KWANDWE GAME RESERVE
One of the continent’s southernmost game reserves lies in the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape; a district rich in history and blessed with abundant natural beauty.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve stretches along 42 kilometres of the Great Fish River and each of the luxurious glass and thatch suites overlooks its lush riverbanks. It is a river of great historical significance, as it was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779–1878 between the Settlers (and the Dutch farmers) and the Xhosa nation.
The river has created a flourishing habitat for rare and endangered species like the Blue Crane. Kwandwe aptly means “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa and the reserve is home to a stable population of these beautiful birds.
For Special Rates at Kwandwe Game Reserve please contact us
Accommodation
Each of the nine, luxurious, thatched stone and glass suites is set high up on the banks of the winding Great Fish River, offering sweeping views over the valley bushveld landscape. A pebbled path winds down to secluded river deck hides with private plunge pools. The glass and wood rooms ensure an unbroken view of the surrounding nature while sliding doors in the bathroom promise a unique bathing experience.
The stylish and classic décor at Kwandwe has been modelled on the new Frontier Settler style, which integrates local African culture with colonial settler history. Thick, roughly-hewn yellowwood tables, chunky kists and woven basketry exquisitely blend with Persian rugs and plush chaise longues. The emphasis is on deep comfort and contemporary design elements. Subtle aloe green and slate grey hues are used throughout the lodges to complement and enhance the natural environment.
A special feature of all visits to Kwandwe, is the expansive dinner that is served outdoors in a clearing. For many guests, these spectacular events form the highlight of their stay.
Wildlife
The massive and ambitious wildlife reintroduction programme at Kwandwe is now virtually complete, with all of the large mammals historically known to occur here, once again roaming free. For the first time in over 100 years, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Buffalo and Black Rhino wander free in this reborn wilderness. Giraffe, Zebra, Greater Kudu and several other antelope are resident and regularly seen.
Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles (children up to 5-years-old not permitted on game drives, aged 6–11 permitted at the Lodge Manager’s and ranger’s discretion). Other activities are bush sundowners, dinners on the banks of the Great Fish River, picnics in the Reserve, guided river-walking/hiking and canoeing, fishing, rhino tracking, visits to hides and Pioneer cultural storytelling evenings.
Walking in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a unique way of experiencing the wild. Hiking along the river or in the valley is permitted only with a guide and is especially rewarding for those interested in birds, vegetation and folklore.
