“Stations, tracks of two male lions heading east along 7 Rivers Road.”

This may not be a sentence you hear every day, but it’s a common occurrence at Kwandwe. Calling in animal tracks on the radio is a key part of what we do—keeping each other updated on where the wildlife is moving. But when Martin shared this particular update, it felt different. It signified more than just lion tracks; it marked the beginning of a new era of expansion at Kwandwe. That road name had never been spoken on our radios before, and none of us had ever tracked lions on that ground. This was no ordinary sighting—it was the first time in over two centuries that lions had set foot on this soil.

On September 1st 2024, we removed what had been Kwandwe’s southeastern boundary for 25 years, opening an additional 8,000 hectares of wilderness. This monumental expansion, driven by the need to restore critical habitats for endangered black rhinos and cheetahs, now brings the reserve’s total area to 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres or 300 square kilometres). It’s a vital step toward safeguarding these species and preserving the Eastern Cape’s pristine wilderness.

A few days later, I sat at what used to be the reserve’s boundary and watched as a herd of elephants crossed onto new ground for the first time. At first, they hesitated—uncertain, as their well-worn paths had never led them to these unfamiliar hills and valleys. But one young bull, then another, ventured into this uncharted territory. Soon, the older cows followed, their deep, rumbling vocalizations guiding the herd towards the abundant spekboom thickets waiting to be explored.

What a privilege it was to witness this moment firsthand. In a world where expansion often means the shrinking of wild spaces, this was a rare and beautiful reversal—a vast tract of land returned to nature.

This remarkable expansion has been seven years in the making. After decades of livestock farming, the ecological functions had broken down in large parts of this area. It took painstaking work to restore the land, bringing it back to its natural state. Spekboom reforestation, an ongoing effort, has seen over 3.5 million saplings planted in these restored areas.

Internal infrastructure like livestock fencing had to be removed, new roads needed to be carefully planned, and others closed and rehabilitated. Security measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the many species that would soon roam freely across this newly restored wilderness.

The land itself is breathtakingly diverse. To the north, open clearings and drainage lines lead to waterholes, while the south is dominated by deep valleys framed by dense thickets and magnificent rock cliffs. Ancient rock paintings, discovered in some of these caves, offer glimpses into the lives of the land’s past inhabitants.

From the high ground between the valleys, the panoramic views are quintessentially Eastern Cape—endless rolling hills stretching to the horizon, the perfect backdrop for a sundowner. This new addition to Kwandwe creates more space for wildlife to thrive and more areas for us to explore.

Now begins the thrilling journey of discovering the nuances and secrets of this land—both for us and the wildlife. As we explore new paths, the animals too are rediscovering their ancestral home. With each day, we get to witness nature’s resilience firsthand, and there’s no greater privilege.

We invite you to experience the expansion of Kwandwe for yourself – get in touch with our reservations team to book your stay with us.