Overall Impression The drive to Kichaka (Swahili for bush) of several hours from Plettenberg Bay, at the end of our Garden Route trip, was mostly easy highway driving and we were greeted warmly on arrival. Several staff members (Keith, the property manager, Charnel, our host that evening, and Francois, our field ranger and the head ranger at Kichaka) welcomed us as soon as we parked the car within the reserve just a few hundred meters from the N2 Highway.

We left our rental car at the reception building and hopped in the 4 x 4 vehicle with Francois at the wheel for our drive to the lodge, which was only a few minutes away along a gravel road. We liked the watering hole facing luxury lodge for adults and children eight years and older. It had pleasant common areas including two lounges, an indoor dining room, a boma and an Internet room with a computer for guest use as well as ten spacious, comfortable and handsomely designed suites. We looked forward to meal times when we had an opportunity to dine on our own or with other guests and enjoy the lodge’s foodie oriented cuisine and South African house wines.

The three year old lodge was on former farmland now converted into a repopulated game reserve and paid for traversing rights (permission to drive through) to a larger 10-year old repopulated reserve shared by four lodges. We would recommend Kichaka to local and international travelers on a Garden Route extension or planning to be in the Eastern Cape area and wishing for a malaria free game viewing experience within a small luxury property.

Children The lodge welcomed children eight years of age and older.

Class Of Accommodation Luxury five star safari lodge and reserve

Connectivity There was a laptop for guest use (and a second staff computer was offered) and WiFi in the rooms. After we received a Skyrove card with an access code we were able to get online quickly and easily to send and receive emails, albeit slowly. According to the property brochures, theirs was a satellite connection. Guests we were asked to keep the download of large files to a minimum.

General Manager Keith Craig managed the overall reserve and Jason Prince was lodge manager.

Handicapped Access The lodge was not designed specifically with handicap friendly features but had had handicapped guests and the staff were willing to assist as far as possible.

Length Of Stay Three nights

Location The nearest city to the lodge was Grahamstown said to be 20 minutes drive away. Kichaka was 90 kilometers from Port Elizabeth.

Owned Hillside Safaris owned by the Fenner family

Pets Allowed No

Size The lodge, which employed 42 people including four rangers and three trackers, had 10 suites with capacity for 20 guests. It was one of one of four properties within the 7,500 hectare Lalibela Reserve.

Year Opened-Renovated The lodge was established in 2007

Lobby And Common Areas We liked the Kichaka indoor common areas (it was too chilly to remain outdoors for long during our stay) and enjoyed spending time in the lounges, chatting with staff and other guests. The main building of the lodge, boma and swimming pool were right in front of a watering hole and the suites stretched out half on either side of the main building. Access to the rooms was via a wood walkway. Thanks to an electric fence that surrounded the lodge we were able to walk between suites and the lodge main building at all times. The decorative style of the lodge was contemporary with African elements, natural colors and wood. The main entrance, marked by a set of extra large wood doors that were closed at night, led to a main lounge and bar area with a view of an open terrace, pool and watering hole. The boma, where guests sometimes gathered for evening meals in warm weather and star gazing (the lodge had a telescope), was a few steps away from the pool. The gift shop and lodge bathrooms were to the left of the entrance. To the right of the entrance a set of stairs led one level up to a mezzanine library and Internet lounge. Lovely, large fireplaces in the main lounge and dining room were lit in the early evening. To the right of the main lounge there was a spacious dining room with a view of the watering hole; to the left there was a second lounge with a fireplace. There was artwork commissioned by Sally Scott and Kobus van der Walt and the architectural work was by Francois Theron. The interior design by Maurette van Eyssen and Di Morris was “classic with a rustic bush influence.”

Bathrooms Three steps up on each side of the bedroom led to a tiled (walls and floors were tiled in a stone color) bathroom area. There was closet space on both sides of the bathroom. A water closet occupied the right corner of the bathroom. The center back wall housed twin round sinks, three framed rectangular mirrors and a long travertine top above wood shelves. A large shower with a glass door occupied the final corner and an attractive oval bathtub for two was the center piece of the rectangular bathroom.

