Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve stretches along 42 kilometres of the Great Fish River and each of the luxurious glass and thatch accommodation suites overlooks its lush riverbanks. It is a river of great historical significance, as it was a hotly contested border during the Frontier Wars of 1779-1878 between the Settlers (and the Dutch farmers) and the Xhosa nation. The river has created a flourishing habitat for rare and endangered species like the Blue Crane. Kwandwe aptly means "Place of the Blue Crane" in Xhosa and the reserve is home to a stable population of these beautiful vulnerable birds. |
 The 15 800 hectare
game reserve is set on the edge of the former Karoo Basin where several
of Africa's vegetation zones converge and biodiversity is therefore
extremely rich. The Kwandwe landscape is dominated by valley bushveld
on open plains and rolling hills, with succulent euphorbias, aloes
and spekboom among the characteristic plants. Thousands of animals,
including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo)
have been reintroduced to roam the reserve, which is also a haven
for endangered animals and birds and numerous programmes to support
them have been initiated. |
 Famous
artist and explorer Thomas Baines writes in his Journal of Residence
in Africa 1842-1853 of the extraordinary beauty of the region, as
well as "the dense jungles of the Zuureberg and the Fish and other
rivers which were filled with herds of elephants when the Settlers
arrived in 1820." The region is steeped in history and culture, which stretches back thousands of years to the San and Khoi peoples. They have left a legacy of rock paintings, artefacts and stone tools that are of great cultural importance. Visit the first Homo sapiens site in the Cape in the Valley of the Ancient Voices. Following the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820, a whole new culture was introduced to the region. The touch of the 1820 Settlers is everywhere - from the beautiful architecture and art in towns like Grahamstown and Fort Beaufort to the colonial furniture and fittings that were brought to manor houses. |
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Accommodation Sophisticated, glass-fronted sitting and dining areas boast expansive viewing decks with breathtaking river views. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the private decks, in the candlelit dining room, or enjoyed in the boma (outdoor dining area). Kwandwe is renowned for its spectacular bush banqueting in surprise settings. Heatherton Towers is the main reception building, which is situated 40 minutes from the Lodge. It is, in fact, a Frontier War-era fortified homestead, complete with dramatic gun turrets and private chapel.
In the modernised farm kitchen, Uplands Homestead’s private chef prepares delicious Pan-African cuisine and local specialities. Nothing beats a true & Beyond bush banquet in a surprise setting under the magical African sky.
Each suite features an en suite bathroom with spacious, plate glass-enclosed shower, bath, private w.c and twin hand-basins, as well as a sitting area which can comfortably convert into accommodation for children 11 years and younger. Overlooking rolling spekboom valleys, guest areas comprise a spacious sitting room with fireplace, dining room and bar area and deep veranda with expansive viewing decks. Delicious fresh farm cuisine is prepared in the modern, open-plan kitchen and an interpretive centre provides hours of entertainment for children of all ages. |
Great Fish River Lodge 
Uplands Homestead
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge Interiors The stylish and classic décor at Kwandwe has been modelled on the new Frontier Settler style, which integrates local African culture with colonial settler history. Thick, roughly-hewn yellowwood tables, chunky kists and woven basketry exquisitely blend with Persian rugs and plush chaise longues. The emphasis is on deep comfort and contemporary design elements. Subtle aloe green and slate grey hues are used throughout the lodges to complement and enhance the natural environment.  |
 Living
SpacesThe main reception area is situated in a turreted, fortressed old farmhouse called Heatherton Towers. Built as the home of Arthur Douglass, the world's first ostrich farmer, Kwandwe Main Lodge boasts spacious rooms, a shady, deep verandah, yellowwood floors and high ceilings from which chandeliers hang imposingly. A welcoming fire blazes from the huge fireplace with massive stone chimney. The glass-fronted lounge and dining area follows the river's contours. It is surrounded by timber-decking which overhangs the cliff edge, offering spectacular views. |
 Cuisine Kwandwe specialises in delicious Pan-African cuisine, which is either served on the private decks or in the candlelit dining room. Alternatively, dinner is enjoyed outside, in the boma (reeded enclosure) under the African sky. Bush Banquets A special feature of all visits to Kwandwe, is the expansive dinner that is served outdoors in a clearing. For many guests, these spectacular events form the highlight of their stay. |
+27 31 2074700 (Fax)
