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Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

EASTERN CAPE, South Africa

Conservation safari in a private wilderness

Overview
Accommodation
Availability
Map & access
Amenities & Activities
Your impact
Gallery
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Set across 30,000 hectares of private wilderness, Kwandwe is one of the largest private Big Five game-viewing areas in South Africa.

With just two lodges and three exclusive-use villas, safari activities include morning and afternoon game drives, guided walking safaris, birding and a selection of conservation-related experiences.

Originally established on former farmland, the reserve today forms part of South Africa’s Eastern Cape landscape, where seven of the country’s eight biomes converge. The diverse and undulating terrain encompasses a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, including black and white rhino and cheetah.

The Great Fish River meanders for 30 kilometres through the heart of the reserve. Along its course sits Great Fish River Lodge, while further west lies Ecca Lodge. In prime locations are the exclusive villas: Fort House, Melton Manor and Uplands Homestead.

Renowned for quality guiding, understated luxury and immersive safari experiences, Kwandwe offers a range of activities and accommodation options suited to couples, families and private groups.

In July 2012, Kwandwe was acquired by USA-based investors, the Chouest family. Conservation and community-focused initiatives are an important part of the operation, with the family remaining closely involved and visiting the reserve regularly.

Fast Facts
LOCATION:

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa


RATES:

Rooms: R 17 930 – R 26 180 per person per night

Villas & Ecca Private Vehicle Suite: R 25 600 – R 183 810 per villa/suite per night


Access:

FLY: Scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth Airport. A 2km tarred runway is available for private charters.

DRIVE: Approximately 2 hours from Port Elizabeth.


SIZE:

Approximately 30,000 hectares of private wilderness along the Great Fish River.


CHILDREN:

All ages welcome | Children 12+ years (Great Fish River Lodge)


HIGHLIGHTS:

Big Five game viewing, guided walks and specialist safari experiences across one of South Africa’s largest private reserves.

VISIT THE KWANDWE WEBSITE

What we love
Explore

One of South Africa’s largest privately-owned reserves (over 30,000 ha) where you can be assured of the lowest vehicle density and exceptional wildlife sightings.

Biodiversity

Black and white rhino, cheetah, lions, leopard and more, here you view a wide variety of wildlife species and eco-systems in one unique location.

Get Involved

From hands-on wildlife conservation, habitat rehabilitation and community involvement, you too can get involved and make a difference.

Lodges & Villas

From couples & honeymooners to families & groups of friends, there’s something for everyone.

From R 17 930
per person per night
Great Fish River Lodge
9 Suites

Set high on the lush, forested banks of the Great Fish River, this founding lodge enjoys sweeping views across the valley below. Designed to make the most of its setting, expansive decks and shared spaces invite both quiet moments and relaxed gatherings, with the central bar in the main lounge a natural place to come together at the end of the day. The lodge has a classic-contemporary feel, with a light, understated palette and clean-lined furnishings that create a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nine spacious suites are positioned along the riverbank, each offering a high degree of privacy. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto uninterrupted views, creating an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living. Each suite features an en-suite bathroom with a bath, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private deck with a plunge pool overlooking the river - a quiet, secluded space to unwind between game drives.

SEASONALITY:
Open all year
CHILDREN:
12+ years
CLASSIFICATION:
Premier
From R 17 930
per person per night
Ecca Lodge
3 Suites + 3 Private Vehicle Suites

Set within indigenous vegetation overlooking a sweeping valley, Ecca Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views across the escarpment below. Expansive wooden decks offer the perfect setting for long, unhurried lunches and evening sundowners. The lodge’s shared spaces include a rim-flow lap pool, a well-appointed wine room, and an intimate private dining area for up to eight guests.

The suites are generous and refined, with interiors that draw on the natural tones and textures of the surrounding landscape. Each features a spacious en-suite bathroom with twin hand basins, indoor and outdoor showers, and wraparound wooden decks leading to a private plunge pool.

Private Vehicle Suites: The three Private Vehicle Suites are well suited to families, accommodating two adults and two children, as well as couples seeking additional space and privacy. Each includes a dedicated guide and private safari vehicle, allowing for a more flexible and personalised experience in the reserve.

Exclusive Use: Ecca Lodge is also available on an exclusive-use basis, offering complete privacy, a dedicated team, and a fully tailored safari experience - ideal for families or small groups seeking a more intimate stay.

SEASONALITY
Open all year
CHILDREN
All ages
CLASSIFICATION
Premier
From R 74 800
per villa per night
Uplands Homestead
3-bedroom Villa

Uplands Homestead strikes a balance between refined interiors and a wild setting. The elegant décor, featuring damask linens, antique silver and porcelain, creates a striking contrast with the surrounding bushveld and wildlife. Modern comforts include a swimming pool, gazebo and boma set among rolling lawns framed by sweeping slopes dotted with aloes.

A dedicated chef and villa team create a relaxed, home-style safari experience, while a private guide and tracker lead activities at your own pace. The homestead includes one master suite and two en-suite rooms, ideal for a family of up to six guests.

SEASONALITY
Closed 7 Jun - 1 Jul 2026 (soft refurb)
CHILDREN
All ages
CLASSIFICATION
Premier
From R 80 685
per villa per night
Melton Manor
4-bedroom Villa

With sweeping views over the Afromontane forests, Melton Manor is a contemporary frontier farmhouse designed for private safari stays. The welcoming villa features four en-suite bedrooms arranged around a central courtyard and a large swimming pool.

