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.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve 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.

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.

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.

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