Suites Our 70-square meter suites, Honeysuckle and Plumbago, named for Eastern Cape flowers, were the last two rooms on the right side of the property. The suites were spacious and handsome. Thanks to large sliding glass doors and a triangular window at the top the pale mustard colored rooms were sunlit. They had wood laminate floors and large chandelier type lamps hanging from the ceiling. The room temperature was controlled with underfloor heating, and a wall unit heater and air conditioner. Wood was the predominant element for the furniture and décor in the suites.

Honeysuckle was next to last on the right side of the property. The well appointed suite had an excellent view of the watering hole and bush. It had a thatched roof, high ceiling and three distinct levels. Immediately next to the entrance there was a sitting area with a two-seat leather sofa, multicolor rug, wood cabinet with mini refrigerator and electronic safe, coffee table, and armchair. There were floor to ceiling sliding glass doors facing a covered deck area and plunge pool that faced the watering hole. The deck had wood floors, a table, two chairs, two lounge chairs and a plunge pool (it was much too cold to use the pool and too windy to sit outdoors for long during our visit).

Two steps up in the opposite direction led to a sleeping area with a king size bed set against a cushy brown headboard and matching wood night tables. A desk and armless chair faced a small window on one side. On the other, a wood credenza housed a coffee and tea service with a hot water pitcher,packaged tea and coffee and a Bose radio with an iPod dock (we listen to our iPod music using the dock). There was a multicolor rug on each side of the bed and a framed mirror hung on one side of the wall. Framed African motif artwork by Sally Scott hung on the walls in the bedroom area.

Plumbago, the last suite on the right, felt very private and secluded. It was identical in size and design to Honeysuckle except for the view. It had a view of the bush and a side view of the watering hole. It also had a bush facing 1.2 meter deep plunge pool identical to the one in Honeysuckle.

Food Breakfast, a combination of buffet and hot made to order choices, was served on our return from the game drives around 11 a.m. Snacks and sweets (chocolate cake) were available at a buffet table with tea right before the game drive around 3:30 p.m. And dinner was plated and served on our return from the game drives around 7:30 or 8 p.m. We were seated separately, except when we requested a joint table with other lodge guests.

The breakfast buffet selections were cold cuts, cheese plate (three types of cheese), fruit plate, cereal and yogurt cup, fruit cup, and breads. Made to order dishes included pancakes, several egg options, and French toast. Dinner, with house wines (premium wines and beverages were available for a supplement), was plated and served in the dining room. There were three appetizer and three main course options. For dessert, we had a choice of a sweet dessert like pannacotta or a fruit place. There were also cheeses available.

Some of the selections included: Starters of Creamy Mushroom and Camembert soup served with garlic croutons, Smoked Crocodile carpaccio salad drizzled with a Caesar dressing and parmesan shavings and Asian duck pancakes served with a plum chutney; mains of Slow roast lamb shank served with a deep fried garlic mash and a red wine jus; Herb crusted Chilean salmon served with a Nicoise salad and lemon butter crème; and Chargrilled Kudu fillet served with rustic potato wedges, red onion marmalade and a green pepper sauce and topped with fried onion rings.

The inclusive house wines at the time of our stay were: Weltevrede Rivers Edge Tricolore, a blend of sauvignon blanc, semillon and colombard from the Weltevrede estate; Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc from the Stellenbosch Hills estate; Bergwater Rendevous Red, a blend of shiraz and merlot and from the Bergwater Estate in Prince Albert; and Kleine Zalze Pinotage from the Kleine Zalze estate.

Amenities There were cotton bathrobes, house toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath salts), Charlotte Rhys room deodorizer, complimentary mini bar with soft drinks, beer and wine, in room coffee and tea service, meals including breakfast, afternoon tea before the drive, dinner, game drive beverages and snacks (rusks in the morning; biltong, crackers and nuts in the afternoon). Other complimentary in room amenities: a fruit plate, biltong (dried beef jerky), butter cookies, nuts and chocolate covered peanuts.

Facilities There was a bar, two lounges, dining room, mezzanine computer (one laptop for guest use) and library area, outdoor plunge pool facing the watering hole, gift shop and boma .

Pool The lodge infinity edge pool was 2.1 meters deep.

