Experience Africa in its purest form
Our "Why" - The Heartbeart of Shekinah
Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge was founded with a deep love for Africa's wildlife and a mission to provide a safe haven for predators facing uncertain futures.
Our journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when
countless lions in captivity were abandoned due to financial strain. We stepped in to rescue these animals, offering them food, care, and a place to call home.
One of our first rescues, Zuri the lioness, was found shot and left to die. She survived against all odds and became a symbol of our unwavering commitment to predator welfare. Her story is the story of Shekinah-a place of second chances, healing, and hope.
Why we exist
- Africa's predators need protection. With wild lion populations declining and captive predators often exploited, we provide a forever home where they are safe from harm.
- Luxury and conservation can coexist. Shekinah offers an extraordinary experience where guests enjoy world-class hospitality while directly supporting wildlife preservation.
- Ethical tourism is the future. Unlike exploitative wildlife tourism, we ensure that every animal in our care is treated with dignity and that guest interactions are respectful and educational.
- Sustainability is essential. Our lodge operates with eco-friendly initiatives, community empowerment programmes, and a commitment to responsible tourism.
- Education creates change. Every guest who stays at Shekinah leaves with a deeper appreciation for conservation and the challenges predators face.
At Shekinah, we do not just offer a safari; we offer a transformational experience where luxury meets purpose, where guests become conservation ambassadors, and where every stay contributes to the future of Africa's predators.
Our Mission
At Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge, our mission is to create a sanctuary where luxury, wildlife conservation, and ethical responsibility coexist.
We are committed to:
- Providing an unparalleled wildlife experience where guests can sleep safely side-by-side with majestic predators in a controlled yet immersive environment.
- Rescuing, protecting, and caring for lions, tigers, and other predators that cannot be released into the wild, ensuring they live in dignity and safety for the rest of their lives.
- Educating visitors on conservation and ethical predator care, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Africa's wildlife.
- Supporting conservation initiatives through sustainable tourism, habitat preservation, and ethical wildlife interactions.
- Offering world-class luxury hospitality in the heart of the African wilderness, ensuring each guest enjoys a personalised and memorable experience.
Shekinah is not just a lodge. It is a journey, a commitment, and a sanctuary—where every guest becomes part of something extraordinary.
Our Vision
By 2030, Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge will be a globally recognised leader in luxury eco-tourism and
ethical predator conservation, known for:
- Being a premier destination for high-end travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation-conscious tourists
seeking an exclusive and immersive safari experience.
- Providing a lifelong sanctuary for predators in need, setting the gold standard for ethical wildlife tourism and
responsible animal care.
- Driving tangible conservation efforts through partnerships, rewilding initiatives, and local community
engagement.
- Fostering a deep and meaningful connection between guests and Africa's wildlife, ensuring that each visitor
leaves with a profound appreciation for conservation.
- Promoting sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly practices that prioritise the well-being of both
animals and the surrounding ecosystem.
Our Ethical Conservation Commitment
Shekinah operates under an Ethical Responsibility Model focused on:
1. Caring for our predators: Ensuring the highest welfare standards for our resident lions, tigers, and cheetahs.
2. Supporting responsible wildlife tourism: Aligning with global conservation best practices and rejecting any form of exploitative wildlife interaction.
3. Empowering local communities: Creating jobs, training opportunities, and conservation education programmes for the people of the Waterberg region.
4. Minimising our environmental footprint: Investing in solar energy, sustainable architecture, and water conservation efforts.
5. Raising awareness & education: Providing guests with conservation-driven experiences that inspire long-term impact.
At Shekinah, we believe in conservation with integrity, tourism with a purpose, and wildlife experiences that
honour the natural world.
A Future Built On Purpose
Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge is more than a luxury retreat-it is a movement, a sanctuary, and a commitment to Africa's wildlife.
Through rescue, protection, and education, we provide a haven for predators while offering guests an unforgettable opportunity to connect with them in a meaningful way. As we continue to grow, our goal is to inspire more people to become advocates for ethical conservation and to ensure that every stay at Shekinah leaves a lasting impact on both the guest and the natural world.
Join us in our mission. Experience Africa in its purest form. Be part of the Shekinah story.
