Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Shamwari Eagles Crag
Cliffside safari lodge
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
ShamwariCliffside safari lodge
The lodge sits below sheer cliffs rather than on open plains, trading safari canvas for permanent stone and glass.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
the accommodations are more substantial than the tented variety, and just as luxurious as any; here the open-air deck and the elevated aerial viewing pods are the most memorable architectural features
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In a forest valley below sheer cliffs within Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
The rooms
Glass walls look out onto the forest canopy, and each private deck has its own heated plunge pool.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and gym
The Relaxation Retreat has a sauna and hydrotherapy bath, and an air-conditioned gym sits on the ground floor.
At the table
The thatched lounge bar has a stone fireplace, opening onto the viewing deck for drinks beside an open-air fire pit.
How it began
The name comes from the crag looming overhead, where booted and crowned eagles nest in the rock face.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.