11 Travelling in Southern Africa - Sagolfandleisure.co.za

GAME RESERVES
70
SA golf &
Leisure Vacations
LOCATION
Historically rich Eastern Cape
FACILITIES
• Game drives
• Guided bush walks
• Bush sundowners and picnics
• Photographic safaris
• Rhino capture and research
• Archaeological, battlefield and
historical tours
• Bush breakfasts/dinners
• Scenic coastal flights
• Specialist safaris
• Carnivore research
CONTACTS
T: 27 11 809 4441
E: safaris@andbeyond.com
www.andBeyond.com
Eastern Cape
•
KWANDWE PRIVATE gAME RESERVE
&Beyond Kwandwe Private game Reserve lies in the
heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, near
grahamstown, and is the perfect ending to a journey
along the famous garden Route. A conservation
victory, Kwandwe’s diverse 22 000 hectares 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 also a haven for
this rare, highly endangered bird – South Africa’s national
bird – as well as for other threatened species. Kwandwe
flanks both the north and south banks of the great Fish
River, which meanders for 30 km through this pristine,
private wilderness.
Kwandwe is home to four spectacular lodges, each
with its own unique style.
great Fish River Lodge lies along the lush banks of
the great Fish River. Thatched roofs soar above guest
areas and expansive viewing decks. Stone fireplaces
cast heat and light over the richly woven rugs and
yellowwood furniture. Nine luxurious suites boast floorto-ceiling
folding glass doors. Cool thatched verandas
open onto private plunge pools.
Ecca Lodge is witty and brash, yet intimate. Pagoda-
style corrugated iron roofs playfully top panelled walls
and mesh-covered stone gabions. 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 rim-flow lap pool.
Uplands Homestead is available only for use by
groups of up to 6. A restored 1905 farmhouse with 3
spacious en suite bedrooms, it is set in a remote, tranquil
valley. gathered at the table for mealtimes or frolicking
in the full-sized swimming pool, families enjoy intimate
times together, with a chef, ranger and tracker team, and
a private safari vehicle to cater to their every whim.
Melton Manor, also a sole-use safari villa, offers 4
en suite bedrooms looking out onto the afromontane
forests. This contemporary farmhouse creates humorous
warmth, its handmade clay chandeliers and Nguni
cow hides mingling comfortably with painted vintage
armoires. A central courtyard with large swimming pool
encourages sharing, while gracious guest areas invite
to an evening curled up at the fireplace. The interactive
farmhouse kitchen is always abuzz with chefs cooking up
delicious dishes with Eastern Cape flair. •
Plunge pool
Bathroom Ecca Lodge