Game Viewing Kichaka was situated within its own game reserve and paid traversing rights to access Lalibela Game Reserve, a larger 10-year old reserve. Both reserves were on repopulated farmland. All rangers at the lodge had had cosmic safari training and were completing trails guide training to facilitate guided walks in the bush. They all held Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) certified field guide qualifications. Up to two game vehicles were allowed per sighting. Up to eight guests were allowed per vehicle. Francois, a serious ranger passionate about game viewing, and Smuti, a quiet tracker, looked after us during our stay. The first day we were the only guests at the property and had the safari team to ourselves. The first afternoon drive the weather was so poor (overcast and drizzling) we returned early to the lodge on Francois’ recommendation. On the afternoon of the second day of our stay a couple joined us; on the third day a second couple joined us. We had two five-hour morning drives. The drives were varied, mostly over very hilly and bumpy roads with a chill wind that drove through our bones.

During our visit we saw the following animals: elephant, white rhino, buffalo (there were only two males on the reserve), black wildebeest, blesbok, Burchell’s zebra, bushbuck, duiker, giraffe, impala, nyala, red hartebeest, scrub hare, springbok, vervet monkey, warthog, waterbuck, and leopard tortoise.

Birds: African pipit, black headed heron, black shoulder kite, black-headed oriole, bokmakierie, cape crow, Cape glossy starling, Cape Langclaw, Cape weaver, common fiscal, crowned lapwing, Denham’s bustard, Egyptian geese, fiscal fly-catcher, fork-tailed drongo, hadeda ibis, jackal buzzard, long-tailed widowbird, neddicky, ostrich, red-winged francolin, southern black tit, southern boubou, speckeled mousebird, stone chat, white-necked raven, yellow-billed duck, yellow breasted apalis, rufus naped lark, dark capped bulbul, pearl breasted swallow, and black-collarded barbet.

Activities Options included twice daily game drives and in-room massages (there was a therapist on site). Because the property didn’t yet have a license for its rangers to carry rifles the staff were unable to stray from their vehicles or offer bush walks. Although the Internet connection was slow it was a godsend to be able to check on and respond to urgent issues at home from the comfort of our suites and our laptops.

Curio Shop The curio shop buyer selected items that benefit “those less fortunate, those who haven’t had the opportunity to get a proper education but have so much talent and want to put it to good use.” There were products from the area, Durban and Cape Town in South Africa as well as Zimbabwe and Swaziland. She also selected environmentally friendly products made from recycled items such as Ngwenya glass products, Flick glass jewelery, and Babazeka jewelery and bowls.

The shop carried the work of a few local artists from Grahamstown such as Nathan Hook a young Zimbabwean who draws wildlife portraits, and Sally Scott, who specializes in Eastern Cape landscapes. The shop also carried artwork from Egazini, a foundation that brings people off the streets and promotes their art.

There were also Kichaka branded golf shirts, fleece tops, caps and beanies; World Wildlife Foundation items; Charlotte Rhys toiletry men’s fragrances as well as ladies’ salt scrub, moisturizers, body lotions, candles, and bath oil in travel sizes; tanzanite and platinum jewelery from Plantandia; and artwork placed around the lodge and for sale called Cabtography by Cobus van der Walt, an artist from Cape Town.

Other There was an electrical fence around the lodge, allowing us to walk between suites as well as to and from suites and the main building all the time. There was a massage therapists available for in-suite 30 to 90-minute massages. Kichaka was recipient of the 2007 Diners Club International award for best wine list.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2009

Reviewers Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service There was twice daily room service. Staff were friendly. On our return from the twice daily game drives we were greeted with beverages like sparkling wine and warm or cool refresher towels.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression What could be better than a top of the line game viewing boutique lodge filled with healthy animals in a malaria free reserve? One with a charming holistic on-site spa. The Eagles Crag Spa was just what the doctor ordered. After two days of international travel with so many connections I lost count, the thought of a spa treatment was inspirational.

I loved the natural style of the spa, bush quiet, excellent product line, lightly scented ambiance, sunlit rooms, sauna, spotless facilities, capable and cheerful staff and ideal location in the heart of the lodge (two steps from our room). It offered everything a good small spa should offer and more. Hats off to the folks at the Eagles Crag for a job well done!

General Manager Peta-Lynn O’Brien

Handicapped Access There was only a shallow step to enter the spa.

Location In the Eagles Crag Lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Managed Mantis Collection

Number Of Staff Two therapists and a spa manager

Owned Adrian Gardiner

Size There were two treatment rooms and two therapists

Special Training Staff had undergone Decleor training in Cape Town. All therapists trained in South Africa, completed international exams and qualified with South African Comite International D’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) ITEC and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (CIBTAC) certificates.

