Shamwari Game Reserve is the proud recipient of the first international Skal Eco-Tourism Award.
The announcement of the award was made last week at the International Skal Congress held in Cairns, Australia. Shamwari received this prestigious accolade ahead of 42 entries from 23 other countries around the world.

Skal International introduced the Eco-Tourism awards after United Nations declared 2002 the International Year of Eco-Tourism. Earlier this year various projects were identified as potential candidates for nomination, Shamwari being one of them and now the official winner.

Adrian Gardiner, co-owner of Shamwari, said of the achievement, “Shamwari has once again proved itself worthy of the title as world leader in eco-tourism and promoter of the Eastern Cape. We are exceptionally proud of our team to have received this award and shown the tourism industry what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.”

The nominees had to indicate that each of their projects enhanced the overall tourism product that they represented and at the same time protect the environment for the benefit of tourism. Eco-tourism should contribute to the conservation and improvement of the natural areas and to the sustainable development of surrounding areas and local communities.
Shamwari has achieved this consistently since it opened its doors 10 years ago through the rehabilitation of the vegetation and the reintroduction of the wildlife that belong in the area.

“This only confirms what we have known from the beginning, that there is definitely a place for man and nature to work together for a sustainable future for all to enjoy and appreciate. Skal International has recognised the benefits of eco-tourism and we are extremely pleased to be working together with them to further promote this important element of the tourism industry,” added Gardiner.

The Shamwari Game Reserve, situated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, blends all aspects luxury, adventure, culture and nature to guarantee an unforgettable African experience, and its spa experience is no exception.
Within the superb Shamwari collection of accommodation lodges, located deep in the valley bushveld, is the Lobengula Lodge, coupled with a spa paradise offering exotic eastern treatments in a truly spectacular setting.

Important eco-issue are always embraced by the spa ethos - so as an exclusive retreat, Shamwari is hard to beat, and travellers searching for harmony and the real meaning of ‘being at one with nature’ will find that the traditional Lobengula Lodge is an incredibly special place of peace and tranquility.

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