Description
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve stretches along 42 kms of the Great Fish River and the 22,200 hectare reserve is set on the edge of the former Karoo Basin, where several of Africa’s vegetation zones converge and biodiversity is 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.
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Fish River and afromontane forests, Melton Manor has a large swimming pool and central courtyard and is the perfect escape for a family safari, accommodating up to eight guests. The elegant and simple design incorporates earthy, organic finishes, deep inviting sofas, gorgeous Nguni rugs, dramatic photography and celebrates the style of the early frontier days.
The four en suite bedrooms feature innovative "butler hatches" for discreet room service and the interactive kitchen is a cosy place where guests can muck in with Melton Manor’s expert chef.
Accommodation
Melton Manor offers 4 guest rooms with an expansive veranda, enormous bed and butler hatch for discrete morning service. Sandstone walls and crocheted blankets in funky shades evoke a nostalgic yet cosy atmosphere. Relax and unwind in deep bathtubs and enjoy stunning bushveld views through large windows.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Melton Manor however the recommended minimum age is 6 years.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include a swimming pool and a library where you can relax with good book or play a variety of board games. The farm-style kitchen offers mouthwatering cuisine which can be enjoyed at the dining table, on the terrace or in the ox wagon boma.
Activities
Game drives, guided walks, fishing, canoeing, bush picnics and rhino tracking are all included in room rates. Archaeological drives are charged additionally.
When to travel
Game viewing is excellent all year round. Summers (October to March) are hot and wet, were as winters (May to August) are cool and dry. Daytime temperatures in summer are high and may soar above 36°C/97°F. Winter is known to produce beautiful warm days, though the evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly.
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Kwandwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Nestled in the heart of South Africa's unspoilt Eastern Cape province lies Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a world-class Big Five safari experience in 22 000 hectares (54 000 acres) of pristine private wilderness and featuring 30 km of privately owned river frontage of the Great Fish River.
How to get there
Guests are advised to fly to Port Elizabeth and proceed to Kwandwe by road or air transfer. A flight from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth takes about 1h40m. The distance from Port Elizabeth to Kwandwe is 160km (100 miles) and can be comfortably covered by road in 1 hour and 45 minutes. A flight from Port Elizabeth directly to the Kwandwe Airstrip takes approximately 30 minutes. Transfers to the Lodge from the airstrip or Port Elizabeth can be arranged by Kwandwe.
