South Africa’s Iconic Shamwari Private Game Reserve Joins Kerzner’s Prestigious Rare Finds Portfolio, Expanding Global Luxury Safari Offerings

Published on February 26, 2026

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South Africa’s renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve has officially joined Kerzner International’s prestigious Rare Finds portfolio, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of global luxury safari offerings. This collaboration enhances Shamwari’s standing as a premier destination for immersive wildlife experiences while aligning with Kerzner’s commitment to delivering exceptional, exclusive travel experiences across the globe. Known for its rich biodiversity, exceptional conservation efforts, and world-class amenities, Shamwari’s inclusion in the Rare Finds portfolio further elevates its allure among high-end travellers seeking unique, eco-conscious luxury escapes.

Kerzner International will officially assume management of the hospitality division at Shamwari Private Game Reserve starting on 1 April 2026. In a strategic development, Shamwari will be integrated into Kerzner’s Rare Finds Hotels & Resorts portfolio, representing a major step forward in the reserve’s evolution.This change reflects Kerzner’s broader strategy to enhance Shamwari’s international visibility while maintaining its deeply-rooted conservation efforts and its prestigious standing in South Africa’s luxury safari sector.

Located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Shamwari spans a vast expanse of 25,000 hectares of protected wilderness, providing a safe and thriving sanctuary for some of the world’s most endangered species. The reserve has earned a global reputation for its exemplary wildlife conservation programs, which include efforts to preserve the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo—as well as its commitment to supporting the local communities around the reserve through various initiatives. The partnership with Kerzner aims to build on this success by elevating the reserve’s global reach and ensuring its continued contribution to both conservation and tourism.

Shamwari’s legacy of preserving biodiversity and promoting responsible tourism is one of the key factors that has drawn Kerzner to this remarkable property. The reserve is home to an array of wildlife, and its conservation work has been at the forefront of South Africa’s efforts to protect endangered species in their natural habitat. In addition to its Big Five conservation, Shamwari is involved in critical anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community outreach programs. The new management structure will work to bolster these efforts while raising awareness of the reserve’s environmental stewardship on an international scale.

The integration of Shamwari Air into Kerzner’s commercial platform will further enhance the guest experience. By facilitating more convenient and seamless travel connections to the reserve, Shamwari will be more accessible to international travelers, helping to boost its appeal as a top-tier luxury destination. The aim is to provide a streamlined journey for visitors, enabling them to enjoy a hassle-free experience from the moment they arrive in South Africa to their immersive safari adventures. This development will be part of Kerzner’s broader goal of enhancing the overall guest journey, ensuring that guests can effortlessly explore Shamwari’s offerings.

The Rare Finds collection, which includes a handpicked selection of exclusive properties, is known for its commitment to cultural authenticity, environmental responsibility, and experiential luxury. Shamwari’s inclusion in the Rare Finds portfolio reflects its alignment with these core values. The collection is focused on offering properties that provide guests with authentic and unique experiences while also making a positive impact on local communities and the environment. As part of this portfolio, Shamwari will be positioned alongside other remarkable destination-led resorts, each offering its own distinctive appeal, but all sharing a deep commitment to sustainability and the creation of transformative experiences for guests.

In terms of its operational model, Shamwari will continue to operate as a conservation-based experiential luxury destination under Kerzner’s management. This means that, while the reserve will benefit from an enhanced global profile and seamless travel connections, it will remain steadfast in its mission to offer guests an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical safari. Guests will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the efforts that are being made to preserve wildlife, engage with local communities, and protect the natural environment. Shamwari’s philosophy of responsible tourism will remain at the heart of its operation, ensuring that each guest experience contributes to the larger goal of environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

The transition in management is set to take effect on 1 April 2026, marking a new chapter for Shamwari Private Game Reserve. While this marks the beginning of a new era for the reserve, it also represents an evolution of its existing ethos. The partnership with Kerzner is designed to bring greater global recognition to the reserve while maintaining the core values of conservation and community support that have made Shamwari a sought-after destination for eco-conscious travelers.

As Kerzner takes over management of Shamwari, the company’s global reach and operational expertise will help the reserve grow its presence on the world stage. Kerzner’s Rare Finds Hotels & Resorts portfolio already includes some of the most exclusive and unique destinations around the world, and Shamwari’s inclusion further elevates the collection’s standing. The partnership is expected to drive increased international attention to the reserve, attracting a wider range of luxury travelers who are looking for more than just a typical safari experience. By becoming part of Kerzner’s esteemed portfolio, Shamwari will gain greater exposure in the international luxury travel market, solidifying its position as a leader in conservation-focused luxury tourism.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve has joined Kerzner International’s Rare Finds portfolio, enhancing global luxury safari offerings by aligning with Kerzner’s commitment to exclusive, eco-conscious travel experiences.

the partnership between Kerzner International and Shamwari Private Game Reserve marks an exciting new chapter for one of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The move will strengthen Shamwari’s global visibility while preserving its focus on conservation, responsible tourism, and environmental stewardship. As the management transition takes effect in April 2026, Shamwari will continue to offer guests a world-class safari experience, with the added benefit of more seamless travel connections and enhanced international recognition. The integration of Shamwari Air and its inclusion in the Rare Finds collection will only serve to elevate this exceptional reserve, making it a must-visit destination for luxury travelers seeking authentic, immersive, and environmentally-conscious experiences.