Thursday, November 4, 2010

Lodge of the Week - Sarili Lodge on Shamwari Game Reserve

Modern Living

Sarili is the newest addition to the Shamwari Game Reserve’s portfolio of game lodges and opened its doors in 2009. Sarili was designed as a modern homestead with five internal bedrooms – all en-suite and part of the main lodge structure. Two bedrooms have an inter-leading area that is perfect for families and both rooms look on to a small protected garden and pool area. The remaining three bedrooms look over vast open plains along the Bushman’s River. The common areas are spacious and fairly open plan in layout, which gives the lodge a homely feel. The service is excellent, the staff are efficient and the food is sumptuous. For guests wishing to be pampered, they can visit the nearby Long Lee Manor lodge for first rate spa and beauty treatments.

Sarili is situated in the southern section of the Shamwari Game Reserve. The area is made up of large open plains bisected by the Bushman’s River which can be viewed from various high lying ridges and hills. A few of Shamwari’s lodges (including the flagship Long Lee Manor) and various staff lodgings are noticeable from most areas in the south. It is not until you head up to the more hilly northern areas of Shamwari that you feel like you are truly away from civilisation. The land is truly beautiful however the scars from its previous farming uses can still be seen in many parts of the reserve. Shamwaris’ amazing conservation story began 20 years ago when the area was being intensively farmed. Land was slowly acquired and transformed in to the Shamwari Game Reserve. Animals that once roamed the area were re-introduced and today Shamwari is the premier safari destination in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The southern areas of the reserve are very productive in terms of game viewing with great chances of seeing cheetah, lion, elephant and rhino and impressive sized herds of antelope species roam the plains. Although still rather elusive there is a good chance of viewing a leopard amongst the thick and hilly riverine vegetation. In addition to the usual safari activities guests have the opportunity of visiting a Born Free Foundation Centre based at Shamwari, interacting with animals at Shamwari’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or having a professionally produced DVD made up of your personal safari experience (at an additional cost).

Sarili is perfect for families with older children and small intimate groups of up to 10 people. It is ideal if booked on a sole-use basis for groups looking for a private safari experience with a hint of modern living. Sarili is not well suited for individual couples and families looking for complete privacy unless the lodge is booked out exclusively.

RATINGS BREAKDOWN

Core Ratings:	Sun Rays
Lodge and Camp	7.3
Safari Experience	8.0
Service	7.6
Facilities	5.6
Unique Rating	4.1
Conservation	9.5
Social involvement	3.8

OVERALL RATING:	8.4