Kwandwe means "place of the Blue Crane" in the Xhosa language and is home to a population of these splendid endangered birds. 25,000 hectares of farmland have been restored to pristine wilderness and more than 7,000 animals have been released into the reserve as part of the programme of reintroducing indigenous game to the area.
The six suites of Ecca Lodge offer guests the ultimate in stylish and sophisticated hospitality - described as "funk meets futuristic farmhouse", all are extremely spacious. The Great Fish River Lodge is 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. Uplands Homestead, a sensitively restored 1905 farmhouse comprising of three spacious en suite bedrooms, is available for exclusive use. The latest addition is Melton Manor a contemporary Eastern Cape homestead with four en suite rooms.
Skilled rangers lead twice-daily game drives, in search of the 'Big Five' and other preditors like African wild dog. Optional adventures are available to explore rock paintings, battlefields and the scenic flight of the blue crane explores the pristine coastline of the region. An interactive kitchen and stylish lap pool are alternative diversions for those wishing to totally unwind. Excellent service and hospitality is guaranteed, as a member of Relais & Chateaux.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Best time to be there
October to May is the best time to visit the Cape. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
Fly to
Cape Town/Johannesburg
flying time
11 hours 30 minutes/10 hours 30 minutes non-stop
time difference
GMT +2 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
The Battlefields with Rob Caskie
Highlights - Escorted throughout by battlefield expert Rob Caskie; Visit the battlefield sites of Islandwana, Rorke’s Drift and Spioenkop; Relax in the Drakensberg Mountains... Read more ...
Cape Town & Garden Route
Highlights - Take a day to enjoy Table Mountain National Park; Drive to Birkenhead House... Read more ...
South African Family Safari
Highlights - Fly to Tswalu Kalahari Reserve; See 5 star Tuningi Safari Lodge situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve on the Botswana border... Read more ...
- Overview
- Enquire Now
to speak to a consultant
Guest Testimonial
We appreciated knowing the travel specialist (Katie Sims) from the previous A&K holiday. The hotels in Grenada and Cordoba were excellent.
The Renfe trains from Grenada to Malaga were very impressive. On time, comfortable and fast. 
- JS, Wirral
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Peninsula School Feeding Association
Aims to reduce short-term hunger and increase attendance of school children, with daily lunches for children who may otherwise not have a meal that day.
Latest from @AKTravel_UK: Buzzfeed rounds up 50 of the best eclipse photos from the weekend: http://t.co/BMQ0BGvV 22 May