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Beautiful lodges in a lovely game reserve . The accommodation is fantastic and the staff catered for all needs . The food was perfect , especially a tasty breakfast with the chef happy to cook things off the menu . A picnic was organised on the safari which was like a pop up Michelin star meal ! Everyone was so kind and couldn’t help you any more . It’s a truly wonderful place and I highly recommend staying there

We felt like we had won the lottery staying in long lee manor Shamwari. The most magical place. My husband always wanted to do a safari and this was by far the best experience of our lives. Unreal from the moment we arrived. We met some amazing people and our ranger Odi made the 4 days so special. Odi is such a gentleman and so much fun his knowledge and passion for his job made the experience unforgettable . ( team castle lite) :) The food was beautiful and the staff are great always greeted with a warm smile very friendly and nothing is too much trouble so so helpful. The Braai evening was so much fun and my husband even enjoyed the dancing especially with Daheem and Njabulo. The lodge was beautiful and clean and the views of the reserve amazing. The special little touches we loved like the little drinks and fresh towel we got every time we came back from the game drives the surprise birthday cake even our room being made cosy in the evening Just made it so so special. I also have to mention Lisa at the rehabilitation centre what an amazing young woman and the guys at the born free sanctuary the work and passion is inspiring. Keep up the good work it’s brilliant. We cannot wait to return we never wanted to leave. Thank you for the most amazing experience. we left our hearts in Shamwari 🫶🏻

Amidst the stresses of COVID, we decided to go away for a much needed family break and chose Sarili Lodge at Shamwari due to it being an exclusive use lodge - perfect for our size of family. As I leave this magical place…I feel compelled to write a review about the wonderful time my extended family and I had… Sarili lodge is a 5-star lodge within the Shamwari Natire Reserve. It consists of 5 luxury suites and due to it being an exclusive use lodge (you have to book the entire lodge for your stay), you have sole use of a lounge area, dining area, pool and expansive deck with views over a watering hole and reserve. You also have you own personal chef, game rangers, and house/lodge manager - everything you could possibly need for the most pampered stay. Whilst all the above speaks to luxury - what makes this lodge truly special, are the people who truly take care of you. Firstly, I want to mention Mino and Tim who are fantastic game rangers with a real warmth and hospitality that made us feel so at home. Mino has an incredible understanding of the reserve and it’s animals…he was able to track and show us all the special sightings - a lion kill, the birth of a giraffe, and the highlight was seeing all the Big 5 in one game drive! He is the most skilled and most passionate game ranger I have had the pleasure of meeting. He has a genuine love for his job and for nature. What was amazing is how he would tell us exactly what the animals would do - before they would do it - it should his understanding of their behaviour. Mino also went out of his way to do special things for us - from sundowners in the most magical spot - to a picnic in the bush for lunch. From the moment we met him - he went out of his way to ensure we had the most memorable trip - Mino - if your are reading this - you truly left us with the most special memories - I thank you. Tim was absolutely welcoming to the kids and adults. His energy and eagerness to please were so welcomed and appreciated by us all. He entertained us all - from playing with the little kids, to lovely chats with the adults. His knowledge of the bush and animals kept us all enthralled. And we all thoroughly enjoyed his game drives. He would stop along the way during the game drives and take time to explain to the kids and adults about the animals we were seeing. It added value to our game drives every time. Our lodge manager Mondi and his assistant manager Bianca were the most fantastic hosts. They tended to our needs (and sometimes our random requests) with such professionalism - but most especially with such warmth - it was like nothing was too much trouble. We were taken care off like royalty - and it made our stay absolutely special. They were always around to assist us with anything we required, and even spent time just talking to us and sharing their wildlife stories with us. Mondi shared so many stories of Shamwari and it’s animals. The food was consistently delicious and decadent - the quality of the dishes, the flavour and the variety were such a spoil. Our dietary requirements were met with ease, and any special requests were speedily met. It was a culinary delight! Shamwari is a magical place to experience nature in all her glory - we learnt so much and saw so many beautiful sights. I could go on and on about the unbelievable experience we had…but I will end my review by saying that this is a special place, with even more special people - and if you are looking for an everlasting memory - you will surely create one here.

There’s no question that the accommodations at Long Lee Manor are impeccable but it’s the hospitality that makes it a truly memorable destination. From the warmth of Obi and LizeMarie at reception to the culinary delights of Richard’s staff both in the dining room as well as in the bush, they don’t miss a mark. The true gem, however, is the Rangers. Our group of 15 was deftly led by Odie and Mino on 6 thrilling, educational and diverse game drives. Individually their expertise can not be overstated but their cohesion working as a team (you too Abel!) allowed our family to have unforgettable experiences that created life long memories for all three generations. Their knowledge isn’t just of flora and fauna but also biology, geology, astronomy and ecology. The conservation aspect at Shamwari permeates the experience. Visiting Glen at Born Free and Thaba at the rehabilitation center were unexpected bonuses that showed us how each of us can continue to be a part of supporting their efforts in eradicating animal cruelty and understanding the cycle of life in the bush. From 8-80 years old we were not only catered to but offered unique insights and views appropriate for each of us. This includes physical accommodations as well as educational…there’s nothing they don’t consider when it comes to meeting the needs of their guests. 10/10 will be back again!

Pure perfection! The attention to detail is beyond. The rooms, the food, the facilities- I could go on and on. What made it most special was the staff. So welcoming and warm. Our ranger, Michael and tracker, Advice were the DREAM TEAM! Seeing the Big 5 and many other animals as closely as we did was unreal. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was contagious. Chef Cobus and his team delivered at every meal and the BOMA dinners were such a highlight. The F&B Team of Carmen, Innocent, Spha, Clarence and others (sorry, I don't have everyone's names) left us wanting nothing. And all the team members behind the scenes in housekeeping and the kitchen were truly the heart of the operation. This was a trip and an experience we will never forget and we will DEFINITELY be back. We miss you all so much!