Shamwari Air Shuttle Launches Direct Flights to Luxury

Reaching one of South Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations has just become significantly easier with the launch of the Shamwari air shuttle. This new service links Cape Town and Johannesburg directly to the reserve’s private airstrip, allowing travellers more time to immerse themselves in the reserve’s newly refurbished lodges and expanded conservation initiatives.

A Seamless Arrival Experience

Operated on a 16-seat Beechcraft 1900D, the shuttle cuts up to four hours off traditional travel times. The flight takes just 1 hour 45 minutes from Cape Town and 2 hours 12 minutes from OR Tambo in Johannesburg. Upon landing, guests are met at the airstrip and driven through the reserve to their chosen lodge, often spotting wildlife along the way.

‘The Shamwari Air Shuttle gives people their time back. It provides a convenient and time-efficient way for guests to reach us without spending hours at airports.’ ~ Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari.

Cloete adds that the safari experience effectively starts the moment guests step onto the aircraft, as the short transfer doubles as a game drive. Visitors can now enjoy their full stay without having to cut it short to fit commercial flight schedules.

Award-Winning Luxury Reimagined

This launch follows a period of significant recognition and renewal for the Eastern Cape reserve. Long Lee Manor was recently awarded a Michelin Key, while Shamwari Private Game Reserve was named Global Winner for Best Luxury Private Game Reserve in Southern Africa and Luxury All-Inclusive Lodge at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025. Additionally, it took home the Regional Winner title for Best Luxury Tented Safari Camp.

These accolades coincide with the completion of a massive refurbishment programme that has revitalised all the lodges in recent years, namely Eagles Crag, Bayethe, Long Lee Manor, Riverdene Family Lodge, Sarili Private Villa, and the new Sindile Tented Lodge.

Conservation at the Core

Building on more than three decades of conservation and community initiatives, the Shamwari Foundation was registered in 2024 to expand the reserve’s reach. The Foundation’s three pillars—Wildlife, Community, and Environment—now anchor every aspect of the sustainability strategy.

Recent milestones include 29 Cape vultures nearing release into the wild, two leopards successfully relocated through conflict mitigation efforts, and the recovery of a black rhino orphan rescued after a poaching incident. Each of these achievements reflects the mission to link tourism with tangible conservation results.

‘Guests can visit projects such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and the Vulture Breeding Programme with VulPro, all of which show our work up close.’

~ Karla Pienaar, Foundation Manager.

Pienaar notes that the new air service means guests spend less time travelling and more time seeing conservation in action. Many are already extending their stays to take part in these initiatives.

Elevating the Eastern Cape

The introduction of private charter flights elevates the Eastern Cape to the same league of accessibility as the Kruger or North West regions. For guests short on time but unwilling to compromise on scale, exclusivity, or authenticity, the reserve offers world-recognised hospitality and specialist guiding within a true Big Five wilderness.

‘The Eastern Cape has always deserved more attention as a destination. With these awards, the Foundation and now the air shuttle, we hope to show just how much this region has to offer, and how accessible it can be.’

~ Joe Cloete, CEO of Shamwari.

Book your stay: For reservation inquiries, please contact reservations via email at reservations@shamwari.com or by telephone on +27 (0)42 203 1111. Visit www.shamwari.com for more information.

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