Shamwari Private Game Reserve introduces private air shuttle  

Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has launched a private air shuttle linking Cape Town and Johannesburg to the reserve. 

 

The flight lasts an hour and 45 minutes from Cape Town and about two hours from Johannesburg, reducing guests’ journeys from their arrival airport by up to four hours. 

 

Flights are operated on a 16-seat aircraft and, upon arrival, visitors are met at the airstrip and transferred to their lodge. 

 

The new service follows a refurbishment of the reserve’s lodges and the introduction of expanded conservation initiatives. 

 

Launched in 2024, the Shamwari Foundation has bolstered the reserve’s sustainability strategy and rewilding efforts. Recent actions include releasing 29 Cape vultures into the wild, successfully relocating two leopards and the recovery of a black rhino orphan after a poaching incident. 

 

During their stay, guests can visit projects such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuaries and the Vulture Breeding Programme. 

Chief executive of Shamwari, Joe Cloete, said: “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.

 

“Their safari experience starts on the aircraft and the short transfer doubles as a game drive. It means visitors can now enjoy their full stay without having to cut it short to fit commercial flight schedules.”

 

Shamwari Foundation manager, Karla Pienaar, added: “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 our initiatives.”