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.
Uplands Homestead 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.
In the modernised farm kitchen, Uplands Homestead’s private chef prepares delicious Pan-African cuisine and local specialities. Nothing beats a true CC Africa bush banquet in a surprise setting under the magical African sky.
Accommodation
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead offers guests three suites with beautiful antique mirrors and claw-foot tubs in the bathrooms, along with yellowwood chests and wardrobes in the bedrooms. Amenities include air conditioning and in-room safes.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Uplands Homestead however the recommended minimum age is 6 years.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include a swimming pool and open verandahs. The dining and sitting areas feature high ceilings, wooden floors and beautiful fireplaces.
Activities
Game drives, guided walks, fishing, canoeing, bush picnics and rhino tracking are all included in room rates however 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 Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, 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.
