Back-to-Bush Walking Safaris in a Malaria-Free Big Five Reserve
This rustic camp is ideal for those seeking to connect with nature on an active African adventure in a malaria-free Big Five area. Operating in the summer season, two-night walking trails run Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday, led by seasoned guides. Comfortable—but not luxurious—canvas tents, campfires beneath starry skies and simple, hearty meals keep the focus on immersion in Shamwari’s wilderness. A game-drive vehicle is available if conditions require it, but the emphasis remains firmly on exploring on foot.
Price Per Person Sharing From:
From: POA
Rating | Personal and Comfortable
Highlights & What to Expect
- Seasonal two-night walking trails with experienced, armed guides and trackers.
- Unfenced camp; Big Five may pass close to camp—strict safety briefings apply.
- Comfortable tented accommodation; simple amenities keep the experience authentic.
- Primary focus is walking; a support vehicle is available when needed.
- Skies free of light pollution make for memorable stargazing around the fire pit.
- Birding along sandstone plateaus and thicket edges adds variety between walks.
Location & Setting
Explorer Camp sits on a plateau between sandstone outcrops in Shamwari Private Game Reserve, creating a wild, unfenced base for immersive walks. The malaria-free Eastern Cape biome blends thicket and open clearings, ideal for tracking big and small game on foot while avoiding heavy vehicle traffic. Days start early from camp, with routes chosen for wind and wildlife movement; evenings return to firelight, simple dining and expansive stars. The setting prioritizes solitude and fieldcraft over frills, yet remains convenient to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) for easy access or pairing with coastal and Garden Route itineraries.
Rooms
Three canvas tents, blended with wood and tucked into the bush, accommodate up to two adults each. Interiors are functional and comfortable rather than lavish, featuring twin beds with proper linens, basic storage and LED solar lighting. Each tent uses an outdoor, solar-heated shower and shares simple ablutions appropriate to a lightweight trail camp. Elevated positions look over grasslands and plains where wildlife moves freely, so privacy and silence are emphasized. This pared-back style is deliberate: it supports early starts, safe trail briefings and the calm focus needed to read spoor, wind and terrain on foot.
Facilities
Facilities are outdoors-forward and intentionally minimal. A dining tent and viewing deck anchor the camp, while a rock pool offers a refreshing midday cool-down between walks. Evenings gather around the fire pit for hearty meals and guide debriefs under striking night skies. There’s no gym, spa or elaborate bar—provisions are carried in, and the team prioritizes trail readiness, safety and low impact. A support vehicle stands by for logistics or adverse conditions. The result is a focused walking-safari base that favors expert guiding, field interpretation and genuine immersion over conventional lodge luxuries.
Amenities
Boma / Fire Pit
Viewing Deck
Tea & Coffee
Outdoor Shower
Activities
Game Drives
Walking Safari
Birdwatching
Stargazing
Wilderness Dining