&Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Resrve

&Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of South Africas malaria-free Eastern Cape, near Grahamstown, and is the perfect ending to a journey along the famous Garden Route. A conservation victory, Kwandwes diverse 22 000 hectares (54 360 acres) are home to thousands of animals, including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and cheetah. Meaning Place of the Blue Crane in Xhosa, Kwandwe is a haven for a population of these rare, highly endangered birds (South Africas national bird). The Reserve also provides sanctuary for other threatened species, such as the Knysna woodpecker, Cape grysbok, black wildebeest, crowned eagle and black-footed cat. A biological melting pot of various vegetation types, the Reserve boasts a spectacular display of winter flowering aloes from June to August. Kwandwe flanks both the north and south banks of the Great Fish River, which meanders for 30 km through this pristine, private wilderness. GREAT FISH RIVER LODGE &Beyond Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge lies along the lush banks of the Great Fish River, studded with euphorbia and aloe. Thatched roofs soar above guest areas and expansive viewing decks welcome in the vastness of Africa. Fireplaces with massive stone chimneys cast heat and light over the richly woven rugs and yellowwood furniture, enfolding you in the warmth of a frontier farmhouse. Nine luxurious suites boast floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold back to allow spectacular views to be enjoyed from everywhere, including the ensuite bathrooms, with their bath, and indoor and outdoor showers. Cool thatched verandas open out onto a private plunge pool. ECCA LODGE &Beyond Kwandwe A safari lodge with an attitude, Ecca Lodge is one of a kind. Witty and brash, yet intimate, giant Warhol-like prints, retro light fittings, and shades of olive, rust and burnt orange surprise and delight. Pagoda-style corrugated iron roofs playfully top wooden panelled walls interspersed with mesh-covered stone gabions. Minimalist chic flows from spacious living areas in the guest suites to bedroom and bathroom. Glass doors slide back to admit the inviting breezes and fragrances of the bushveld. Wraparound wooden decks lead from sitting rooms and bedrooms to private plunge pools and outdoor showers. Flavours and aromas waft from the open, interactive kitchen, while comfortable loungers beckon around a gorgeous rim-flow lap pool overlooking the expansive vistas. UPLANDS HOMESTEAD &Beyond Kwandwe Available only for sole use by a group or family of up to six, Uplands Homestead is a restored 1905 farmhouse with an Out of Africa character and three spacious ensuite bedrooms with separate balconies. Set in a remote and tranquil valley, Uplands creates authentic frontier comfort with its antiques and memorabilia from centuries past. The elegant atmosphere of olden-style interiors combines with air conditioning and a contemporary farm kitchen. Gathered at the table for mealtimes or frolicking in the full sized swimming pool, families enjoy intimate times together, with a chef, dedicated ranger and tracker team, and a private open 4×4 safari vehicle to cater to their every whim. MELTON MANOR &Beyond Kwandwe A sole-use safari villa for larger families or groups, Melton Manors four ensuite bedrooms look out onto sweeping views of the afromontane forests. This contemporary farmhouse creates humorous warmth, with handmade clay chandeliers and Nguni cow hides that mingle comfortably with painted vintage ball and claw armoires. Spacious bathrooms with big tubs that face the pristine bush beyond add a touch of intimacy to the bathrooms, while a central courtyard with a large, sparkling swimming pool creates a space for sharing. Gracious guest areas with fireplaces invite an evening curled up with a glass of wine or a good novel. The interactive farmhouse kitchen is abuzz with chefs cooking up delicious, wholesome dishes with Eastern Cape flair.