Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
African Inspired Safaris – Inspired to take you there
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ABOUT
Shamwari Riverdene Family Lodge
Why This
Inspires Us
- Riverdene is a Family relaxation, inspired by nature! Surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty and overlooks the widespread bushveld of the Eastern Cape – an ideal place where families are always at home (and bond for hours) and where guests become friends!
- We love how everything is thought of from the beautifully designed and interleading laid out suites with all the amenities (including a Nespresso coffee machine) and beautiful views from each terrace – down to the ‘Kids on Safari’ rucksack, caps and water bottles laid out on the beds.
- We love the fact that they go the extra mile for families! Children of all ages are welcome – a highlight is that children from the age of 4 are allowed on game drives – rare in most lodges!!
- ‘Kids on safari’ programme (they even cater for teens of safari!) is an amazing opportunity for each child – with so much to do and a great way to teach conservation initiatives! The lodge goes as far as even catering for children with their own kiddies menu!
- No child could ever get bored at Riverdene! The highlight is the kids club and adventure playground (with supervised zip lines, climbing walls, a maze and more)! In fact this is the largest and most thought of play area in any African safari!!! (Even as adults we want to join!)
- Our hearts were also touched by the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary that looks after mistreated animals and gives them a better life and the efforts made for wildlife conservation (A very moving experience).
- The experience in our minds at Riverdine is completed by the amazing hospitality, service and excellent food!

Lodge
Information
Riverdene Family Lodge has a welcoming ease and warmth and is a place where families are always at home and where guests become friends. Here you will enjoy sunsets under the expanse of the African sky, leaving you and your loved-ones with memories to treasure forever.
Surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, Riverdene Family Lodge overlooks the widespread bushveld of the Eastern Cape. The newly renovated lodge is the ideal place for families to bond for hours as gentle giants roam in the distance, while children can engage in the Kids on Safari programme.
Suites
You may have the best comfort possible at Riverdene Family Lodge for an exciting family safari. Families always feel at home at this lodge, and visitors quickly develop friendships with the locals. Children can also share a room at Riverdene Family Lodge thanks to its interleading rooms.
Dining
Evening meals are served either in the dining area or the boma* (which has a view of the Bushman’s River, or in elegantly designed interior eating spaces.)
*If you stay for 3 night or more you may have the opportunity for a boma dinner.
Safari
They offer morning and afternoon visits on their game viewing drives because these are the times when the animals are most active. You may get a full perspective of the surroundings from within our comfy, open vehicles. You are welcome to let your guide know if you have a particular topic of interest, and he or she will try to fit it in sometime along the way.
The actual game drives actually take you around the reserve and last for three to four hours. A coffee stop in the morning and a sundowner stop in the afternoon are both included in the wildlife drive.
Born Free Foundation – Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has partnership with Virginia McKenna’s Born Free Foundation. Over the years Born Free Foundation has rescued big cats from impoverished situations. Their goal is to create awareness of the horrific way in which wildlife is exploited in captivity around the world and promote conservation of species and the protection of habitat – all while still maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to these big cats. It solely relies on donations as it is a charity organisation, so when visiting a monetary donations are much appreciated.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
The Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, recognised as one of the top establishments in Southern Africa, holds complete accreditation for delivering veterinary assistance too young, abandoned, orphaned, or injured wildlife. Upon your arrival, a compassionate team member will greet you and guide you through the premises while providing an overview of their activities. Throughout the rehabilitation process, the animals are housed in specially designed enclosures called “bomas”. If there are animals under their care at the time of your visit, you may have the chance to meet them.

Specials and
Rates
African Inspired Safaris offers an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters.
Each package is bespoke, carefully crafted to align with our clients’ preferred dates, desired experiences, and unique safari requirements.
Contact us with your travel dates and destination preferences, and we’ll provide you with a personalised quote – including access to some of our amazing specials.
CHILD POLICY
- Children of all ages are welcome
- Each Luxury Room can accommodate 1 extra child
- Children 0-3 years can share a room with parents with no supplement charge
- Children 4-11 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate whether sharing or occupying their own room
- Riverdene All ages (Kids on Safari Programme)
- Children 4 years and older are permitted on all game drives
- Children 3 years and younger are not permitted on any game drives
- Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on walking safaris
Amenities and features
Need to know
General Overview
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Overlooks Widespread Views of the bushveld |
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Shamwari Private Game Reserve |
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Non-Malaria Area |
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Big Five Reserve |
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Accessible by Road |
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1hrs from Port Elizabeth |
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Int. : Port Elizabeth International |
Activities
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Game Drives (10 pax per vehicle) (from 4 yrs) |
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Off-Roading Allowed |
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No Tracker |
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Bush Walks |
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Bird Watching |
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Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre |
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Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries |
Lodge Amenities
amenities_Icon | Amenity |
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9 Luxury Suites |
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Wheelchair Friendly |
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WIFI |
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Mobile Reception |
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Camp Fenced |
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Child Friendly (all ages) |
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Swimming Pool |
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Electricity |
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In-Room Spa Treatments |
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Curio Shop |
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Laundry Services |
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Boma Meals |
Room Amenities
amenities_Icon | Amenity |
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WIFI |
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No Paraplegic Room |
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A/C (hot & cold) |
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Bath (inside) |
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Shower (inside ) |
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Mini Bar |
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Tea / Coffee Station |
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Hairdryer |
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Safe |
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Bathroom Amenities |
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Telephone |
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T.V (selected satellite channels) |
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Microwave |
Additional
Services
Because Safaris can be complicated, we offer other services that you might find useful.
Why not take a look and if you need more information feel free to contact us!