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, booking a private guide and vehicle will ensure a private game viewing experience throughout your stay. Days are entirely up to you and mix and match chosen activities with specialist experiences and down time. Private guides and vehicles must be booked for the duration of stay (already included for all Villa stays and Ecca Lodge Family Suite stays).
Rhino Monitoring Drive
Be part of a unique insight into how Kwandwe Private Game Reserve’s ecological team monitor and protect our notable population of black and white rhino. Led by one of the eco-team specialists, the 3-4 hour rhino drive focuses on tracking and locating each of our rhinos. Getting an eyes-on check is a critical part of the monitoring and managing of the species in a private reserve. Each rhino is identified through ear-nothings, and guests can join the rhino monitoring team as they skillfully use resources of bush skills, telemetry, drones and even AI as they locate individuals. This is a drive with a difference, it is a fun and interactive learning experience as you are focused on the task at hand and have a mission to accomplish.
2-night stay recommended | Available year-round and subject to availability
Conservation contribution: 2025 Rates: R 17,500 per drive (Prices exclude accommodation & daily conservation, community & reserve levies)
Please contact us for availability and details.
Rhino Conservation Participation
A three-night, four-day Rhino Conservation Safari offers an opportunity to participate in Kwandwe’s rhino-darting and notching programme. As the world of conservation integrates with technology and the power of AI, Kwandwe have embraced leading tech applications to preserve and protect their rhinos. Besides the required DNA sample, each young rhino has to be ear notched for ID purposes before it leaves its mother. The adult rhinos are also being fitted with state-of-the-art solar powered ankle collars that feed critical information to the conservation team on the movement, stress levels and behaviour of the rhinos. This is a crucial tool for conservation and can only be done through the immobilisation of the rhino, which makes an ideal opportunity for Kwandwe guests to be active participants.
2025 Rates: R 95,000 per group (max 8 guests) – price excludes accommodation & daily conservation, community & reserve levies
Available May – September (Cooler months) | Warmer months on special request | Children 6+
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.
Two set dates: 22 – 26 September and 26 – 30 September 2025 (4 nights)
Shared Backstage:
2025 Rates: R 67,315 per person sharing
Includes accommodation at Ecca Lodge and conservation fees | Excludes daily conservation, community & reserve levies | Children 12+
Exclusive Backstage:
2025 Rates: R 115,500 per group
Excludes accommodation, conservation fees & daily conservation, community & reserve levies | Children 6+
Please contact us for availability and details.