In the midst of a $25 million refurbishment, scheduled to be completed November 2019, Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa welcomes guests to its Riverdene Family Lodge and flagship Eagles Crag Lodge. This 5-star game reserve, located close to Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape Province, is all about taking care of wildlife rather than hanging it on walls.

The on-site wildlife rehabilitation center and 25-year-old conservation program includes two big cat sanctuaries operated in partnership with the Born Free Foundation. The rehabilitation center is one of the most successful of its kind, regularly releasing well animals back into the wild. African big cats unable to be released are given forever homes in one of the two sanctuaries.

The 25,000-hectare property includes six 5-star lodges, Explorer Camp, three different education and rehabilitation facilities and plenty of spectacular free-roaming wildlife. Renovations to date include Eagles Crag Lodge, where a new viewing deck with a fire pit, private dining pods, enhanced spa facilities and an entertainment lounge in the main area have been added. Guests choose from nine new, stand-alone suites, each with its own deck that overlooks the forest, plus outdoor showers and a heated plunge pool.

At Riverdene Family Lodge, additions and changes include interconnecting rooms ideally suited to families. There’s even a supervised area that includes a children’s adventure playground, a  play area for toddlers and a mini soccer field. Activities include visits to the big cat sanctuaries, Born Free Foundation animal behavior expeditions, star gazing and a Kids on Safari program.