South Africa Map
When visiting Shamwari Private Game Reserve, most people first fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. An organized tour may be started in either of these cities, but self-drive packages are also popular. Shamwari is 820km/510mi from Cape Town and the direct drive takes 10 to 11 hours*. A visit to Shamwari is easily included in a 1- or 2-week holiday in the Winelands and Garden Route area.
Shamwari is one of the few private game reserves in South Africa with its own proper airport. Shamwari Airport (SHW) comprises a 1.4km-/0.87mi-long surfaced airstrip and a modern reception lounge situated a short drive from all the lodges. The twice-weekly on-demand Shamwari Air Shuttle, operated by National Airways Corporation (NAC), now connects Shamwari Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.
Otherwise, the closest airport to Shamwari is Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), which lies 80km/50mi from the reserve’s main entrance gate. You can rent a car at the airport but a private transfer is also available. The drive shouldn’t take much longer than 1 hour*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and what tickets would cost.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our How To Get to South Africa page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.