Sindile
Out of Africa contemporary design. Intimate, conservation-focused, intentionally minimal footprint. No visible structures or light pollution from any tent. The main lodge is a series of large staggered tents joined by elevated walkways and viewing decks — nothing permanent, nothing jarring.
Book a minimum of 3 nights to unlock the Bushman's River boat experience, which runs as part of one of the daily game drives
Why It Matters
One of only two tented lodges at Shamwari and the one with the richer story. The camp is named after a real leopard whose survival saga is woven into Shamwari's active Sindile Leopard Protection Project. Nine tents is the ceiling — you never share the reserve with more than 17 other guests. Every tent has its own heated plunge pool, and for stays of 3+ nights, a private boat experience on the Bushman's River is included.
Nine freestanding premier tents perched above the Bushman's River, each elevated on its own private deck with a heated plunge pool and unobstructed views over the reserve's plains. Named for Sindile — isiXhosa for 'survivor' — a celebrated leopardess who endured multiple lion maulings to raise five litters of cubs on the reserve. It's adults only (16+), all-inclusive, capped at 18 guests, and the 'Out of Africa contemporary' design is directly tied to the conservation story of the leopard it honours.
Where You'll Stay
1 room type available
Premier Tented Suite
From ZAR18,100 / nightFreestanding canvas-and-timber tent elevated above the surrounding bush on a private timber deck overlooking the Bushman's River and plains. Each tent sleeps two adults in either a king or twin bed configuration. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and separate shower inside, plus a second outdoor shower. There's an indoor fireplace for cold winter nights, a proper lounge and dining area within the tent, and a Nespresso machine. Outside, the private deck has a heated plunge pool with a lounging area under a pergola — no other structure or light source visible from it.
King or Twin (configurable)The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Specialist guided birding with rangers who know the habits and habitats of the region's extensive bird species. Swarovski binoculars provided to all guests.
A serene boat excursion on the Bushman's River, incorporated into one of the daily game drives. Available only for guests staying 3 nights or more.
Evening star gazing around the fire pit or from the viewing deck, well away from any light pollution.
Visit to one of two Born Free Foundation big cat sanctuaries operating within the reserve in partnership with the Shamwari Foundation. Resident lions and leopards rescued from captive facilities.
Visit to the Vulpro vulture conservation project, which operates a safe ecosystem for in-situ and ex-situ vulture conservation programmes within the reserve.
Visit to the on-reserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where guests can see injured and rescued animals in care. Included as part of the safari experience.
Professionally guided walks on foot through the reserve with armed rangers who share detailed knowledge of the flora, fauna, and tracking techniques. Available October through April.
Twice-daily drives at sunrise and sunset in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles with experienced rangers. Big Five sightings are plentiful year-round on the 25,000-hectare reserve. Drives run approximately 3–4 hours each.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Traditional African boma for outdoor evening dining under the stars.
Complimentary Swarovski binoculars provided to each guest for game drives and birding.
Shared bar and lounge with a fireplace and big screen TV.
Shared viewing deck overlooking the reserve with a fire pit — the gathering point for sundowners and evening drinks.
Each of the 9 tents has its own private heated plunge pool on the deck with a lounging area under a pergola.
Dedicated butler service for each tent, handling personalised requests including preferred beverages and in-tent arrangements.
Laundry included in the all-inclusive rate.
Airport transfer available from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for ZAR 1,550 per vehicle one-way (available 24 hours). Must be pre-arranged with the property.
On-site fitness centre within the lodge complex, shared with spa facilities.
BUILD YOUR SHAMWARI SINDILE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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