Kwandwe Game Reserve Review

My husband and I were fortunate enough to visit the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It had been many years since I had been on safari in the Eastern Cape and I was eager to see how the experience had changed. We flew from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth where we picked up our rental car and drove the 2 hours to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. From the moment we arrived at reception, we experienced the service that this Relais and Chateaux property is famous for. We were met with a welcome drink, a cold towel and fresh homemade cookies accompanied our check-in.

There are 4 properties on this 22,000-hectare reserve:

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge; This is a great child-friendly-lodge. They welcome kids older than six years old (6 – 11 can go on game drives at ranges discretion.) They provide special kids meals, a kids activities room and nannies are also available. There is a nice communal pool area for the kids to play in. This lodge is in a more contemporary style with six individual suites with a plunge pool and outdoor shower. If you have children with you, the lounge area of your suite would be converted to a kids room.

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge; This is the more traditional African Safari Lodge, located overlooking the river. This lodge is aimed more at adults (no under 12s). They have nine beautiful private suites with an outdoor shower, private plunge pool and patio area.

Kwandwe Melton Manor; This is a separate 4 bedroom house with a large communal pool and patio area.
It is a very relaxed and beautiful lodge, and you feel very at home here. You can also rent the whole house out just for your family.

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead; This is a 3 bedroom house that can only be rented by a family taking it for sole use.

My experience at Kwandwe was excellent. The staff were exceptional, every single person I met could not have been more helpful. What made an impression on me was how passionate they all were about the Reserve. The staff did go out of their way to give me an enjoyable experience. Unique details like pancakes cooked in the bush, champagne and pre-dinner snacks in the bush, welcome notes in my room and the guides going out of their way to accommodate guests wish to see a certain animal was great.

The food and service were excellent, and my room beautiful. The design and layout of the rooms and public areas are well thought out and flows nicely. The private outdoor areas for each suite and large bathrooms with big windows out into the bush brings the outside into the room.

The game viewing was excellent and as well as all the animals you would expect to see, lion, cheetah, elephant and rhino, I saw some of the less recognised creatures, I saw a porcupine, a caracal, aardwolf and a jackal. The guides are able to get close to the animals, and they also offer the opportunity to go on a walking safari. The guides are well trained and passionate about the wildlife.

The Eastern Cape has become a real alternative to the more famous areas like Kruger. It is very accessible and is much less crowded than other reserves. Kwandwe is a 5-star Private Game Reserve and well worth a visit!

Kwandwe Game Reserve Review;

Kariega Homestead

Rates from R64 000.00 exclusive use

Experience unbeatable privacy, exceptional service, and unforgettable wildlife encounters at Kariega Homestead. This luxurious exclusive-use lodge offers ultimate comfort, convenience, and tranquillity with dedicated hosts, knowledgeable game rangers, and skilled cooks.

Enjoy an intimate and personalized experience in this idyllic haven of luxury and natural beauty, perfect for small groups or families.
Kariega Homestead
Kwandwe Melton Manor

Rates from R79 800.00 exclusive use

Kwandwe family-friendly "Melton Manor" with sweeping views of the river and mountains in three different directions, Melton Manor is a whimsical mix of old and new, a contemporary frontier farmhouse with a modern touch.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve offers guests a luxurious "Big 5" safari experience.
Kwandwe Melton Manor
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Rates from R15 200.00 per person

Experience the luxury of Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, where nature and elegance converge. Perched on a steep bank with breathtaking views, this Lodge offers unobstructed vistas and immersive encounters with wildlife.

Great Fish River Lodge's design reflects the rugged landscape, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Step inside to a warm and inviting ambience adorned with antiques and cosy rugs.
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Kwandwe Uplands House

Rates from R63 600.00 exclusive use

Experience the epitome of luxury amidst the untamed beauty of Africa at Kwandwe Uplands House. Nestled in the rugged hills of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, this captivating retreat offers refined interiors, picturesque surroundings, and breathtaking views.

With elegant touches and a comforting warmth, Uplands House is the perfect blend of sophistication and wilderness.
Kwandwe Uplands House
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Rates from R15 200.00 per person

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge, nestled amidst lush vegetation, offers a mesmerising panorama of a verdant valley and towering shale cliffs. With its harmonious fusion of architecture and nature, Ecca Lodge provides a truly exclusive experience.

Delight your palate, unwind in inviting spaces, and explore unique treasures in this epitome of refined luxury; it's the perfect escape for experiencing nature's beauty.
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
Kariega Main Lodge

Rates from R7 300.00 per person

Located on a scenic hilltop on the eastern side of Kariega Reserve, Kariega Main Lodge offers a serene and welcoming environment to immerse yourself in the beauty of the African bush.

With stunning views, harmonious blending with nature, abundant birdlife, and renowned "Big Five" safaris, this malaria-free sanctuary promises an unforgettable adventure for families and nature enthusiasts.
Kariega Main Lodge
Amakhala Bush Lodge

Rates from R6 750.00 per person

Experience the majestic wildlife of Amakhala Private Game Reserve at Bush Lodge. Relax on your private deck or take a dip in your private plunge pool while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Eastern Cape and South Africa bushveld.

Embark on thrilling game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and gather around the fire pit in the evening to share stories and witness the stunning sunset over the reserve from this stunning safari lodge.
Amakhala Bush Lodge
Shamwari Long Lee Manor

Rates from R12 950.00 per person

Shamwari Long Lee Manor is a stunning Edwardian-style manor nestled in a breathtaking landscape. Its picturesque setting overlooking a tranquil waterhole and sweeping plains offers an enchanting experience.

Immerse yourself in refined elegance, surrounded by vibrant gardens, a refreshing swimming pool, and verandas perfect for wildlife observation.
Shamwari Long Lee Manor

Kariega Homestead

Kwandwe Melton Manor

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Uplands House

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Kariega Main Lodge

Amakhala Bush Lodge

Shamwari Long Lee Manor