South Africa: Eastern Cape game reserve joins Fair Trade Tourism's portfolio!

Fair Trade Tourism (FTT), a South African NGO that encourages and monitors fair and responsible practises in tourism establishments and activities, has added the Shamwari Game Reserve to its portfolio of South African tourism businesses. The Reserve, which is located 75 km outside Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, has marked its 25th anniversary this year by achieving Fair Trade Tourism certification for all eight of its tourism products. 

Set on 25,000ha of reclaimed farmland, the Shamwari Game Reserve is renowned for its wildlife conservation initiatives and commitment to surrounding communities. In addition to offering a classic wildlife experience, the reserve incorporates the Ian Player Rhino Centre, the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and its own Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre with a team of veterinarians on hand. Shamwari Game Reserve is home to the Big 5 and is malaria free. Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different lodges, all of which are 5 Star graded.

CNN's "Inside Africa" visits the Eastern Cape in South Africa (21:10min)

CNN's "Inside Africa" recently visited the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Watch the three-part episode embedded below and get to know Laduma Ngxokolo, a knitwear designer who combines his Xhosa heritage with modern fashion design, the business of mohair in the Eastern Cape as well as the Shamwari Game Reserve and its focus on rhino conservation. Kudos CNN!

Al Jazeera: New series follows trainee rangers as they fight rhino poaching in South Africa

update (12 Nov 2013): The sixth and last episode of "Wildlife Warzone" is online and available in the playlist below.
update (05 Nov 2013): The fifth episode of "Wildlife Warzone" is online and available in the playlist below! Learn more about the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape!
update (29 Oct 2013): The fourth episode of "Wildlife Warzone" is online and available in the playlist below! Learn more about the Selati Game Reserve in Limpopo!
update (22 Oct 2013): The third episode of "Wildlife Warzone" is online and available in the playlist below!
update (15 Oct 2013): We have added the second episode of "Wildlife Warzone" to the playlist.
"Wildlife Warzone" is a new six-part documentary series produced by 5to9 Productions for international news channel Al Jazeera. The series follows a new batch of young South Africans from all kind of backrounds as they are put through their 38 day course to become rhino rangers for Protrack, the first private anti-poaching unit in South Africa.

"Wildlife Warzone" is partly shot in and around the Kruger National Park and at Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, named the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Leading Safari Lodge at the 2012 World Travel Awards.
The series screens from Monday, 07 October 2013 at 22:30GMT, with additional screenings on Tuesdays at 9:30GMT, Wednesdays at 03:30GMT, and Thursdays at 16:30GMT. We'll add the following episodes to the video playlist above as soon as (and if) Al Jazeera makes them available.

The wildlife of the Shamwari Game Reserve (video)

One of the largest private game reserves in South Africa's Eastern Cape, the malaria free Shamwari Game Reserve is home to the Big 5 as well as to many other wildlife species. Five of the seven biomes of the world are found in the reserve, which is located halfway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown along the Bushmans River. Watch the video for a glimpse on what kind of wildlife and stunning landscapes the 25 000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve has to offer.

Guests of the Shamwari Game Reserve can choose from seven unique luxury lodges on this private game reserve. Kudos to Ranger Diaries for the video!

Shamwari Game Reserve conservation project (volunteer project) >>