Limpopo Province, South Africa
Shambala
Unique Floating Luxury. So Peaceful. And Stylish.
The Shambala Reserve is another concession found in the central region of the Waterberg incorporating 12,000 hectares of private game territory. In terms of wildlife you’ll see the Big Five as well as many antelope species, black and white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra, however this particular reserve is renowned for its elephant safaris and the Zulu Camp’s spectacularly unique setting.
A river, quite literally, runs through the Zulu Camp of eight intricately thatched and cosy chalets here at Shambala. Also as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, you won’t be disappointed with the level of luxury or services either: there is a spa, pool and driving range, all of which feel all the more pronounced in your wild surroundings.
A shrewd blend of chic African and provincial French décor has gone into the design and furnishings of the camp and its chalets, capturing the charm and wild sensation of your surroundings delivered with an elegant, pastoral polish. You’ll also be won over by the tranquility of the Zulu Camp and the staff at Shambala, who strive to deliver a very personal touch to your stay.
Highlights
Game Safaris by foot or 4WD
Elephant Safari
Bush Picnics
Sunset Cruises
Astronomy and Star Gazing
Eight Chalets
Spa
Swimming Pool
Driving Range
Heliport
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to South Africa
Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Shambala with
Mozambique
Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun.
Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.
Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.
The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
