A living testament to conservation and rehabilitation, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a wild sanctuary in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. It spans 22 000 hectares of vast bushveld, endemic birdlife, a broad variety of unique and rare wildlife species, and is dedicated to the active protection of the endangered rhino. Giving back to the local community and to the natural environment is top priority, while Kwandwe has put the value of a family safari experience at the forefront of its offering, making it a dream-like destination that can be tailored to a tee. There are 5 award-winning, luxury lodges, making up 26 rooms in total, and a team of expertly trained and passionately dedicated staff who tie the experience together seamlessly.
Of the 5 lodges – Ecca Lodge, Great Fish River Lodge, Uplands Homestead, Melton Manor, and Fort House – 3 are exclusive-use villas, which offer families and groups some of the most exquisite private safari experiences in South Africa. There is a 30km stretch of private Great Fish River frontage running through the reserve, while vistas include indigenous vegetation, undulating horizons, marshmallow coloured sunsets, and a diversity of animal life. Here is a breakdown of Kwandwe’s exceptional family orientated activities, as well as a selection of daily safari experiences that set it apart from the rest.
FAMILY FIRST
The value of family is celebrated at Kwandwe with the specifically tailored activities that are geared towards children of all ages. This is not just about giving parents the opportunity to switch off while their kids are safely entertained (although there are excellent child minders at hand to offer help wherever parents may need it); the variety of activities are versatile, interactive, educational, experiential, and full of nature-orientated fun.
- “Eco-nect” family interaction activities, designed to connect families in the beauty of nature: scavenger hunts following clues and maps while out on game drive, kite building, pellet gun target shooting to simulate ranger training
- Kids Eco-nect guides upon arrival (0-6 and 6+): animal checklists, themed games and activities, and a pledge to ‘live green’, crayons/pencils, water bottle, and a ‘Frolicking Rhino’ range of bath products
- Giving back programme: planting spekboom trees to reduce carbon footprint, community involvement through arts and crafts, gardening, and playtime at the school in the Mgcamabele Community
- Kids activities: baking and cooking, sand art, face painting, eco-educational board games, arts and crafts, fishing, bedtime stories, ‘bugs and bones’ walk in nature with a field guide
- Children-orientated menus at every lodge, and child minders to offer baby sitting services
SAFARI EXPERIENCES
- Game drives: Twice daily at dawn and dusk – included in daily rate
- ‘Save the Rhino Drive’: 3-4 Hour game drive, tracking rhino and learning about the species and the issues surrounding poaching. Ending with refreshments at a scenic spot in the bush – R1150 per person, over 16 years old
- Interpretive bush walks: Investigative walks in the veld at a time between game drives to take a closer look at the indigenous fauna and flora – included in daily rate, over 12 years old
- Big game walking safari: 3-4 Hour excursions with guide and tracker ending with picnic lunch on the Great Fish River bank – included in daily rate, over 16 years old
- Rhino conservation safari: Booked in advance during a 3-night stay, involves participation in rhino darting, notching and micro chipping, to understand what is involved with Kwandwe’s rhino conservation program – Best between May and September due to mild climate, R35 000 for 8 people, over 16 years old
- Private safari: Private vehicle and guide – R4000 per day, 1-6 people
- Campfire cooking experience: Exclusive experience at Melton Manor involving three sessions spent learning from Kwandwe’s executive culinary team; recipes are included to take home – R10 000 for the package, minimum 3-night stay, prior booking necessary
- Photographic safaris: Game drive with professional photographer to provide expert tips on the scene – R850 per person + R2000 for private vehicle
- Photographic tutorials: 1.5 Hour session after game drive to touch on photographic techniques – R735 per person, minimum of 2 people
- Photographic 1 day workshop: 2 Game drives and 1 tutorial – R1700 per person + R4000 for private vehicle
- Photographic 2 day workshop: 2 Game drives and 1 tutorial per day touching on advanced techniques – R3400 per person + R8000 for private vehicle for 2 days
