Long Lee Manor
Old-world Edwardian grandeur meets contemporary safari luxury. Formal colonial aesthetic with manicured gardens, a pool bar, and a boma for starlit dinners. More manor house than bush camp.
The Family Suite has its own private heated plunge pool and is the only room that accommodates children aged 6–11; all other rooms are adults-only (12+).
Why It Matters
The oldest and most stately lodge within Shamwari Reserve, originally built in 1910. It's Shamwari's flagship property and one of the very few five-star Big 5 safari lodges in a completely malaria-free reserve, making it uniquely accessible without antimalarial medication. Rare Finds Resorts affiliation and consistent industry recognition for conservation.
Long Lee Manor is the flagship lodge at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a 25,000-hectare malaria-free Big 5 reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Built in 1910 by descendants of one of the area's earliest English settlers, the Edwardian manor has been lovingly restored — think pillared verandas, manicured gardens, and a sweeping rim-flow pool overlooking a waterhole and plains that roll down to the Bushman's River. With just 18 rooms, it's the most formal and grand of Shamwari's lodges, balancing old-world colonial charm with genuinely excellent safari guiding.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Family Suite
The only option for families with younger children (ages 6–11). Two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area, private heated plunge pool, and views over the plains. Sleeps a maximum of 4 adults and 2 children. King beds in both rooms. A genuinely private setup so the kids don't disrupt other guests — and vice versa.
Garden Room
Four rooms looking onto the manor's manicured gardens, with views extending to the wider reserve plains beyond. Slightly more sheltered than the Plains Rooms, these are interleading and work well for friends or family traveling together. King bed, with both bath and shower in the en-suite.
Manor House Suite
Two suites occupying the upper floor of the original 1910 manor house — the most historically atmospheric rooms in the lodge. Balconies look directly over the rim-flow pool and the waterhole beyond. King-size beds, full luxury furnishings, and the same top-tier amenities as other rooms, with the added framing of the original Edwardian architecture.
Plains Room
Eleven rooms that look directly over the Shamwari plains, offering some of the best wildlife views from any room in the lodge. Each has a private veranda and an outdoor shower for that full bush immersion — you can hear the reserve while you rinse off after a morning drive. En-suite bathroom includes a soaking bath as well. King or twin configuration available; two rooms interleade for groups, and one is wheelchair accessible.
The Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided birding experiences with specialist guides who know the habits of Shamwari's 275+ bird species. Swarovski binoculars are provided. Can be combined with game drives or offered as standalone walks.
Boat excursion on the reserve's waterways, offering a different perspective on the wildlife and landscape.
Guided evening stargazing experience in the reserve's dark skies, away from light pollution.
The Born Free Foundation operates two big cat sanctuaries within the Shamwari reserve in partnership with the Shamwari Foundation. Guests can visit and learn about lions and leopards rescued from zoos, circuses, and private ownership. Included in the rate.
A visit to the Vulpro vulture conservation programme operating within the reserve, which provides a safe ecosystem for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of endangered vulture species.
Visit Shamwari's on-site Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured animals are nursed back to health. Guided by conservation experts who share the behind-the-scenes work of protecting South Africa's wildlife. Included in the rate.
Expert-led walking safaris on the reserve. Rangers share their knowledge of fauna, flora, animal tracks, and ecology. Persons under 16 are not permitted on walking safaris. Included in the rate.
Twice-daily open-vehicle Big 5 game drives at sunrise and sunset, led by expert rangers in custom-built Land Cruisers. Guests have use of Swarovski binoculars. Drives last approximately 3 hours and are fully included in the room rate.
Dedicated children's safari programme for guests aged 6 and above. Children receive a backpack and water bottle, and take part in age-appropriate wildlife and conservation activities.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Conference facility available for small meetings or private group events.
WiFi available throughout the lodge and in guest rooms.
Traditional open-air boma for bush dinners with fire pit, overlooking the waterhole.
Extensive formal gardens around the manor house — a key part of the colonial Edwardian aesthetic. Palm Court features weaver bird nests in spring (October).
Large rim-flow (infinity-edge) pool overlooking the plains and waterhole, with sun loungers, umbrellas, and an adjacent pool bar. Guests check in here on arrival.
Complimentary Swarovski binoculars provided to guests for use on game drives and bush walks.
The lodge perimeter is secured by electric fencing, standard practice for a Big 5 reserve lodge.
Laundry service included in the all-inclusive rate.
On-site gift boutique with safari souvenirs and branded merchandise.
Private air shuttle service operating on demand (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) from Johannesburg (approx. 2h15m) and Cape Town (approx. 1h45m). Includes private lounge access, meet and greet, light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and direct Land Cruiser transfer from the airstrip to the lodge. Luggage limit: 28kg total including hand luggage.
Steam room adjacent to or within the wellness facilities.
Well-equipped fitness centre available to all guests.
BUILD YOUR SHAMWARI LONG LEE MANOR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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