What is Shamwari Sarili?

Shamwari Sarili is a Selected hotel located in Paterson, South Africa. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Shamwari Sarili have?

Shamwari Sarili has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Shamwari Sarili located?

Shamwari Sarili is located in Paterson, South Africa, in the Africa region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Shamwari Sarili?

You can view more details and booking information for Shamwari Sarili through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Shamwari Sarili | Selected in Paterson, South Africa

Name: Shamwari Sarili
Address: Paterson, Africa, South Africa
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Shamwari Sarili

Shamwari Sarili, nestled within the expansive Shamwari Private Game Reserve in Paterson, South Africa, stands as a Michelin Key Selected property offering an unparalleled luxury safari experience. This intimate villa is highly acclaimed for its exceptional service, stunning natural setting, and bespoke offerings, making it an ideal retreat for families and groups seeking a private and immersive wildlife encounter.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Shamwari Sarili consistently receives an "Exceptional" overall rating, with an average of 9.6 from past guests. It is widely regarded as a 5-star lodge and a top choice for discerning travelers, offering "unforgettable luxury and exceptional service". The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests praising it as a truly special place that creates lasting memories.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Shamwari Sarili for several standout features:

Service & Hospitality: The world-class service is a recurring highlight. Staff are described as incredibly warm, welcoming, attentive, and dedicated to creating a personalized experience, often treating guests "like royalty". The lodge offers dedicated house staff, private chefs, and guides, ensuring every need is met with professionalism and warmth. Butler and child-minding services further enhance the luxurious experience.
Location & Views: Perched majestically above the Bushman's River, the lodge boasts expansive and jaw-dropping views of the grassy plains. Its location within the 25,000-hectare Shamwari Private Game Reserve provides a malaria-free Big Five safari environment. Guests often marvel at spotting animals like elephants, giraffe, zebras, and kudu directly from their rooms or balconies.
Design & Ambiance: The lodge features a contemporary African-inspired design, with modern interiors layered with texture and color. Its thatched roofs and large wooden viewing deck blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The ambiance is described as an oasis of exclusive luxury, providing comfort and a homely feel.
Amenities: Shamwari Sarili offers a wide array of luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool (with a shallow area suitable for children), a cozy lounge with a magnificent stone fireplace, a separate children's lounge/play area, and both indoor and outdoor dining facilities. Guests also appreciate the private boma, Wi-Fi connectivity, a gift boutique, and bespoke fitness and spa treatment rooms. Thoughtful touches like Nespresso machines and Swarovski binoculars are also provided in rooms.

3. Room Quality

The lodge comprises five or six elegantly designed luxury suites/rooms, ensuring an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. Each room is tastefully decorated with a blend of contemporary and African-inspired furnishings, offering a serene and inviting ambiance. Guests experience unparalleled comfort with plush bedding and modern amenities. Rooms feature spacious sleeping areas, separate dressing areas, and private en-suite bathrooms equipped with lavish bathtubs and walk-in showers. Additional comforts include underfloor heating, air conditioning, mini-bars, electronic safes, hairdryers, and televisions with satellite channels. Most rooms boast private balconies or patios, offering breathtaking views of the river and plains. One of the Luxury River View Rooms is also wheelchair accessible.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Shamwari Sarili is consistently described as "delicious and decadent," with high quality, flavor, and variety. Guests praise the culinary team for easily accommodating dietary requirements and speedily fulfilling special requests. Meals are a culinary delight, with continental and buffet breakfast options, as well as three gourmet meals served daily. Both indoor and outdoor dining facilities are available, including a private boma for exceptional open-air experiences and a vast deck offering an intimate spot to watch the sunset. As an exclusive-use villa, guests benefit from personalized dining with an in-villa chef who tailors menus to preferences and dietary needs. All meals and selected local beverages are included in the rates, along with afternoon tea.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Shamwari Sarili is a cornerstone of its luxury offering. Staff are highly professional yet incredibly warm and friendly, going above and beyond to provide a personalized experience for each guest. Guests have felt "taken care of like royalty," noting that nothing seemed too much trouble for the lodge managers and their assistants. The dedicated team includes house staff, private chefs, and game rangers who are passionate and knowledgeable, making game drives educational and enjoyable. They engage with guests, sharing wildlife stories and assisting with various needs, sometimes even "random requests".

6. Location & Accessibility

Shamwari Sarili is strategically located within the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, a region known for its malaria-free environment and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five. The lodge's elevated position above the Bushman's River offers prime views and immediate wildlife sightings upon embarking on game drives. Accessibility is convenient, with the lodge being approximately a 55-minute to 1.5-hour drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) airport. This makes it an easily accessible option for travelers seeking a tranquil bush retreat away from urban hustle.

7. Value & Pricing

As an exclusive-use private villa, Shamwari Sarili offers a premium luxury safari experience, and its pricing reflects this exclusivity. Rates vary significantly based on dates and booking specifics. An example rate found is R 95,000 per night for the entire lodge, which accommodates up to 12 guests. Another example showed R 237,200 for a booking within 30 days of travel, valid from January to March 2026. The cost typically includes luxurious accommodation, all meals, selected local beverages, daily game drives, guided walks, laundry service, and the services of a private staff team including a house manager, personal chef, and ranger. A guest conservation levy of R 100.00 per person per night is charged separately. Children aged 0-3 stay free when sharing a room, while children aged 4-11 are charged 50% of the adult sharing rate.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

Bumpy Game Drives: Some guests found the game drives to be quite bumpy, more so than other safari experiences they had encountered.
"Zoo-like" Feeling: A recurring sentiment from a limited number of guests is that the large reserve, with its perimeter fencing, can sometimes feel "like a zoo," detracting slightly from a truly wild safari experience compared to other destinations. This has led some to consider it a "one-time only destination".
Closed Rehabilitation Centre: In one instance, a guest expressed disappointment that the animal rehabilitation center was closed for renovation during their stay, which they had been looking forward to visiting.