The Smokey Moon - Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The Smokey Moon is a hotel near Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Location
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-33.309887, 26.500463
Phone
+27815315448
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 32/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

2565 species observed within 20 km, 65 mammals, 211 birds.

  • Sweet Thorn (Plantae, 1261 observations)
  • Cape Aloe (Plantae, 1164 observations)
  • Bietou (Plantae, 749 observations)
  • Longleaf Wattle (Plantae, 647 observations)
  • black wattle (Plantae, 583 observations)
  • Cabbage tree (Plantae, 509 observations)
  • Indian fig opuntia (Plantae, 507 observations)
  • blue plumbago (Plantae, 438 observations)
  • Wild Pomegranate (Plantae, 392 observations)
  • common lantana (Plantae, 367 observations)

Best Time to Visit The Smokey Moon

The best months to visit The Smokey Moon are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.36°C, rainfall 38.9mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.2°C, rainfall 38.4mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 69.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.38°C, rainfall 48.6mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 70.2%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.12°C, rainfall 45.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 70%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.4°C, rainfall 36mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 65.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.88°C, rainfall 26.2mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 58.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.39°C, rainfall 18.8mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 57%
  • August: Good, temperature 13.83°C, rainfall 21.6mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 61.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.37°C, rainfall 45.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.3°C, rainfall 68.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 71.3%
  • November: Good, temperature 18.55°C, rainfall 52mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.2°C, rainfall 69.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does staying at The Smokey Moon facilitate a safari experience at Shamwari Private Game Reserve?

The Smokey Moon serves as an excellent base for exploring Shamwari, located just a short drive from its main gates. While the hotel itself does not offer game drives, guests can easily arrange day safaris or multi-day packages directly with Shamwari or through local tour operators, benefiting from more flexible accommodation options. This allows you to experience the Big Five and diverse wildlife without staying inside the reserve.

What is the best time of year to visit The Smokey Moon for optimal Shamwari safari viewing?

The dry winter months, from May to September, are generally considered ideal for safari viewing near The Smokey Moon. During this period, vegetation is sparser, and animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot within Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The weather is also typically mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.

What amenities and activities can guests expect at The Smokey Moon, given its location outside Shamwari?

As a hotel, The Smokey Moon focuses on providing comfortable accommodation, dining options, and a relaxing atmosphere after your safari adventures. Guests can typically enjoy facilities like a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar, offering a tranquil retreat. While not directly offering game drives, the staff can assist with booking excursions into Shamwari or other local attractions.

How does staying at The Smokey Moon impact the overall cost of a Shamwari safari compared to staying inside the reserve?

Staying at The Smokey Moon often presents a more budget-friendly alternative to the higher-priced lodges located directly within Shamwari Private Game Reserve. You can save on accommodation costs while still accessing world-class game viewing by booking separate day trips or multi-day safari packages with Shamwari. This flexibility allows for greater control over your travel budget.

What are the transportation options and safety considerations for guests traveling between The Smokey Moon and Shamwari Private Game Reserve?

The Smokey Moon is conveniently located for self-drive guests, offering secure parking and easy access to Shamwari's entrance via well-maintained roads. For those without a vehicle, the hotel can often assist in arranging reliable taxi services or transfers to and from the reserve for your booked safari activities. The area around the lodge is generally safe, but standard travel precautions should always be observed.

Other Safari Lodges in Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa