Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Grahamstown

Description: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Standing in the midst of 22,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a unique destination and a renowned conservation and community success story. Set in four intimate, award winning lodges, each with its own distinct style, character and size, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve provides luxurious ''Out of Africa'' boutique-style accommodation, great food and above all fabulous wildlife observation experiences in a Malaria-free environment on the Eastern Cape.

Primarily devoted to the famous ''Big Five'' of African game - the black and white rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard - Kwandwe Private Game Reserve organises bespoke safaris with a private ranger/host, tracker, butler, chef and exclusive use of an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Other options include Big Game Walking Safaris, Save the Rhino Drives, and Rhino Conservation Safaris with darting and notching. Aside from the ''Big Five'', guests can expect to encounter a remarkable variety of predators and general game, including cheetah, kudu, springbok, eland, red hartebeest, giraffe, black wildebeest and gemsbok, along with a fascinating variety of bird life. Kwandwe also offers an immense range of activities especially tailored to younger visitors, and experienced child minders are available on prior arrangement.

Each of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve's four safari lodges has its own distinctive character: Great Fish River Lodge is all about tranquillity and solitude, with a classic-contemporary style and expansive viewing decks over the Great Fish River; Ecca Lodge is intimate, relaxed, stylish and trendy, offering a perfect wildlife experience for the young at heart; the Uplands Homestead is a lovingly restored 1905 farmhouse that combines all the charm and grace of colonial times with all modern comforts and facilities, while Melton Manor Villa is a chic and contemporary safari villa, ideal for family holidays or parties of friends of up to eight.

Type of rooms: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Suite - Great Fish River Lodge:
Situated high up on a steep bank with expansive viewing decks over the Great Fish River, the nine luxurious suites in the lodge have been designed to take full advantage of the spectacular scenery. Floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors fold back to reveal an uninterrupted wilderness, and the en-suite bathrooms, complete with bath and indoor and outdoor showers, separate WC and twin basins offer unmatched views over the sweeping landscape beyond. Guests can keep cool with overhead fans and air-conditioning, and enjoy a spacious thatched veranda and private plunge pool with a terrace in every suite. One king-size bed or twin beds. Suite size 51 sq m.
Suite - Ecca Lodge:
A vibrant, colourful and chic safari lodge. The six stand-alone and well-proportioned suites have been individually decorated, each in a different colour in celebration of the vibrancy of Africa. Wraparound wooden decks with private plunge pools provide relief from the heat of the day. Furnishings are in soft linens, velvets, cords and eco-cottons in striking, bright and contrasting tones. Super-King sized beds, large bathrooms with free-standing baths and separate lounge areas with funky bean bags and day beds that can be reconfigured to accommodate children, all combine to provide a relaxing, sumptuous and colourful respite from dusty days out on the reserve. Outdoor showers tip a broad wink at safari tradition. One king-size bed or twin beds.
Suite size 82 sq m.
Uplands Homestead:
The Out of Africa experience awaits - an intimate colonial-style safari home, ideal for families of up to six. Three suites with private bathrooms combine modern comfort with old-fashioned luxury and attention to detail. Antique mirrors, claw-foot bathtubs and yellow-wood chests and wardrobes blend seamlessly with air-conditioning, in-room safes and other modern conveniences. The homestead's dedicated 4x4 safari vehicle and private guide/ranger awaits outside, ready at any time to take guests on a voyage of discovery through Kwandwe's wild open spaces and return them to the warmly lit comfort of this Home away from Home.
Melton Manor Villa:
A chic and contemporary safari villa, ideal for family holidays or parties of friends of up to eight. Melton offers a variety of private spaces and open plan areas for guests young and old to relax and gather in when not out exploring the reserve. Each bedroom offers a private refuge with a large veranda, enormous bed and a butler hatch for unobtrusive morning service. The generous bathtub invites an indulgent soak and the large windows look out over the sweeping expanse of the bush land on all sides. Guests may spend the afternoon hours in the library, enjoying a quiet session with a book, or have some fun with the large collection of board games. King-size beds or twin beds - up to eight guests. Total villa size 950 sq m.

Additional information: Kwandwe Private Game Reserve