Shamwari Game Reserve has been acknowledged as the most luxurious experience on the continent and awarded the 2008 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for Best Luxury – Africa.
Shamwari was selected for the award by the largest travel community in the world. TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards showcase the hotels which have earned their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers.
“The award is a true testament to Shamwari’s dedication to outstanding customer service,” says TripAdvisor CEO Steve Kaufer, who explains that only TripAdvisor’s hotel awards represent the opinions of millions of travellers.
The 25,000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape province of South African will add this honour to the numerous international awards it has already won, including the World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve award for ten consecutive years.
Shamwari is the ultimate African adventure and conservation effort coupled with responsible tourism. It boasts six luxury lodges of refined elegance in a wilderness that boasts five diverse eco-systems.
The Shamwari Game Reserve is part of Dubai World Conservation Africa’s tourism-related operation, as are Jock Safari Lodge and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Dubai World Africa is part of the consortium that acquired the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for more than R7 billion in 2006 and also owns Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, a 170-hectare championship golf course development in the Cape Winelands, through its Leisurecorp division.
The Dubai state-owned company has firmly established itself as a contender in Africa’s elite property stakes with investments and projects already underway in South Africa, Djibouti, Zanzibar and the Comores. Dubai World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has indicated that the company will invest about $1,5 billion in Africa over the next five years.
Dubai World Africa CEO James Wilson explains that conservation is also an important focus area of the business, which is currently establishing Dubai World Africa Conservation as a holding company for a number of prime game reserves in Africa.
The Shamwari Game Reserve has generated lots of interest among several royal families including Dubai’s ruling family and His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco who recently ensured that two leopards, Pitou and Sirius (brother and sister, both 16 years old) were donated to the Born Free Animal Rescue and Education Centre within Shamwari.
This centre forms part of two Education and Animal Rescue Centres at Shamwari which provide long term humane care for big cats (indigenous to Africa) that can not be returned to the wild as well as providing an educational resource for visitors and students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
About Dubai World
Dubai World is a holding company that manages and supervises the portfolio of businesses and project for Dubai Government and works towards making Dubai the leading hub for the commerce and trading industry.
Dubai World contributes to the rapid economic growth of Dubai across a wide range of strategic industry segments ranging from Nakheel’s unique real estate concepts; the iconic development of The Palm, DP World the third largest port operator in the world to segments as diverse as Investments, Leisure and Financial Services.
In the past decade, creation of wealth has undergone a paradigm shift, with greater importance placed on acquisition and application of knowledge as the primary engine for economic growth all over the world.
Our business strategy is driven by a combination of acquisition and investment in diverse fields and is designed to deliver real, measurable results to Dubai world’s business units and investment partners.
A strong, visionary leadership has ensured that our ideas have always been innovative, ambitious and well thought out.
Our corporate philosophy is based on strong fundamentals, best ethical practices, integrity, healthy relationship between the management and workers and continuous interaction with stakeholders and partners.
Dubai World is firmly committed to make every country and community in which it operates a better place to live and work, knowing that the ongoing vitality of our host nation and local communities has a direct impact on the long term health of our business.
Dubai World Africa investments
Dubai World Africa Services (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of the holding company, Dubai World and shares a common vision, mission and value system.
Dubai World Africa is responsible for the acquisition and development of assets in Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
Dubai World Africa established the brand, Dubai World Conservation Africa, an eco friendly entity responsible for the investment in, preservation and responsible development of game reserves, wildlife conservation and eco tourism in Africa.
Dubai World Africa has assets in South Africa, Rwanda; Djibouti, Mozambique, Comores, Zanzibar, Senegal and Morocco.
