Kwandwe Private Game Reserve - South Africa
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, one of the continent's southernmost game reserves lies in the heart of South Africa's Eastern Cape; a district rich in history and blessed with abundant natural beauty. It stretches along 42 kilometres of the Great Fish River and each of the luxurious glass and thatch 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 birds.
The 15 800 hectare 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 introduced.
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 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.
KWANDWE GAME LODGE consists of nine luxurious suites, set high up on the banks of the Great Fish River. Each thatch and glass chalet has a private plunge pool and observation deck with spectacular views over the river valley. A mix of Settler and Xhosa décor is characterised by a subtle blend of earth-toned fabrics, indigenous timber, artefacts and antiques.
Each of the nine, luxurious, thatched stone and glass suites is set high up on the banks of the winding Great Fish River, offering sweeping views over the valley bushveld landscape. A pebbled path winds down to secluded river deck hides with private plunge pools. The glass and wood rooms ensure an unbroken view of the surrounding nature while sliding doors in the bathroom promise a unique bathing experience.
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.
The 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.
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.
UPLANDS HOMESTEAD offers an alternative experience of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and is perfect for those for whom privacy is paramount. It is ideal for a group or family of six people. The 1905 farmhouse combines modern touches with classic architecture and the private balconies and full size swimming pool with gazebo ensure a comfortably luxurious stay.
This lovingly restored 1905 farmhouse contains three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and private balconies and can accommodate a group or family of six.
Completely secluded and surrounded only by the African bush, Uplands boasts a full size swimming pool and gazebo and is perfect for small conferences or those who want to completely get away from it all.
Persian carpets and antiques elegantly blend with comfortable, modern finishes. The spacious rooms feature elements of the New Frontier Settler Style, in which African-inspired artefacts and textures are combined with colonial collectables, furniture and art. The high ceilings and wooden floors form an exquisite backdrop for the yellowwood tables, woven basketry and contemporary design motifs.
The airy living and dining rooms each feature period fireplaces and have been restored to turn-of-the-century style. A deep and shady verandah invites long contemplation of the beautiful African bush which surrounds Uplands in splendid isolation.
Uplands has its own chef, who will create delicious, mouthwatering Pan-African meals and local specialities for you.
ACTIVITIES
The twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers provide excellent opportunities to view the Big Five and many other animals in their natural environment. A ranger and tracker, dedicated to your party, will lead you to impressive sightings and impart interesting information about nature and wildlife to you.
Walking in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a unique way of experiencing the wild. Hiking along the river or in the valley is permitted only with a guide and is especially rewarding for those interested in birds, vegetation and folklore.
There is a wide range of additional excursions available at Kwandwe - like the four-hour safari tour to the Valley of the Ancient Voices to see thousand-year-old rock paintings, stone tools and artefacts. There is also a "Walking Adventure" package which includes a full day hike through big game country all along the Great Fish River. You may track rhino on foot under the guidance of an experienced ranger. Visit nearby Grahamstown to explore museums and places of historical interest - the region has a fascinating history. It is also possible to go on polo or golf tours in the vicinity of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Kwandwe has a cosy library with first edition books on the region as well as other valuable books on South African history, fauna and flora.
