations can combine so effortlessly: world-recognised luxury, specialist guiding, meaningful conservation and a true Big Five wilderness, all within a malaria-free ecosystem.
“The Eastern Cape has always deserved more attention as a destination,” Cloete notes. “With these awards, the Foundation and now the air shuttle, we hope to show just how much this region has to offer, and how accessible it can be.”
ENDS
For reservations, inquiries or bookings:
📞 +27 (0)42 203 1111
For media inquiries or interview opportunities:
📞 +27 (0)82 849 4160
About Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest malaria-free Big Five private reserves, spanning more than 25,000 hectares of the Eastern Cape’s most diverse and ecologically rich landscapes. It offers a rare harmony of luxury, conservation, and authentic African wildlife encounters.
Following a comprehensive refurbishment of all lodges Eagles Crag, Bayethe, Long Lee Manor, Riverdene Family Lodge, Sarili Private Villa, and Sindile Tented Lodge Shamwari continues to set the global benchmark for responsible, immersive safari excellence.
The reserve’s international recognition includes multiple titles at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025: Global Winner: Best Luxury Private Game Reserve in Southern Africa, Luxury All-Inclusive Lodge, and Regional Winner: Best Luxury Tented Safari Camp. In addition, Long Lee Manor received the prestigious Michelin Key, further underscoring Shamwari’s position as one of Africa’s most refined safari destinations.
Through the Shamwari Foundation, every guest plays an active role in the reserve’s long-standing conservation mission. Whether visiting the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, encountering rescued big cats at the Born Free sanctuaries, or exploring the vast rewilding terrain, travellers contribute directly to Shamwari’s 33-year commitment to restoring and protecting South Africa’s biodiversity.
Shamwari is more than a destination. It is a living, breathing example of sustainable tourism in action where every journey supports the future of the wild.
#Shamwari #ShamwariPrivateGameReserve #LuxurySafari #SouthAfricaTravel #EasternCape #SafariExperience #PrivateAirShuttle #BigFiveSafari #EcoLuxury #SustainableTravel #WildlifeConservation #LuxuryAdventure #TravelAfrica #SafariLodge #ConservationTourism #LuxuryGetaway #SustainableSafari #TravelInStyle #AfricanWilderness #LuxeMagazine #luxemagazineswitzerland