In addition to our daily activities, dedicated specialist rangers are on hand for those searching for a private and unique experience. Tailormade to every wish, these specialist experiences include involvement in important conservation work, walking, fishing, birding or photographic safaris.
Private guide & vehicle
Led by a dedicated ranger and tracker team, a private guide and vehicle offer complete flexibility throughout your stay. Tailor each day to your interests, combining safari activities, specialist experiences and time at leisure at your own pace.
Private guides and vehicles are booked for the full duration of your stay and are already included with all villa stays and Ecca Lodge Private Vehicle Suite stays.
Rhino Monitoring Drive
Gain unique insight into the conservation of White and Black Rhino at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Accompanied by a member of the ecological team, this specialist 3 to 4-hour experience focuses on tracking and locating individual rhinos as part of the reserve’s ongoing monitoring programme. Eyes-on checks are a critical component of rhino management in a private reserve. Identified through unique ear notches, each rhino is monitored using a combination of traditional tracking skills, drone technology and AI-assisted tools. Guests join the team in the field, contributing to the search while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes of rhino conservation. This is a drive with a difference, offering the opportunity to take part in a real conservation activity while learning from the people dedicated to protecting one of Africa’s most iconic species.
Available year-round and subject to availability | Recommended 2-night stay
Conservation contribution: R 19,250 (2026) | R 20,800 (2027) per drive – Prices exclude accommodation & daily conservation, community & reserve levies
Please contact us for availability and details.
Rhino Conservation Participation
Our Rhino Conservation Safari offers a rare opportunity to participate in Kwandwe’s rhino monitoring and management programme. As conservation increasingly embraces innovative technology, Kwandwe combines expert field skills with advanced tools to protect and monitor its White and Black Rhino population.
In addition to collecting DNA samples, young rhinos are ear-notched for identification purposes before leaving their mothers, while adult rhinos may be fitted with state-of-the-art solar-powered ankle collars that provide valuable insights into movement, behaviour and well-being. As these procedures require the immobilisation of the rhino, guests have the unique opportunity to work alongside the ecological team and veterinarian, gaining first-hand insight into modern rhino conservation in action.
Available May – September (Cooler months) | Warmer months on special request | Children 6+ | Recommended 3-4 night stay
Conservation contribution: R 95,000 (2026) | R 102,600 (2027) per group (max 8 guests) – price excludes accommodation & daily conservation, community & reserve levies
Please contact us for availability and details. You may also read more about our rhino conservation efforts on the Kwandwe Rhino Trust website.
Backstage Kwandwe
Backstage Kwandwe is a unique opportunity to join the Kwandwe conservation team and gain a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes in managing a privately owned reserve with complete responsibility for all flora and fauna. Available on 2 set dates in September for a shared Backstage experience or from May to September on an exclusive group basis. This is a rare opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of the commitment required to sustain and conserve a private wilderness area in South Africa.
Set date: 26 – 30th September 2026 | 20 – 24 September 2027
2026 Rates: R 67,315 per person (R 48,900 and R 18,415 conservation contribution)
2027 Rates: R 76,615 per person (R 58,200 and R 18,415 conservation contribution)
Includes accommodation at Ecca Lodge and conservation fees | Excludes daily conservation, community & reserve levies | Children 12+
Also available as a private experience. Please contact us for availability and details.