Shamwari Group Announces 2013 Highlights

After the successful re branding and new ownership of the group in late 2011, Shamwari Game Reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa, proudly unveiled the new Villa Lobengula which offers holistic relaxation, presenting guests with a true haven of rejuvenation, relaxation and utter serenity. The Villa is designed for families or intimate groups and offers just six suites, accommodating 12 people sharing with sole use and their own private guide, chef and host. Guests can enjoy meditation, holistic therapies and yoga.

Answering the plight of the rhinos, the Celebrity Ambassador Rhino Calendar was launched, to help raise awareness and much needed funds for rhinos in South Africa. The calendar also has the support of the Wilderness Foundation and Dr Ian Player.

Eight South African celebrities generously offered their time to the creation of the calendar such as Josie Borain, Bernelee Daniell, Pnina Fenster, Katlego Maboe, Irit Noble, Sam Pegg and the two youth Ambassadors, Jagger Pegg-Khalifa and Noa Pegg-Shuttleworth. The extensive shoot took place at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, outside Cape Town by renowned photographer, Andrew Brown. The calendars are available for purchase at each Shamwari Group property and all proceeds go to the Wilderness Foundation through the Shamwari Group's Forever Wild Campaign. The generous sponsors included Camera Ready, Black Orchid, The Paper Shop, Paper Smith and Sons, the Sunshine Co and Grand Café & Room.

Adding an utterly unique element to the Groups portfolio, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve opened the Explorer Camp which is operational until April 2013. Explorer Camp is a two day educational, walking safari experience within Big 5 territory, guided by Shamwari Group's Specialist Guide, Geran Ellish. Guests sleep in fully equipped mobile tents and guests experience the vastness of this wilderness on foot and learn more about the small, medium and Big 5, the history of Sanbona's wildlife reserve just like the San did hundreds of years ago, yet still receiving 5 star treatment - 'glamping' first hand. An option to include a 4 night stay with a combination of 2 nights Explorer and 2 nights luxury accommodation is ideal for a full Big 5 Safari experience.

Shamwari Game Reserve also opened its first Explorer Camp in April 2012 with the same offering available to guests as with Sanbona, however this is operational all year round. Jock Safari Lodge will be launching their Explorer Camp in March 2013 after the rainy season in the Kruger National Park.

Strengthening its ongoing support, Shamwari Group in conjunction with the international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, proudly announced its involvement in the Pride of Cape Town, which will be launched in Cape Town during summer 2013.

This public arts event aims to raise money and awareness for the Born Free Foundation by placing 50 decorated lion sculptures around the V & A Waterfront each sponsored by a corporate or individual. Lion numbers have dramatically dropped due to persecution, loss of habitat and unsustainable trophy-hunting. Their position has never been more perilous across the entire continent. Local artist, Andile Dylvane will paint and decorate the Shamwari Group lion.

The Born Free Foundation in South Africa can be found at Shamwari Game Reserve, which helps to rescue and care for vulnerable animals, such as lions, that cannot be returned to the wild.

Brian May, Queen guitarist and Kerry Ellis, Broadway singing star, have also put their names behind the cause and have created a documentary video that was filmed at Shamwari Game Reserve that accompanies a special acoustic version of the song 'Born Free'.

For further information reservations@shamwarigroup.com or +27 41 509 3000