Big 5 Game Viewing and Luxury Accommodation
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown. 22,000 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, leopard and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve. Kwandwe also offers some of the most magnificent cheetah sightings in Africa. Kwandwe, meaning 'Place of the Blue Crane' in Xhosa, is also home to a population of these rare, highly endangered birds (the blue crane is South Africa's national bird).
Experienced rangers and Xhosa trackers lead guests on interpretive, twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Morning game drives depart before breakfast, as dawn is breaking over the reserve. Afternoon drives depart late afternoon, and include a sundowner stop in a scenic location. Guests return to the lodge with the aid of a spot-light to search out elusive nocturnal creatures such as porcupine, aardvark or even aardwolf.
Inbetween game drives, guided leisurely bush walks in Kwandwe's pristine wilderness can also be arranged, bringing you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best.
There are 4 lodges on the Kwandwe Reserve, and each cater for the luxury traveller who wants to get away. Ecca Lodge is relaxed, modern and trendy, and Great Fish River is set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named. Melton Manor is a contemporary frontier farmhouse with a modern touch, and the Uplands Homestead and The Fort are both available for the sole use of families and parties looking for some exclusivity and privacy.