Kwandwe Game Reserve

(Eastern Cape - South Africa)

General Description

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, near Grahamstown, making it a natural conclusion to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route. 20,000 hectares of farmland in the Great Fish River region have been restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve.

The reserve stretches along 42 kms of the Great Fish River. The Kwandwe landscape is dominated by valley bushveld on open plains and rolling hills, with succulent euphorbias, aloes and spekboom among the characteristic plants - a landscape alive with giant flowers and their attendant Sunbirds. Kwandwe was recently rated the third best game reserve in the world by the Sunday Times.

Accommodation

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve features a number of accommodations; the exclusive Main Lodge, the unique and historic Uplands Homestead, and Ecca Lodge.

The nine suites of the Main Lodge are set along the aloe-studded banks of the Great Fish River, and feature private plunge pools and spacious thatched game viewing decks with magnificent views of the wild yet gentle landscape. Stylishly furnished in Frontier Settler style, the elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors which fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas. Guest areas have a large fireplace with massive stone chimney, and a soaring thatched roof with chandeliers. Sophisticated, glass-fronted sitting and dining areas boast expansive viewing decks with river views.

The gracious Uplands homestead is a sensitively restored 1905 farmhouse comprising three spacious en suite bedrooms with private terraces – available for sole use by guests. Uplands Homestead has a large swimming pool and gazebo, and guests enjoy their own private ranger, tracker, chef and open 4x4 safari vehicle. It is situated far from Main Lodge in a tranquil valley and combines modern touches with 1820 Settler décor and classic architecture. The sitting and dining areas feature high ceilings, wooden floors and beautiful fireplaces.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge features just six intimate suites, each with an en suite bathroom with plate glass-enclosed shower, bath, w.c and twin hand-basins, as well as a sitting area which can comfortably convert into accommodation for children 11 years and younger. Overlooking rolling spekboom valleys, main guest areas include a spacious sitting room, dining room and bar area, kitchen and sparkling rim-flow lap pool. The ‘fun member' of the Kwandwe family, Ecca Lodge is constructed of stone gabion walls and corrugated iron. Nestled into a gently sloping, densely vegetated hillside, the Lodge is airy and open with barely a barrier between indoors and the African bushveld. 

Dining

The food at Kwandwe is all to a high standard. At the Main Lodge, delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or in the boma. There is a dining room and bar area at Ecca Lodge where food and drinks are served. Uplands Homestead's private chef prepares delicious Pan-African cuisine and local specialities.

Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Lounge area

- Dining area

- Boma

- Game Reserve

Activities

- There are 2 game drives a day

- Golf and polo tours can be arranged

- Bush sundowners

- Guide river-walking/hiking

- Canoeing

- Fishing

- Specialist safari’s

There are many activities available in the local area (mostly at an additional cost)

- Guided game drives into Addo

- Elephant Back safari

- Helicopter trip

- Cultural, historical and agricultural tours

- Township tours

- Canoeing trip

- Mountain hike

- Day visit to private reserves nearby

Child Policy

Children are welcome, however, children under the age of 6 are not allowed on game drives. Children aged 6-11 are permitted at the Lodge Manager’s and ranger’s discretion.