Treatment Rooms There were two bush facing treatment rooms with large open windows. They had air conditioning and heating.

Treatments Available Massages, facials, hydrotherapy and scrubs, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow shape and tint and eyelash tint. The spa offered couples massage and a special package for honeymooners including a hydro bath with flower petals and champagne.

Year Opened-Renovated In October 2002

Common Areas There was a small reception area with a desk for staff, a shelf of products and a sofa for guests. It was decorated with light earth tones and sunlight. The outside of the building was of brick and thatch with stone cladding. Interior designs were by Maurette Interiors and there were original Bushmen paintings by CJ Rudner 1958 on the walls.

Amenities Molton Brown guest amenities, toweling bath robes, and waffle weave slippers

Facilities Sauna, hydro bath and steam rooms

Lockers And Bathrooms The spa had his and her change rooms with shower, basin and toilet. The women’s bathroom where I showered after the hyrdrobath treatment was squeaky clean.

Other Spa staff were especially accommodating and offered treatments after the 4 p.m. closing time. Treatment options and bookings were limited to the availability of the two therapists and the staff recommended pre-booking spa treatments prior to arrival.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review October 2005

Number Of Treatments Three

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Would You Return? Yes

Treatments Experienced The Aromatherapy Massage was a treat. After two days of traveling and days of hurricane related stress I was looking forward to spending some quality time at the spa. Nandi, an agreeable young woman who trained in Cape Town, conducted the full body massage like a veteran masseuse. Nimble fingers found tense areas and soothed away aches lulling me into a slumber. She used a grape seed oil base with an essential oil blend.

My facialist Michele helped me decide on the one hour long Decleor Aromaplasty full facial. It included an eight-minute back massage and a short foot massage. The 100 percent natural multi-active treatment involved a “cocktail boost” for all skin types, a mask with vitamins and proteins for a hydrating, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and healing effect. It felt wonderful on my face after all the stale airplane and airport air from the trip.

The hydro bath was relaxing and soothing. The new looking tub faced the window, providing a natural landscape to contemplate while the bush dust and impurities washed off my body leaving my skin smooth. The water was hot, bubbly and inviting. I was thoroughly relaxed by the time I arrived at the game viewing vehicle for the afternoon drive. A short while later I’d be covered in fine dust again but at that moment I felt refreshed and clean.

Overall Impression After two days of traveling from the U.S. to South Africa via Europe we arrived in Port Elizabeth jet lagged and exhausted. Viktor, a Shamwari representative, awaited us just outside the arrivals area and drove us through verdant and rolling hills to Eagles Crag at the 20,000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve. An hour later found us at the entrance to elegant Eagles Crag, named for the crowned and booted eagles that made the area their home, and one of six properties on the Shamwari Game Reserve. The Reserve, named for the word friendship in Shona, was the first project to repopulate land in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa with animals that, over time, had been exterminated by man. When we visited, the Reserve had an abundance of healthy animals and the largest concentration of black and white rhino in private hands in the world. When we arrived, lodge managers Tania and Ryan Plakanouris welcomed us and helped us settle in to our spacious suite with a view of the crowned eagle’s nest.

Six of South Africa’s seven biomes, communities of living organism in an area, could be found on the Reserve. Perhaps thanks to this ecological blessing, the repopulation projects have fared well. Although the Reserve was repopulated, game viewing in Shamwari held many of the features we enjoy. It was a thrill to be back in the bush, discovering new animals, plants and environments in the company of a seasoned and colorful guide. We were especially impressed by the determination and hard work the owners and staff of the Reserve dedicated to repopulating the area with respect and kindness toward resident animals and plants while making it possible for guests to enjoy their visit and brief bush forays.

In addition to twice daily game drives and wonderful sightings, Eagles Crag offered well appointed oversize accommodations and an intimate ambiance with plenty of space in the common areas for us to spend time with other guests or remain to ourselves. We remember the great game viewing, delicious food, friendly and outstanding service, on-site spa facilities and first-rate treatment options with particular fondness and have since recommended Eagles Crag to several friends and acquaintances.

Class Of Accommodation Five stars

Eagles Crag Managers Tania and Ryan Plakanouris

Handicapped Access Yes. Although there were no rooms specifically designed for wheelchairs, property staff indicated the welcomed handicapped guests. Enquire for details.

