Bayethe Lodge, Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Location

It takes a little over an hour to reach Bayethe Lodge from Port Elizabeth, where several daily flights connect on to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. It's also perfectly placed for those wishing to add in a Big-Five safari experience to the start or end of a Garden Route self-drive. Nestled along a riverbed within the African Bush, the lodge itself is framed by river pools and riverine trees, ensuring privacy and comfort amid the pristine wilderness of the malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Accommodation

12 stylish tents come in the form of ‘Bayethe Hills’, two king and one twin bedded superior tent, and ‘Bayethe Luxury’, three king and six twin bedded luxury tents. Bayethe Hills Superior tents all feature a plunge pool, private decking, en-suite facilities, hammock and in and outdoor showers. Luxury tents also include a plunge pool, but in addition feature indoor baths and outdoor showers (twin bedded) and indoor shower and spa baths (king bedded).

Dining

With no luxury spared, Cuban cigars, rare wines and imported champagnes feature upon the Bayethe Lodge menu, with a choice of indoor and outdoor dining. Food served varies, at times reflecting the African bush, including fish, vegetables and rice. A children’s menu offers a variety of foods, ranging from pizza to steaks and burgers.

Facilities

Activities at Bayethe Lodge all focus upon the wildlife element of the Game Reserve, offering opportunities to bird watch the huge variety of bird-life, including Black Harriers, Pale Chanting Goshawks, Black-shouldered Kites and Booted Eagles. Game Drives and Guided Walks are often described as the highlight of guests’ stay, with game walks personally arranged, and game viewing carried out during the morning and evening with opportunities in spotting the Big Five and plenty of other species, bird-life, flora and fauna. Other on-site activities include deep sea fishing, elephant-back and horse-back safari, museums/historical tours and animal encounters.