BAYETHE TENTED LODGE - SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE - EASTERN CAPE:
For more information and photos please see the following web-site: http://africanadrenalin.co.za/mantiscollection/shamwari.htm

Welcome to Shamwari Game Reserve, the 20 000 hectares (49000 acres), malaria free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

This area of Shamwari Game Reserve is spectacular with rolling hills covered in aloes and many other indigenous Eastern Cape plant species. Six biomes come together here – one of which is commonly known as the Zuurveld with abundant succulents and many flowering plant species. There are open plains and a most amazing natural indigenous forest with yellowwood trees that are hundreds of years old, set along the Buffalo River which is an ideal habitat for the Knysna lourie and many forest bird species.

Each of the tented suites is situated along the banks of the river and has a separate plunge pool, air-conditioning and heating. They are very well appointed with private wooden decks with great river views and have large en suite bathrooms with separate w.c.s, his and hers vanities, slipper baths and spectacular outdoor showers. Two of the tents are on a small island in the river and you need to cross a low suspension bridge to reach them.

This is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism.

When you've spent all morning 'roughing it' in an open Landrover, you want to know you're coming back to a room or suite that offers you all the luxury and comfort you've come to expect, and gourmet food that will inspire and delight. Choose from six different accommodations the one that best suits your style.

Game viewing is carried out morning and evening on game drives, when you are driven in your open vehicle (which seats up to 6) over the rolling hills and valleys. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger; he will be happy to merge your plans into the group.

In the early morning (if you are keen) you will leave before dawn, spending up to 3-4 hours spotting before returning to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Blankets are supplied for those cold morning starts!

The heat of the day is usually spent in the shade, playing tennis, swimming, reading and, of course, enjoying a delicious lunch. Between 4:00 - 5:00pm, you assemble again for the evening drive.

As the animals emerge from their midday cover, you may see elephants browsing, rhino drinking at a waterhole, or perhaps the shy bushbuck motionless in the dense bushveld. At dusk, the Land Rover stops at some panoramic spot for a sundowner (from the icebox) and snacks.

Then, as the light fades, your ranger will plug in a powerful hand-held light. With its help, you can sweep the veld, seeing first the eyes and then the forms of a variety of nocturnal animals. By 8:00pm you are back at your lodge where a drink in the bar with your ranger, amid cheerful recollections of the day's discoveries is followed either by another great meal expertly prepared by our chefs, or a barbecue next to a roaring fire. Finally, a hot shower and a well-earned sleep. Before repeating it again the next day!

Generally, you may not leave your vehicle when it is in the reserve. Guided walks can be arranged in the company of your armed ranger, in search of rare animals. These hikes can often be the highlight of your African trip, for it is really only then that you gain a perspective of this great continent.

Note: Game drives are done in open Land Rovers, so you can feel close to Nature.

WILDERNESS TRAILS:
Usually nestled at the core of declared game reserves or resting on the shoulders of mountainous terrain, wilderness areas are the roaming ground of indigenous wildlife sheltered by landscapes, which are overwhelmingly beautiful. These have been part of the soul of humankind for a million years or more. In practical conservation terms, wilderness is the highest form of conservation category an area can achieve, and is defined by the World Conservation Union as a "large area of unmodified or slightly modified land and / or sea which retains its natural character and influence and which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural condition". In personal, social and cultural terms, wilderness was our home - the crucible in which humans evolved over millions of years - and is yet the repository of irreplaceable biological, economic and spiritual values.

Shamwari has recently set aside 16 % of their land, over 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres) as a wilderness area and are offering a 4 day wilderness trail programme. Four-day wilderness trails are run where two nights are spent in the bush with the first and last nights in the base camp. Your trail will be limited to 8 participants.

What makes the trail remarkable beyond a journey into these rare places is the sensitive and careful guidance by experienced guides who know and love the bush. You are not required to have sleeping bags, backpacks, camping equipment or extensive hiking experience. An all-inclusive trail fee covers all camping equipment, food, and transport from the base facility where you will spend your first night. Physical fitness and strength are not the focus of the trail. In the relaxed intimacy of a trail limited to 8, the wilderness brings out the best in everybody - including mutual responsibility for collecting water, firewood and keeping night watch. Camping is kept simple in open bush.

Shamwari operates their wilderness trails with a concern for minimum impact. The only lasting impression left by a wilderness trail is the experience itself. And it is likely to be indelible. As the founder of the SA Wilderness movement, Dr Ian Player, has said many times, "(Wilderness) presents us with a blue print, as it were, of what creation was about in the beginning, when all the plants and trees and animals were magnetic, fresh from the hands of whatever created them". Shamwari welcomes you and looks forward to providing you with a memorable trail experience.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE - Worldwide Experience:
Thinking about a gap year abroad or volunteering on Shamwari Game Reserve?

This unique and exciting gap year in South Africa with Worldwide Experience will give you the opportunity to get behind the scenes on this world famous reserve, working with the game rangers as well as alongside the wildlife department.

Gap year conservation projects are life changing and highly rewarding. This is your chance to give something back and make a difference to the future of our natural environment...all while having an exhilarating overseas adventure!

Worldwide Experience also offer you the opportunity to work as a conservation volunteer on some of Southern Africa's premier private game reserves and leading marine ocean research projects.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE: WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT: SECURITY & ANTI-POACHING:
Conservation of the fauna and flora on Shamwari Game Reserve using pro-active measures, as well as the protection of staff and guests by means of an effective security system, implemented by a well trained anti-poaching and security unit.

Ryan Adcock (head of the Anti-poaching and Security) started his compulsory military service in 1991. After completion of an intensive officers course, he did weapon training and demonstrations of all small arms. He was awarded the Gold Certificate for outstanding Service. Ryan later headed the security system for a poultry company which included weapon and field training of security guards on various farms.

Ryan joined Shamwari Game Reserve in 1997 as a game ranger and was soon promoted to head the Anti-poaching and Security units. He is also in charge of all field and weapon training. Ryan's duties often take him beyond the boundaries of Shamwari. On several occasions he and his well armed units assisted the local police force with distinction. He is also a member of local commandos units.

FUNCTION: Anti-Poaching Unit:
- Protection of fauna and flora
- Monitoring specific species e.g. black rhino
- Collecting relevant information from local communities
- Monitoring electric game fences
- Training personnel
- Assist to local police, Stock Theft Unit and Directorate of Nature Conservation.