Things to do in South Africa

Exploring Shamwari’s walking trails

We are able to discuss insects, tracks and interpret the signs left behind by animals and observe their behaviour…

By Jacques Human

Senior Field Guide - Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Explorer Camp - walking near elephants

For guests that really want to immerse themselves in nature and learn about the biodiversity of Shamwari Private Game Reserve, in our summer months from October to May, we offer a three-day walking trails experience.

On the first day we drive guests to our Explorer Camp which is set amongst rocks on a plateau with incredible views over the reserve. The camp has a viewing deck, plunge pool and a dining tent. There are three tents, each with two single beds that can be converted to a king if necessary. They all have an en suite bathroom with a shower.

After lunch, before we set off on our first walk, I give guests a safety briefing. I’ll explain what to do if we come across predators or large mammals such as elephant. We want to be able to observe the animals in a safe environment and always carry communication radios with us. On each walk there are two qualified trail guides and we never have more than six guests on a walk.

Walking gives a different perspective than being on a game drive. On the walks we are able to discuss insects, tracks and interpret the signs left behind by animals and observe their behaviour which you do not always see from a vehicle. Part of the walking experience is being able to approach the Big Five on foot. It is an amazing experience because we are on a level playing field with the animals.

We return to camp to enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic as we watch the sun set. A hearty meal is served around the campfire, where we can discuss what we have seen on our walk.

On the second morning we tend to rise quite early so that we can avoid the main heat of the day for our walks. Tea and coffee is served to the guest’s tent and we set off on our morning walk. Back at camp we serve a brunch and there is time to cool off in the plunge pool or take a nap in the hammock before our afternoon walk. Dependent on what we see, each walk can take three to four hours.

On the final day there may be time for a short walk. After their three-day exhilarating walking experience, guests depart with a greater appreciation of nature.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Route 62 Cape Gourmet Self-drive
by Becky Souissi

Length15 Days

Price range£6,195 - £6,825pp

Alfred & Jacques Human

Jacques grew up in the heart of the Great Karoo and loves being in the bush and working outdoors. He completed his professional field guide training at Shamwari where he has worked for over 11 years. Jacques is also a qualified full trails guide and loves teaching his guests the intricacies of nature. In his free time he enjoys CrossFit and travelling.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.