Fantastic for birds and botany, the bush is green and lush and afternoon thunderstorms can be sensational, the resultant light after a storm is sublime – excellent for photography. It can be hot and humid. Rainfall is mainly limited to late afternoon thunder showers and should not detract much from game viewing, rain can however result in less off-road driving.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Meaning “Place of the Blue Crane” in Xhosa, Kwandwe is a haven for a population of these rare, vulnerable birds (South Africa’s national bird) along with a a variety of quintessential African wildlife including the “Big 5” Lion, Black and White Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant and Leopard
WHY VISIT KWANDWE
Private Game Reserve with excellent Game viewing all year round
Excellent Cheetah sightings
Healthy populations and relaxed sightings of all the BIG 5
Breeding refuge for South Africa’s National Bird, the Blue Crane
Night drives and walking safaris
Sensitive off-road driving allowing for close-up game sightings
A true wilderness experience with very few game drive vehicles
Unusual antelope including Black Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest and Gemsbok
Malaria-free destination
The perfect add-on to an itinerary featuring Cape Town and the Garden Route
BELLINGHAM SAFARIS SUSTAINABLE LODGE PARTNER:
Kwandwe is a celebration of what can be achieved through restoration. Once farmland, the reserve is now rich in biodiversity and the protected landscape is home to several endangered species, including Black and White Rhino, and Cheetah. Every stay contributes to a Conservation & Community Levy with funds equally split between reserve conservation and community development. Visits to the Mgcamabele Centre and the Ubunye pre-school located on Kwandwe offer an opportunity to learn more. For every guest who stays, 35% of the accommodation rate is allocated towards Kwandwe’s 5 Pillars of conservation, over and above the Levy. Translocations support moving animals to other protected areas and Kwandwe has partnered with academic institutions to conduct biodiversity research.
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FEATURED LODGES AND CAMPS OF KWANDWE
Ecca Lodge
Blessed with breathtaking views over an Acacia, Aloe and Spekboom-studded valley, this chic lodge with a laid-back vibe offers the perfect wildlife experience for the young at heart.
Great Fish River Lodge
Set along the lush green banks of the river after which it is named, the Lodge is designed to amplify the endless landscape.
Melton Manor
With sweeping views of the Afromontane forests, Melton Manor sole-use safari villa at Kwandwe, is a contemporary frontier farmhouse with a modern touch.
FORT HOUSE
In a private setting with sweeping views of the Great Fish River valley, Kwandwe Fort House is a your private safari home in the bush; perfect for families seeking space and privacy.
When to visit Kwandwe
March and April are two of the best months to be on safari in South Africa, the weather is generally mild and dry, the vegetation takes on those typical autumn colors of red, yellow and brown and if the right lodge is chosen, a good guide should be able to produce sensational wildlife!
The lack of water results in wildlife frequently being seen drinking at various waterholes, the vegetation also gets a lot more sparse making it easier to see wildlife, as a result of this, this is the best time to see mammals. It can be chilly in the early morning but it is usually clear, warm and sunny by mid-morning. This time of year is the most difficult to get availability at the top lodges so please be sure to contact us well in advance.
A beautiful time to be on safari as it is generally at is driest making mammals easy to spot; birds are also more easily seen as many are calling in preparation for the breeding season. From a weather point of view, days are generally mild throughout and it is generally still dry.
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