Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape near Grahamstown, and is a natural conclusion to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route. A victory for far-sighted conservation, 25 000 hectares (62 000 acres) of farmland in the Great Fish River region were restored and restocked with African wildlife. Today, thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve.

Operated by CC Africa, Kwandwe aptly means "Place of the Blue Crane" in Xhosa (South Africa's highly endangered national bird) and is home to a population of these rare birds. It offers an exceptional safari experience in a region steeped in history and culture. The Great Fish River was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779 to 1878 between the Xhosa nation, Dutch farmers and the 1820 Settlers from England. Kwandwe's reception building is a Frontier War-era fortified homestead, and the Reserve boasts its own intimate chapel.

Safari Accommodation at Kwandwe, South Africa

Classic safari accommodation: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve features the exclusive Great Fish River Lodge, unique historic Uplands Homestead and Ecca Lodge. Melton Manor will soon join these exceptional lodges, all offering world-class sophistication and style in the African bush.

Great Fish River Lodge:

Set along the aloe-studded banks of the Great Fish River, nine suites feature private plunge pools and spacious thatched game viewing decks with magnificent views of the wild yet gentle landscape. Beautiful thatched guest areas and expansive viewing decks overlook the river.

Uplands Homestead:

This gracious homestead is a sensitively restored 1905 farmhouse comprising three spacious en suite bedrooms with private terraces - available for sole use by guests. Uplands Homestead has a large swimming pool and gazebo, and guests enjoy their own private ranger, tracker, chef and open 4x4 safari vehicle.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge:

Innovative, stylish and intimate, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge embodies a "funk-meets-futuristic-farmhouse" ambience, and features just six intimate suites with spacious living areas and en suite bathrooms. Overlooking rolling spekboom valleys, main guest areas include a a spacious sitting room, dining room and bar area, interactive kitchen, sparkling rim-flow lap pool and unique interpretive centre.

Melton Manor:

Set in a beautiful location with sweeping views of the river and afromontane forests, Kwandwe's newest sole-use safari villa, Melton Manor is officially open!