The Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a 25,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary in South Africa's Eastern Cape, enters a new era as a rare find resort on April 1, 2026, under the management of Kerzner International («Kerzner»). Owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai («ICD»), the reserve's hospitality arm and sales arm for Shamwari Air, the property's dedicated private aviation service is now managed by Kerzner, inviting guests to enjoy the coveted Big Five wildlife for an unparalleled experience.
Home to a diverse ecosystem of more than 5,000 animals and 275 bird species, the private Shamwari Game Reserve is distinguished by a deep commitment to wildlife conservation, community engagement, restoration and responsible tourism. Set in a vast malaria-free landscape, the reserve has 62 keys in six separate lodges and a research camp, each offering a unique immersion into the ecological diversity of the Eastern Cape. Shamwari Air Shuttle offers private on-demand charter flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg, transporting travelers to the heart of the wilderness in less than two hours.
Rare Finds focuses on embodying the true soul and individual identity of a destination, discovering exceptional places through the lens of discovery, ensuring that each property remains a true reflection of local heritage. Through curated, personalized and narrative experiences, the brand turns every stay into an unforgettable memory.
«The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a defining addition to Rare Finds, embodying a new era of safari where conservation, cultural connections and exciting discoveries exist in perfect harmony,» says Matteos Georgiou, Senior Vice President of Rare Finds and SIRO at Kerzner International. «We are honored to build on Shamwari's extraordinary legacy as a pioneer in wildlife conservation and community stewardship, preserving its authenticity while thoughtfully enhancing the guest experience. Through Rare Finds, we bring exceptional places to the Kerzner ecosystem, connecting them to a global audience while staying true to their individual spirit. The official inclusion of Shamwari reflects our commitment to curating places of true meaning, where purpose and place come together to create transformative journeys delivered with the soul, precision and excellent service that define Kerzner on the world stage.».
From the pulse of the Big Five sightings to the educational Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, sanctuaries for free-roaming big cats, the Rhino Sanctuary project, rescue initiatives and the vulture breeding program, the reserve offers an enrichment center for families to experience nature and learn more about various conservation and sustainability programs. The hunting reserve offers an exciting multi-generational outdoor adventure, inviting the youngest explorers to see the magic of the wild firsthand, and children as young as three years old are allowed to attend guided safari tours.
The different lodges are designed to meet the needs of different audiences: from couples, multi-generational families to group travel, the different locations combine comfort and exciting experiences for all kinds of adventures. Game Reserve's culinary offerings at its six luxury lodges and exploratory hiking trail camp offer indoor and outdoor dining that celebrates social connection through a vibrant mix of flavors to suit all tastes in stunning settings. Whether enjoying breakfast at dawn in the bush or sunset overlooking serene lakes, each meal is served with breathtaking views that immerse guests in the vast reserve.
Each luxury hotel offers its own specialized wellness service, ranging from a tranquil spa to intimate treatment rooms designed to rejuvenate after a day in the woods. The hotel also features meeting and intimate event space, as well as a Children's Entertainment Center. The Children's Fun Center offers indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages.
Joe Cloete, who has been with Shamwari for 34 years, leads the team as Chief Executive Officer and will drive forward the sanctuary's goals and renewed strategy. Joe said: «We are very excited about our partnership with Rare Finds as we continue to enhance the guest experience and interactive experiences at Shamwari under the auspices of Kerzner International. It is our people who define the soul of Shamwari and we are committed to preserving and celebrating that together.».
The elevation of the private Shamwari reserve to the status of a rare site is a testament to Kerzner's expertise in managing religious sites with an innovative spirit.
For reservations or more information, visit Shamwari.com
