Kwandwe Private Game Reserve ranks among the best and most exclusive safari destinations in the Eastern Cape, or indeed anywhere in South Africa. This exclusivity is linked to a very low guest-to-land ratio, with just two small lodges and three villas spread across its 300km²/116mi². A superb wildlife experience is complemented by luxurious accommodations and word-class food.
-
Best Time To Go
- January to December (All year)
-
High Season
- October to April (High-season rates)
-
Size
- 300km² / 116mi²
-
Altitude
-
250-490m /820-1,608ft
View Photos
View Photos
+24
Photos
Open Map
Pros & Cons
- Good wildlife viewing includes all the
- One of the best places anywhere to see
- Exclusive wilderness feel and stunning scenery
- Easy add-on at the end of the popular Garden Route
- Top guides and off-road driving in open vehicles
- Excellent viewing
- Malaria-free
- Winter nights and morning can be very cold
- Expensive all-inclusive packages only; no budget options
- No
Wildlife
Kwandwe is home to all the big safari animals including the . Wildlife is slightly less than it is in some other private reserves, but it is prime country and sightings of these very shy animals are relatively common. and sightings are also excellent. creatures such as , and are quite often seen on that extend past nightfall.
More about Kwandwe’s wildlifeScenery
The scenic Great Fish River meanders for 30km/19mi through the reserve. The vast rolling landscape seems to go on forever, and forest-like thickets of trees grow on the steep slopes. This habitat is ideal for .
Activities
Overnight packages at any of the lodges or villas include expertly guided early morning and late afternoon in open 4x4 vehicles. An alternative morning activity is a guided , which frequently provides an opportunity to track the likes of rhino, elephant or buffalo. Catch-and-release fishing options include targeting bass in Galpin Dam or yellowfish and catfish in the Great Fish River.
Weather & Climate
Temperatures get pretty cold at Kwandwe in winter (May to September), especially at night and early in the morning. This is accompanied by lots of clear-sky days. The summer months (October to April) are warmer by far, but there’s also more rain at this time of year, especially in the wettest months of October and November.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
The drier winter months (May to September) offer the best wildlife-viewing opportunities, though it can be very cold in an open-sided safari vehicle early in the morning. Rainfall is slightly higher in summer (October to April), but not to such an extent that it is likely to affect wildlife viewing.
More about the best time to visit