Length Of Stay Three nights

Location In the Eastern Cape 105 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. Our drive from the Port Elizabeth airport lasted a little more than an hour.

Managed Mantis Collection

Owned Adrian Gardiner is the man behind Shamwari. Shortly after our visit he received the American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) 2005 Environmental Award, which honors an individual, company or country that has made a significant impact on preserving and protecting the environment. In addition to the Mantis Collection, Gardiner is the vice-chairman and co-owner of Castle Crane Hire, Material Handling Consultants, Giltedge Travel (offices in South Africa and the U. K.), Southern Africa Travel (U. K.), The World Wealth List (United Kingdom), Giltedge, the Magazine of the World Wealth List and The Born Free Foundation in South Africa.

Shamwari Game Reserve Manager Joe Cloete

Size Located in a 20,000 hectare private reserve, Eagles Crag had nine rooms with en suite bathrooms and private plunge pools. The main building and the rooms combined occupied about 150 by 100 meters of space. A staff of 32 looked after the facilities and up to 18 guests.

Year Opened Eagles Crag was established in October 2002

Lobby And Common Areas The lodge was decorated in a contemporary African style meant to blend with the bush. Empowered by the owners, Joe Cloete, who had worked at Shamwari for more than a decade, especially selected the site within the reserve for its secluded and protected characteristics. Once the site was chosen, South African architect Francois Theron was invited to develop a design to the owners’ specifications. The elegant interiors were by South African interior designer Maurette vin Eyssen of Maurette Interiors. The furniture, much of it of beech wood, was crafted by her husband Evan vin Eyssen of Evan Furniture in a small workshop near the lodge. Original oil paintings were commissioned with a dedicated theme for each room. Artwork by C.J. Rudner dating back to the 1950s and representing one tenth of his collection of Bushman sketches from the Eastern Cape was scattered through the main building and the rooms.

Bathroom The room design incorporated bathroom features within the overall living area. We found this integration pleasant. On one side of the room against the wall there was a cozy bathing nook with candles and a large stand alone bath tub on a wooden platform. On the other side there were twin sinks and twin mirrors. A water closet was just past the sinks and next to it we found a shower with inner and outer doors. This allowed us to shower indoors or outdoors. We could easily reach the deck and outdoor shower by crossing through the indoor shower.

Room Our 80 square meter room, Crowned Eagle 2 was steps away from the main building and as close to the spa. The concrete stand alone structure was crowned by a high thatched roof and ceiling. Inside, a beech wood desk and chair stood by the entrance. Two lamps and a phone sat on the desk and on the wall above it there was a painting of a magnificent crowned eagle by Fuz Catoria. There was a wood luggage rack to one side and beside it a large wooden armoire with an electronic safe. A king wood four poster faced the deck. Matching night tables stood guard to each side of it while two cloth chairs, a wood chest and table and a telescope populated a small living area.

Off white stone tile covered the floor and a carpet framed the sleeping area. To the other side of the entrance there was a second smaller wood desk and chair with a large mirror above it. Next there was a small refrigerator with a coffee and tea tray. Wall to wall glass doors on two sides offered the option of opening them all up simultaneously to enjoy our private deck, plunge pool and the greenery beyond. We opened them with caution after seeing monkeys near our room shortly after our arrival (monkeys can be very mischievous if they get inside a room). Even with the glass doors closed, we could hear the sounds of nature to remind us that in spite of the urbane feel we were in an African game reserve. The décor was African contemporary with lots of blonde woods and light safari colors. The small deck with a night lit plunge pool and large shade umbrella was inviting and enhanced the overall in touch with nature feel of the room.

Meals Food was plentiful and well prepared at Shamwari. Our first night we had a light spring vegetable soup, perfectly prepared pan-fried yellow tail fillet served on herb polenta with yellow patty pans and baby corn finished with a rainbow salsa, and an unconventionally refreshing individually served raspberry champagne jelly served with a fresh fruit coulis . Breakfast was a combination of a cold buffet and hot a la carte selections. The cold buffet options were yogurt, cereal, fresh and preserved fruit, cheese, cold cuts and bread. We tried an omelet and pancakes with bacon and sausage.

