ABOUT KWANDWE
A little bit of what makes us unique
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30km (19 miles) through this pristine, private wilderness where the Big Five once again roam freely.
Kwandwe’s vast landscape is affected by the ocean, with south-facing slopes capturing moisture from the sea breezes, resulting in denser or taller vegetation and brightly coloured lichens. In contrast, the north-facing slopes tend to be drier and more open, and feature striking aloes which flower in spectacular profusion during the winter months (June to August).
Forest-like thickets of Euphorbia trees grow on the steep, south-facing slopes. These spiny plants are immune to destruction from most animal species (except the black rhino) thanks to the poisonous milky latex they exude.
The wide open spaces and tranquil scenery belie the area’s turbulent history, and relics of the area’s rich historical and cultural legacy can be found both on the Reserve and nearby.
At an additional cost, guests can spend time with a local historian and raconteur, and learn all about the history of the Eastern Cape, with insightful visits to ancient San (Bushman) rock art sites and neighbouring forts and military towns, such as Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown.
This is the ultimate historic Big Five Safari.
What sets us apart
- Member of Relais & Châteaux.
- Sole-use safari villa option – includes private ranger/host, tracker, butler, chef and exclusive use of an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Excellent nocturnal viewing – aardwolf and aardvark are regularly seen.
- Historical and cultural trips to Grahamstown and surroundings.
- Game-rich country with Big Five (black & white rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard) as well as a remarkable variety of predators and general game, including cheetah, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest and gemsbok.
- Malaria-free destination.
- A paradise for birdwatchers, the fish eagle and endangered blue crane are among a wide variety of birds found on the Reserve.
- The perfect add-on to an itinerary featuring Cape Town and the Garden Route.
- On 30km of privately owned Great Fish River frontage.
- Specialist Safaris: Frontiers at Kwandwe, Carnivore Research at Kwandwe, Photographic Safaris and Rhino Capture and Research.
- Ideal for families and small groups of friends travelling together.
Kwandwe Awards & Accolades
- 2008 – Melton Manor listed in the Conde Nast Travellers Hot List
- 2007 – Kwandwe listed in the Conde Nast Top Overseas Leisure Hotels category
- 2006 – Kwandwe listed in the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List
- 2005 – Gold Achiever, AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards Programme
- 2004 – Runner up in the National Geographic World Legacy Awards
- 2004 – Ecca Lodge listed in the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List (UK and USA editions)
- 2003 – Top 3 Best Social Involvement Programme in the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards
- 2002 – Great Fish River Lodge named on the UK Conde Nast Travellers Hot list