Award-winning lodges & villas with heart & soul

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Only 1¾ hours (160 km) from Port Elizabeth, Kwandwe benefits from easy access and so much more! Dramatically perched above the Great Fish River, the luxurious Great Fish River Lodge is located in the malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. The founding lodge on the reserve, Great Fish River Lodge features a classic-contemporary style and has been designed around a theme of simple elegance that embraces its splendid setting, high up on a steep bank overlooking the Great Fish River. This gem of tranquillity and peace is an elegant fusion of natural materials and neutral tones, juxtaposed against sweeping landscapes. 9 beautiful suites feature classic-contemporary interiors, fold-away glass doors and private decks with plunge pools and endless views. Unwind in the spacious guest rooms appreciating the uninterrupted vistas from wraparound viewing decks or socialise before a roaring fireplace. Browse through the elegant library and safari shop and select quality wines from the cellar for pairing with the delicious Pan-African cuisine. Dine under the star-studded sky in the boma, or in a candlelit dining room. Romantic meals can be served in the privacy of your suite. This is one for the dreamy romantics, the honeymooners, couples and individuals seeking the luxury of space and private seclusion.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

The vibrant little sister to Great Fish River Lodge, Ecca Lodge is ideally suited to families and the young at heart. With stunning views over densely vegetated valleys and escarpments, Ecca is set in the heart of the reserve in thick vegetation. Embracing an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, Ecca has only 6 suites (3 of which are dedicated to families) and radiates a relaxed, intimate and trendy ambiance, with the décor inspired by the vibrant colours and textures of Africa. Family suites accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (under 16 years on day beds in the lounge) and include a private vehicle and ranger. All rooms have private plunge pools and outdoor showers to enhance the connection with nature. The child-friendly property includes an interactive kitchen and play centre, and kids can splash about in the shared lodge pool with its expansive decks and spacious living zones. Additional family activities include kite building, board games, scavenger hunts & more. Enjoy candlelit meals presented in romantic surroundings, paired with fine wines and friendly service.

Kwandwe Safari Homes

Kwandwe does family safaris well, with its three exclusive-use safari homes – all uniquely and privately positioned to capture the very best of this wild and expansive reserve. The reserve has one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa and Kwandwe’s private homes are all about choosing your own safari schedule, exploring and discovering together, and sharing convivial meals. Choose between the 4-bedroom Melton Manor, a super stylish 4-bedroom private farmhouse that blends a modern, playful look with rustic farmhouse chic. Or opt for the more modern 4-bedroom Kwandwe Fort House, a contemporary-styled home with a safari chic look. Kwandwe’s Uplands Homestead is a 19th century farmhouse, high in the hills and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens and filled with antiques, drapes and beautifully preserved, fixtures and fittings. What they all have in common is a full complement of private staff to keep things easy, flexible and tuned into your needs – and all of the magic, for a blissful and stress-free family safari.

Details

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
• Perched on the banks of the Great Fish River
• Calm & Serene: contemporary classic décor, neutral tones, thatched roofs, natural interiors with views of the Great Fish River
• Elegant, subtle charm with expansive decks & peaceful outlooks
• Diversity: wide variety of wildlife and bird species on the Kwandwe reserve
• 9 Luxurious Suites with folding glass doors that spill out onto expansive decks with private plunge pools
• Dine as you Wish: on your private deck, in the candlelit dining room, or in the cosy boma under a starlit sky

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
• Fun and funky, this family-friendly lodge is set deep in the Kwandwe Private Reserve, overlooking an escarpment of steep shale cliffs
• Intimate & unique: 6 spacious suites with giant glass walls, Warhol-esque prints, vibrant colours, outdoor showers, wraparound decks & private plunge pools
• Spend time visiting the Ubunye Foundation and hear about the fantastic work they are doing with the local rural communities – a wonderful insight into a different way of life for older kids
• Superb game viewing in a brilliant, malaria-free setting

Kwandwe Safari Homes
• Three exclusive-use safari homes – all uniquely and privately positioned to capture the very best of this wild and expansive reserve
• Choose between 4-bedroom Melton Manor, a super stylish 4-bedroom private farmhouse blends a modern, playful look with rustic farmhouse chic, the more modern 4-bedroom Kwandwe Fort House, a contemporary-styled home with a safari chic look or Uplands Homestead is a 19th century farmhouse, high in the hills and surrounded by lush, manicured gardens and filled with antiques, drapes and beautifully preserved, fixtures and fittings.
• All safari homes come with a full complement of private staff to keep things easy, flexible and tuned into your needs…all of the ingredients, for a blissful and stress-free family safari

Trips featuring Eastern Cape

There are thousands of ways our travellers can experience Africa. Our bespoke itineraries are created to ensure your trip is just right for you.

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Exquisite Namibia Fly-in Safari

12 days from $11,019 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $8,869 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $6,985 per person

10 nights featuring the best of Southern Africa

Cape Town, Vic Falls & Botswana

11 days from $6,254 per person

10 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia Self-Drive and Private Guided Safari

11 days from $5,885 per person

7 nights featuring the best of

Livingstone and Lower Zambezi

8 days from $6,299 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Enchanting Botswana

13 days from $9,195 per person

8 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibia’s Desert Wanderers of the North-West

9 days from $9,535 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Karoo & Eastern Cape Safari

10 days from $5,269 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Ultimate South Africa

13 days from $13,405 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Overberg, Kruger and Mozambique

14 days from $10,305 per person (based on 8 people sharing)

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Luxury Namibia Fly-in and Private Guided Safari

7 days from $8,125 per person

13 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Namibian Guided Safari for Families

14 days from $9,235 per person

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Kruger and Mozambique

12 days from $9,035 per person

9 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Duba, Zarafa and Jacks

10 days from $18,965 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Battlefield Bush and Beach

10 days from $3,149 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Mana Pools, Kariba and Vic Falls

16 days from $16,345 per person

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Alternative stays in Eastern Cape

Discover our other world-class accommodation options.

Kwandwe
Kwandwe
Samara Private Game Reserve
Samara Private Game Reserve
Shamwari Sindile
Shamwari Sindile
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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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