He made the remarks during a visit to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where he planted an indigenous Outeniqua Yellowwood tree at the new wildlife rehabilitation centre near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.

Shamwari’s existing rehabilitation centre is considered as one of the best and most successful in South Africa, so much so that animals from other reserves are sent there for treatment or protection from poaching.

The new, purpose-built facility will expand the capabilities of the rehabilitation team, allowing it to treat and care for more sick and injured animals before releasing them back into the wild.

It will also serve as a conservation education centre where academics, researchers, guests, school groups and members of the community can learn about the practice and benefits of conservation.

Minister Hanekom says Shamwari’s 25-year conservation programme is an example of how tourism can fund projects to restore and protect the country’s indigenous fauna and flora, attract international investment and provide economic opportunities for rural communities.

Owners, the Investment Corporation Dubai, is investing US$25 million to upgrade Shamwari. In the first phase, two lodges, the flagship Eagles Crag and Riverdene Family Lodge, have been extensively refurbished.

The next phase includes building the new rehabilitation centre, renovating the historic manor house, Long Lee Manor, and extensively re-building the contiguous accommodation to provide 18 luxury suites. A new premium, luxury tented camp is under construction.

CEO, Joe Cloete, says the investment is critical to ensure Shamwari remains one of the world’s premier wildlife experiences and can continue attracting revenue to fund its conservation programmes, with all their linked benefits.

Independent research conducted on socio-economic impacts has shown that compared to agriculture, wildlife conservation increases the benefits for local communities by 10% in terms of income and skills development.
The upgrade project includes new menus at the lodges. All the ingredients are procured from local suppliers. Chefs, kitchen and hospitality staff have all received extensive training.

“Globally, eco- and experiential tourism is growing. With our abundant game reserves, natural beauty, modern infrastructure, good air access and favourable exchange rate, South Africa is ideally positioned to compete and develop this market,” says Minister Hanekom.

“Successfully doing so brings not only the obvious economic gains but creates a virtuous cycle which encourages further investment in conservation of our natural heritage and making the destination even more attractive,” adds Hanekom.

Situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, close to Port Elizabeth, the malaria-free reserve is known for its systematic, scientific rehabilitation and considered conservation programmes. Over the past 25 years, these have seen ecological diversity restored on the reserve and the reintroduction of the big five and other indigenous animals.

Joe Cloete, CEO, says the investment is not only to provide an enhanced luxury experience for guests. It will ensure Shamwari is able to continue attracting revenue to fund its crucial conservation work.

“We want Shamwari to be one of the world’s premier wildlife experiences, so we can sustain and grow an exceptionally successful 25-year conservation programme. A stay at Shamwari contributes to conserving a vanishing way of life.”

The upgrade at Eagles Crag has accentuated its reputation for exclusivity and luxury. The setting is tranquil, in a forest-covered valley floor at the base of the cliff from which the lodge takes its name.

A new viewing deck incorporating a fire pit and two private dining pods elevates guests above the forest canopy, while individual dining pods allow couples to share intimate meals and uncompromised views.

On the ground floor, the refurbished lodge now also offers an entertainment lounge, complete with billiard table, and gym.

The spa facilities have been upgraded and new international brands, Babor and Elemis products introduced.
The nine stand-alone suites, each of which sleeps two, have been extensively upgraded. Luxurious interiors open onto private decks in the forest. Each suite has both interior bathrooms and outside showers and a heated plunge pool.

Riverdene Family Lodge has been almost entirely rebuilt. The nine spacious, rooms are ideal for multi-generational families. All rooms are interconnecting, allowing for family time during the day and privacy for adults after the children are in bed.

The family orientated design extends to the exterior where a fully supervised outdoor children’s adventure playground combines climbing towers, elevated walkways and ziplines, all of which was specially designed for Shamwari. There is also a toddlers’ play area, maze and a mini soccer field.

When not out on game drives or enjoying themselves in the play area there are plenty of organised activities for children including a Kids on Safari programme which includes tracking and animal behaviour, star gazing, visits to the Born Free Foundation and pizza evenings.

For parents wanting a bit of quiet time, the poolside bar area, lounge and restaurant, looking out over a nearby waterhole, provide peaceful areas to relax.

The next phase of the project includes renovating the historic manor house, Long Lee Manor and extensively re-building the contiguous accommodation to provide18 luxury suites. A new, flagship luxury tented camp is being built.

Shamwari’s wildlife rehabilitation centre, considered one of the best and most successful in South Africa, is being expanded and guests will now be able to visit a purpose-built facility on the reserve, where animals are cared for and treated before being released back into the wild. This is in addition to the two big-cat sanctuaries, where, in partnership, with the Born Free Foundation, rescued African big cats are given a permanent home.

The entire upgrade programme will be completed by November 2019.