Shamwari is home to all big safari animals, including the Big Five. Both black and white rhino can be seen. Lion sightings are quite common, but leopard and cheetah are more difficult to spot. A good variety of antelope has been re-introduced, including red-hartebeest and springbok. The unusual black morph of the springbok is a rare sighting.
Wildlife Highlights
Most visitors will see four of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino) and leopards are also present, but quite shy. The northern half of Shamwari ranks among the best places in South Africa to see the endangered black rhino. A visit to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can get you up close to some orphaned or sick animals, which are nursed here to be released back into the wild when ready.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Although wildlife viewing is generally good throughout the year, it might be marginally better during drier months of June to September as animals tend to congregate around water sources at this time. Drives in open vehicles are however very cold in winter and the warmer summer months (October to April) are all together more pleasant.
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