 Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
In the heart of South Africa's malaria free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown lies the Private Game Reserve Kwandwe which means 'Place of the Blue Crane'.
A far-sighted conservation, 20 000 hectares (49 000 acres) of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife.
Thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve Kwandwe Private Game Reserve features the exclusive Main Lodge, unique historic Uplands Homestead and Ecca Lodge, all offering world-class sophistication and style in the African bush.
The Rooms at Kwandwe Main Lodge
Set up along the banks of the Great Fish River in the scenic Eastern Cape, this extraordinary safari lodge affords spectacular views of the wild yet gentle African landscape.
Nine air-conditioned suites
En suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers
Private plunge pools
Expansive game viewing decks
African gift gallery
Reception in historical fort
Member of Relais & Chateaux
Kwandwe Main Lodge is stylishly furnished in Frontier Settler style, integrating local African culture with colonial settler history.
Elegant thatched stone and glass suites feature floor-to-ceiling doors that fold back to reveal uninterrupted wilderness vistas.
Guest areas have a large fireplace with massive stone chimney, and a soaring thatched roof with imposing chandeliers.
Sophisticated, glass-fronted sitting and dining areas boast expansive viewing decks with breathtaking river views. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed at the outdoor dining area.
Kwandwe is renowned for its spectacular bush banqueting in surprise settings.
Heatherton Towers is the main reception building, which is situated 40 minutes from the Lodge. It is, in fact, a Frontier War-era fortified homestead, complete with dramatic gun turrets and private chapel.
Ecca Lodge
This unique safari lodge resembles a classic, early settler farm dwelling with new Eastern Cape feel.
Ideal for family safaris
Six exclusive suites
Air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms
Spacious living areas
Swimming pool
Interactive kitchen
Unique bush playroom
Ecca Lodge is constructed using stone gabion (loose rocks packed behind mesh) walls and corrugated iron, creating a stunning raw sophisticated effect.
The Lodge boasts a fun bush playroom, swimming pool and interactive kitchen where delicious, fresh farm cuisines are prepared. Designed as 'parent-friendly', each suite features a spacious living area which can comfortably convert into accommodation for children 12 years and younger.
Activities:
Twice-daily game-drives: Experienced rangers and Xhosa trackers will lead you on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, bringing you close to Africa's Big Five. Fascinating nocturnal animals such as aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, Cape fox, bat-eared fox and springhare are regularly encountered on exciting night drives.
For those interested in bird watching, hiking along the river is especially rewarding and fishing is available for enthusiasts.
Canoeing: Catch sight of some of Kwandwe's incredible birdlife while paddling along the Great Fish River in a sturdy canoe.
Rhino tracking: Experience the thrill of tracking rhino on foot under the guidance of an experienced ranger and tracker - an unforgettable safari adventure.
Golf and polo: Possibility to organize golf and polo tours in the vicinity of Kwandwe.
Whale watching air safari
The Port Alfred Flying Club offers breathtaking whale watching flights over the bay. This adventure is seasonal - June to November.
How to reach Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
A two- hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a comfortable and is highly recommended for self-drive clients as the roads are excellent and driving down can be real fun. There are daily air connections from Port Elizabeth.
Note: Luggage is restricted to 10 - 15kg per person, preferably packed in soft bags.
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