The Shamwari Group, which includes – Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape - Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, outside Cape Town - Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park in the Eastern Cape and Gorilla's Nest and Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Rwanda announces its numerous new initiatives for the upcoming seasons, which offer guests a plethora of choices whilst on 5-star safaris whilst supporting wildlife conservation.

A unique walking experience called the 'Explorer Camp', offers guests an opportunity to explore rich wilderness areas with a two day walking safari and accommodation in 'mobile tents' within two unique Big 5 territories. The Shamwari Explorer will operate throughout the year while the Sanbona Explorer will operate from October until April each year.

To make reservations even easier, guests can now book through the groups 3 Facebook pages. Guests simply log on via the 'Booking Enquiry' tab on the Jock Safari Lodge, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve or Shamwari Game Reserve Facebook pages and receive a 5% discount for being a fan.

Shamwari Game Reserve, in the Eastern Cape, offers guests the opportunity to experience a complimentary safari wedding of a lifetime. Simply book three nights accommodation and receive your complimentary wedding package. Or book out one of the five luxurious lodges in its entirety for your wedding guests - the wedding plus one room, for the bridal couple, will then be complimentary.

Riverdene Family Lodge at Shamwari Game Reserve has unveiled its refurbishment. As Riverdene is a family lodge the intention was to make the interiors, light, inviting and contemporary with the emphasis on being child friendly. This unique, educational and fun family safari provides many additional activities to entertain children of all ages such as the 'Kids on Safari' program, visiting the Animal Rehabilitation and the Born Free Centres to truly learn more about nature and the importance of conservation.

Shamwari Game Reserve has also launched two sustainable projects - a new water bottling system and a greenhouse for organic produce. The reserve now uses rainwater as an alternative to purchasing pre-bottled water through the Vivreau V3 water bottling system. The 'growing green' project offers a new greenhouse which will supply fresh organic herbs and vegetables, with no pesticides or harmful chemicals and offer a constant supply to the lodge kitchens on the reserve.

The first of many ongoing initiatives to be rolled out over the next few months, and in conjunction with the Wilderness Foundation's 'Forever Wild' campaign, Shamwari Group is now working together to help raise awareness and funds to help save the rhino . Guests can receive a special rate of R3, 500.00 per person, per night, sharing. A donation of R100 per person per night qualifies guests for this discounted rate and Shamwari Group will donate R500.00 for every room night sold. All proceeds will be donated to the Wilderness Foundation with the donation proceeds audited by Grant Thornton. Rates are valid until September 2012 (new bookings).

In conjunction with the international wildlife charity, the Born Free Foundation, Shamwari Group is proud to announce it is now a sponsor of the Pride of Cape Town, which will be officially launched at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town in 2013. This public arts event aims to raise money and awareness for the Born Free Foundation by placing 50 decorated lion sculptures around the V & A Waterfront. The Born Free Foundation in South Africa can be found at Shamwari Game Reserve, which helps to rescue and care for vulnerable animals, such as lions, that cannot be returned to the wild.

Brian May, Queen guitarist and Kerry Ellis, Broadway singing star, have also put their names behind the cause and have created a documentary video that was filmed at Shamwari Game Reserve that accompanies a special acoustic version of the song 'Born Free'

Nkomazi Game Reserve situated in the malaria free area of the Mpumalanga province, has implemented multiple sustainable initiatives for 2012. A Biolytix drain system was installed using a natural process where earth worms and 'friendly' bacteria break up human waste and clean water is pumped back into a man made grassland area where evaporation assists with the water cycle. Solar geysers and evaporative coolers have also been installed to reduce usage of electricity and the recycling of glass, cans and plastic has become part of a daily routine. Nkomazi also supports its surrounding communities such as Tjakastad and Ndebele, by stocking their handmade crafts at Nkomazi's gift shop.

This press release was distributed in behalf of our client the Shamwari Group.

The Shamwari Group presents - Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape - Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, outside Cape Town - Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park - Nkomazi Game Reserve, Mpumalanga - Gorilla's Nest Lodge, Rwanda & Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Rwanda

www.shamwarigroup.com

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