Although we were expecting sandwiches for lunch, we were pleasantly surprised by the buffet and a la carte menu options. One day lunch was completely a la carte. We tried the carrot and coriander soup, Greek salad, rump and French fries, tuna with pan fried vegetables and peanut ice cream dessert. The next day, the kitchen staff prepared a selection of hot and cold lunch options including Greek, mandarin orange and sausage salads, blue cheese and broccoli quiche in the cold section; roast potatoes, creamed spinach, stewed pumpkin, pasta and chicken for hot dishes. One evening we enjoyed an outdoor brai (grill) around a well light boma (outdoor fire) with grilled meats including impala, blesbok, springbok, lamb, kudu, eland, beef sausage, and beef. Side dishes included tomato and onion sauce, millie meal (African polenta), broccoli, potato and other salads. There was an attractive African cheese selection including camembert and blue cheese. Favorite desserts included milk tart, malva and sweet a doughnut like dessert.

Amenities There were bathrobes, slippers, a mini bar stocked with soft drinks, bottled water and wine as well as Molton Brown toiletries including soap, cucumber shampoo, ziao jao hairwash, purifying grapeseed anti-oxidant shower and coco de mer body lotion.

Facilities Dining room, lounge, small meeting room with conference table that doubled as a library, curio shop and spa.

Pool We had a 1.5 meter deep private plunge pool in the back deck of our junior suite.

Spa The spa building was a short walk from our detached suite. Inside, the small spa was spotless and inviting. Complimentary access to sauna and steam room facilities and treatments had to be pre-booked. The spa was open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Access at other times was possible by contacting the reception desk.

Game Viewing During our daily game drives we saw chacma baboon, vervet monkey, black-backed jackal, yellow mongoose, black wildebeest, lion, giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala, springbok, blesbok, cape glossy starling, buffalo, red hartebeest with a baby, common duiker, elephant, black and white rhino, kudu, waterbuck, and wild dogs. Birds: Jackal buzzard, pied crow, Cape turtle dove, forktailed drongo, fiscal flycatcher, Egyptian goose, helmeted guineafowl, hadeda hornbill, black-headed oriole, crowned plover, secretarybird, fiscal shrike, Cape glossy starling, spotted thick-knee, and Cape cobra.

Activities Twice a day there were game viewing drives. Our first morning our wake up call was at 4:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. departure and a return to camp near 9 a.m. Other morning drives were closer to 6 a.m. while the afternoon drives all departed at 4 p.m. and returned near 8 p.m. Our ranger and guide was Piet Otto, who “was born in the bush.” He drove us in a 4 x 4 open vehicle through the reserve. He was an experienced and able veteran capable of uncovering many of the treasurers the bush offered. In his company we enjoyed excellent game viewing of big five and many other animals and plants. A fun loving and gregarious man, he alone accompanied our group of six visitors on the game drives and determined the duration and pace of our excursions.

Curio Shop There was a selection of merchandise near the entrance. Items for purchase included Shamwari branded clothing, sandals, and dinnerware.

Established in 1990 as a way of “Conserving a vanishing way of life,” the Shamwari Game Reserve and its properties such as Eagles Crag strived to perfect the art of conservation. Management established a conservation department, headed by a veterinary surgeon and an ecologist, an environment manager, and 38 staff. The veterinary specialists and conservation enthusiasts researched the concept and history of the area to ensure the animals matched the populated the land and were appropriate for the area. The project began slowly by restoring the land to sustain diverse animal life and bringing a small number of disease free animals. Over time, more animals were brought in with mostly positive results and the reintegration process continued while we were there. There was also a breeding center where certain species could breed without predators and the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescue Center to provide humane care for rescued animals. Three thousand hectares of Shamwari were converted into the first private wilderness area in Africa.

Although during the day we were free to walk around the common areas of the lodge, at night we had to be escorted to dinner and back by an armed staff member. This was a safety precaution, common in many reserves, in case a predator decided to make a snack out of the guests during their evening strolls. We never encountered any wildlife although we heard a leopard had been sighted only a week earlier. Famous celebrities who had stayed at Eagles Crag included John Travolta and Brad Pitt.

Check-In-Check-Out Excellent

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Last Visit October 2005

ReviewersArticle by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service All the staff we interacted with were friendly, helpful and accommodating. There was twice daily room service, morning cleaning and afternoon turn down.

Would You Stay Again? Yes