Interiors combine mid-20th-century furniture with modern South African design. The interactive farm-style kitchen invites guests to take part in the culinary experience alongside the personal chef or simply relax while meals are prepared. Ideal for families or groups of up to eight guests.

SEASONALITY
Open all year
CHILDREN
All ages
CLASSIFICATION
Premier
From R 125 510
per villa per night
Fort House
4-bedroom Villa

Elevated above the open plains of the reserve, Fort House is an exclusive-use safari villa accommodating up to eight guests, with uninterrupted views across the Great Fish River valley. Centrally located yet well removed from the other lodges and villas, it offers both easy access to prime wildlife areas and a strong sense of seclusion. The villa includes two master bedrooms and two additional en-suite bedrooms, making it well suited to families or small groups travelling together.

Designed for easy, private living, the villa centres around a courtyard and solar-heated swimming pool, with flowing indoor spaces and an interactive kitchen. A dedicated team, along with a private guide and vehicle, ensures a seamless, fully tailored stay. A spa treatment room and wine cellar add to the sense of comfort, while a choice of indoor and outdoor dining areas - including the boma and firepit - create relaxed spaces to gather. From the veranda, views extend across a frequently visited waterhole and the valley beyond, with rewarding game viewing directly from the villa.

SEASONALITY
Closed 25 Apr - 9 May & 7 Jun - 1 Jul 2026 (soft refurb)
CHILDREN
All ages
CLASSIFICATION
Premier
Availability

Bookings can be made by contacting the Kwandwe reservations team.

Email: reservations@kwandwe.co.za

Tel: +27 46 603 3400

Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm.

Getting There
FLY:

The closest airport is Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), with multiple daily flights on Airlink, CemAir, SAA, and FlySafair from Cape Town (1 hour 35 minutes) and Johannesburg (1 hour 40 minutes).

From Port Elizabeth, guests can take a 35-minute scheduled or private charter flight directly to Kwandwe’s private airstrip, featuring a 2 km tarred Category 3 runway suitable for light aircraft and private jets. Helicopter transfers are also available.

Private charters can also be arranged from Cape Town, Johannesburg, or other destinations.

DRIVE:

Easy 1 hour 45 minute drive from Port Elizabeth or around 2 hours from East London. Guests may self-drive or request road transfers arranged by Kwandwe.

Amenities & Activities

Amenities

  • 30,000 hectares of private Big Five wilderness with low vehicle density.
  • A choice of luxury lodges and exclusive-use villas for couples, families and groups.
  • Accommodation & Pools:
    • Great Fish River Lodge & Ecca Lodge
      Spacious en-suite suites with private decks, indoor & outdoor showers, and private plunge pools (a main shared pool is also available at Ecca Lodge).
    • Private Villas
      Spacious multi-bedroom homes, each with its own private pool (all unfenced; Fort House pool is solar heated, others unheated).
  • WiFi available at all lodges and private villas.
  • Child-friendly accommodation with flexible mealtimes, children’s menus and childminding on request.
  • Laundry service included.
  • All stays include meals, selected beverages and daily safari activities.

Activities (Included)

  • Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles.
  • Guided walking safaris (subject to conditions and age limits).
  • Birding, fishing (catch-and-release) and boating.
  • Child-friendly safari experiences and junior ranger-style activities.

Additional Activities (Extra Cost)

  • Hands-on rhino conservation and monitoring experiences and specialist photographic safaris (pre-booking required).
  • Spa and wellness treatments.
The impact of your stay
IMPACT: VERY HIGH

Kwandwe is committed to biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods. This is enabled through a sustainable tourism business, which is underpinned by a leading safari experience. In these challenging times, their robust business model, together with a dynamic management approach, preserves Kwandwe for generations to come.

Kwandwe, unlike any other safari experience in Classic Portfolio, is privately owned and managed land and wildlife. While this model gives great flexibility, it also comes with great responsibility.

Every stay contributes through:
  • Paying R1500 per person per night (50% of this rate for children 16 years and younger), Conservation, Community Levy and Reserve Fee. Fees are split between the Rhino Conservation Trust (R375), Ubunye Foundation (R375) and Kwandwe Reserve Land Management (R750).
  • Over and above the levy, 35% of the accommodation rate paid by guests is allocated towards Kwandwe’s 5 Pillars of conservation.

Guests can get involved in the 5 Pillars through:

  1. Grow: Conserving biodiversity and the ecology of the area. Re-plant spekboom, a wonder plant that is endemic to the Eastern Cape, on game drives and walking safaris and observe flora rehabilitation in action.
  2. Protect: Safeguarding vulnerable species. Take part in a rhino conservation drive and track the endangered animals on foot. Join a specialist Rhino Conservation Safari (extra cost) and get hands-on with DNA sampling, micro-chipping and notching rhinos.
  3. Engage: Supporting and developing the local community. Visit the Mgcamabele Centre and the Ubunye pre-school located on Kwandwe, and learn more about their community projects in the Eastern Cape.
  4. Collaborate: Expanding wildlife populations beyond the borders of Kwandwe. Wildlife swaps ensure genetic diversity and translocations support moving animals to other protected areas. Request to be added to the conservation mailing list and keep up to date with planned projects and how to get involved.
  5. Research: Partnering with academic institutions to conduct biodiversity research. Set up a camera trap and inspect other footage to understand how we use motion detection cameras to survey moments and territories, and understand more about certain species.