About Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
Bayethe Lodge is a luxurious tented lodge in the well-known Shamwari Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape area.
It provides a comfortable base for not-too-wild game-viewing and appeals to travellers looking for a relatively traditional safari experience.
We know Shamwari Reserve reasonably well, even though our team haven’t yet stayed at Bayethe Lodge. Our travellers have stayed here and given it very good reviews, so we have confidence that it’s a comfortable and well-run lodge for gentle game-viewing in Shamwari. However, we wouldn’t come here expecting a wilderness experience.
Our view
We know Shamwari Reserve reasonably well, even though our team haven’t yet stayed at Bayethe Lodge. Our travellers have stayed here and given it very good reviews, so we have confidence that it’s a comfortable and well-run lodge for gentle game-viewing in Shamwari. However, we wouldn’t come here expecting a wilderness experience.
Accommodation
12 tents
Children
Best for children 12+.
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Shamwari Bayethe Lodge
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 3 Oct 2022, 3 nights
"Shamwari Bayethe Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Mar 2015, 2 nights
"very much enjoyed the game drives"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Feb 2014, 3 nights
"Bayethe Tented Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent











Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 11 pictures of Bayethe Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryShamwari Bayethe Lodge: Our full report
Bayethe Lodge is a luxurious tented lodge in the well-known Shamwari Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape area.
It provides a comfortable base for not-too-wild game-viewing and appeals to travellers looking for a relatively traditional safari experience.
Unfortunately, none of the Expert Africa team has had the chance to stay at Bayethe Lodge yet, however, we do know the area as we’ve stayed on the reserve several times, most recently in May 2013. Furthermore, we’ve had excellent reviews from our travellers about Bayethe Lodge. So until we pop in for a visit ourselves, here is what we understand about it from the lodge’s information and our travellers’ comments:
Tucked away in the vegetation, there are 12 detached tents at Shamwari’s Bayethe Lodge, which offer views of the surrounding bush. With mellow tints like light green, white and beige setting the tone of their interior design, they fit in well with their surroundings and give an impression of airiness and much space. Nevertheless, due to maroon wooden floors and all the amenities the tents offer, they feel very substantial - you might occasionally forget that you’re staying in a tent!
You can choose between the following tent types:
The main areas at Shamwari’s Bayethe Lodge comprise a gift shop, a lounge area, where you can find a TV, and an outdoor deck with a swimming pool.
Activities in Shamwari Reserve evolve around morning and evening game drives by 4WD, each lasting about three to four hours. On our most recent visit to Shamwari, we got particularly close to both black and white rhino, and generally found these drives very productive in terms of sightings.
However, the sections of the reserve where game drives take place are significantly smaller than Shamwari’s whole area might imply, and so the rangers had a good knowledge of where to go for certain animals – using their radios extensively to fill in possible gaps in this knowledge. As a result, our game-viewing experience here didn’t feel very ‘wild’, in spite of excellent sightings.
Other activities are walking safaris, wellbeing treatments or visits to the educative Rhino Awareness Centre and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Geographics
- Location
- Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- We feel that you can explore the reserve on an introductory safari within a few days.
- Directions
- Leave Port Elizabeth on the N2 to the north. Take the signposted turnoff left to Bayethe onto the gravelled Sidbury Road. Continue on this road until you arrive at a T-junction, where Bayethe Lodge is signposted to the right. Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive yourself, you can book a chauffeur service between Port Elizabeth and Shamwari directly via Shamwari Reserve. There is also an airstrip for chartered flights into the reserve.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children from 12 years are accepted at Bayethe Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12 years.
- Special activities & services
- Bayethe Lodge is not child friendly. The tents can sleep a maximum of two adults and they are spaced far apart. Children cannot share a room with their parents. Bayethe does not have a dedicated children’s coordinator.
- Generally recommended for children
- Not under 12 years of age.
- Notes
- Although Shamwari isn’t known as a particularly wild game reserve, parents should always keep their children under close supervision as game risks do exist.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Bayethe Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Shamwari Bayethe Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- Internet access is available at the ‘business desk’ in the main area of Shamwari’s Bayethe Lodge.
- TV & radio
- There is a TV in each of Bayethe Lodge’s tents. In addition, you can watch TV in the main lounge.
Sustainability

Tourists and volunteers educate local communities
The 25,000 hectares Shamwari Game Reserve makes up the home of Bayethe Lodge. Staying true to its name – Shamwari’ means ‘friend’ in Shona – the lodge has been at the fore-front of community education for the past 25 years. Through the Shamwari Conservation Experience, the lodge engages volunteers, sabbaticals and tourists in improving the lives of those living in and around the reserve. Annually, the lodge celebrates Mandela Day by bringing a positive change in the neighboring communities.
In 2014, staff from Bayethe Lodge spent the day educating children in the local community of Paterson about rubbish collection. Each participant was awarded with a packet of chips, sweets and a slice of cake baked by one of Shamwari’s Senior Chefs in exchange for a bag full of rubbish. The initiative proved to be a success, as over 100 bags of garbage were collected by the end of the day. In 2018, the lodge took the international #ActionAgainsPoverty initative in the local communities of Paterson and Alicedale, where most of its employees came from. Teams of volunteers handed out cups of soup to 500 school children, and spent the evening helping out three day care centres with gardening activities.
Tourists can also get involved in the Conservastion Experience weekly, with activities ranging from cultural tours to tracking and monitoring Big Cats. It therefore comes as no surprise that Bayethe Lodge’s efforts for operating responsibly have been widely recognized and awarded with a Fair Trade Tourism certification.
See more great sustainability projects in South Africa
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
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Shamwari Bayethe Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bayethe Lodge.
Other lodges in Shamwari Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Riverdene Lodge
Located in the malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve Riverdene Lodge is ideal for families and is ideal for a short introductory safari

Sarili Lodge
Shamwari Sarili Lodge is located in the bush above the Bushman's River in South Africa’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve
When to go to Shamwari Game Reserve
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bayethe Lodge in Shamwari Game Reserve
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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