Kwandwe Private
Game Reserve

South Africa

30,000 hectares of pristine wilderness on either side of the Great Fish River. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve simultaneously protects the incredible biodiversity of the area whilst offering an authentic and diverse safari experience.

With only 26 rooms across the reserve, split between two lodges and three exclusive-use villas, Kwandwe has one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa. The guides are passionate about the connection between land and wildlife, community and conservation and create bespoke journeys tailored entirely to their guests.

Plan Your Trip

Location

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Price Range

2025: From ZAR 16,300
(Approx. USD 900)
Lodge: per person per night
Villas: per villa per night

Rate Inclusions

Fully inclusive of all meals, house drinks, twice daily guided safari activities

Special Offers

Honeymoon Offer
Free Night (seasonal)

Activities

INCLUDED: Game Drives, Fishing, Guided Walks, Community Engagement
EXCLUDED: Conservation Experiences, Helicopter Trips, Spa

Children & Rooms

Great Fish River Lodge: 9 suites, kids 12+ years
Ecca Lodge: 6 suites, all ages
Villas: 3 or 4 rooms, all ages
All with private pools

Impact

VERY HIGH
Sustainability Levy: ZAR 1,500
Land Relationship: Private
Biodiversity Conservation: Shared

Combines well with

Cape Town & Garden Route
Namibia
Botswana

Seasonality

OPEN ALL YEAR
Hottest months: Oct - December
Cooler Months: Apr-September

Access

Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
2-hour road transfer
or 30-min helicopter transfer

A glimpse into Kwandwe

Visit Kwandwe Website

Plan your trip with vast

Why we love it

VAST in every way, Kwandwe is one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned Big 5 game reserves.

Guests have the opportunity to join active conservation efforts and take part in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

View a wide variety of wildlife species and eco-systems in one remarkable location. It's unique in every way.

Back to members

Places to stay at Kwandwe

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

A classic yet contemporary lodge overlooking the Great Fish River. Stay in one of nine chalets with private verandas and shady plunge pools – perfect for a refreshing morning dip.

9 suites | Children 12+

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Perched high on an escarpment with views as far as the eye can see, Ecca is vibrant, intimate and relaxed and perfectly suited for both couples and families.

3 double suites | 3 family suites | Children all ages

Kwandwe Melton Manor

A four-bedroom, exclusive-use villa in the heart of the reserve, built around an open-air courtyard and ideal for sharing memories and experiences with friends and family.

Exclusive-Use | 4 Bedrooms | Children all ages

Kwandwe Fort House

With views of a busy waterhole and the Great Fish River Valley beyond, this modern, four-bedroom villa complements the rugged landscape of Kwandwe.

Exclusive-Use | 4 Bedrooms | Children all ages

Kwandwe Uplands Homestead

A charming, three-bedroomed farmhouse with a beautiful garden, Uplands has been lovingly-restored to ensure a stay full of warmth and character.

Exclusive-Use | 3 Bedrooms | Children all ages

Experiences on offer at Kwandwe

Safari & Savannah

Witness nature at work in all its glory

Family connection

Travel with the most important people in your world

Get involved

Cast your vote for sustainability

Food & wine

Gastronomic experiences to capture your palate

Vast places

Absorb the connection of the land

VAST Journeys

Discover the best of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve with our curated selection of itineraries:

6 nights | South Africa

Wilderness & Wild Coast

A journey for those seeking immersive, conservation-based experiences combining South Africa’s Eastern Cape & Wild Coast in a seamless exploration of different ecosystems.

3 nights Kwandwe | 3 nights Gwe Gwe Lodge

10 nights | South Africa

Whales, Wine & Wilderness

Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or multi-gen families, experience the best of South Africa’s majestic coastlines, vineyards, and rugged landscapes in one unforgettable journey.

3 nights Coot Club | 3 nights La Clé | 4 nights Kwandwe Private Game Reserve