Shamwari Private Game Reserve has launched a new air shuttle service that connects Cape Town and Johannesburg directly to its private airstrip, cutting travel time by up to four hours and positioning the Eastern Cape as one of South Africa’s most accessible Big Five destinations.
Image: Supplied
Travellers can now reach the reserve in 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town and just over 2 hours from Johannesburg, with the shuttle operated on a 16-seat Beechcraft 1900D. Upon landing, guests are transferred through the reserve to their lodge, often spotting wildlife before check-in.
Shamwari’s CEO, Joe Cloete, says the new route marks a major shift in how visitors experience the reserve. “The safari begins as soon as guests board the aircraft. The transfer from the airstrip often doubles as a game drive, allowing travellers to enjoy their full stay without losing time to commercial flight schedules.”
A reserve on the rise
The new shuttle follows a wave of international recognition for Shamwari and the completion of a multi-year refurbishment across all lodges, including Eagles Crag, Bayethe, Long Lee Manor, Riverdene Family Lodge, Sarili Private Villa and the newly built Sindile Tented Lodge. Long Lee Manor recently earned a Michelin Key, while Shamwari received multiple honours at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025.
Conservation in action
Image: Supplied
The launch also coincides with the expansion of the Shamwari Foundation, formalised in 2024 to strengthen the reserve’s long-standing conservation and community work. Its three pillars – Wildlife, Community and Environment – guide projects such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and the Vulture Breeding Programme with VulPro.
Recent milestones include the upcoming release of 29 Cape vultures, the relocation of two leopards as part of conflict-mitigation efforts and the rehabilitation of a black rhino orphan rescued after poaching. Foundation Manager Karla Pienaar says the new air service is already making a difference: “Guests are arriving sooner, staying longer and engaging more deeply with our conservation projects.”
A boost for the Eastern Cape
With its new air route and upgraded lodge portfolio, Shamwari positions the Eastern Cape as an alternative to South Africa’s more established safari regions. Cloete notes that accessibility has long been the region’s biggest barrier: “The Eastern Cape has always had exceptional wildlife and landscapes. The shuttle shows just how reachable it can be.”
Bookings can be made via [email protected] or +27 (0)42 203 1111.
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