Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
The 54,000 acre Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape and houses four separate lodges. It is a safari destination in its own right or could be the natural conclusion or beginning to a journey along the world-famous Garden Route. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is contemporary in style with its rooms constructed from stone gabions, providing light and airy accommodation with a modern slant to it. The decoration is lively and fun and each of the six suites has a generous sitting room. The main areas of the lodge include an open-plan, interactive kitchen, sitting room, dining room, bar area, children’s play centre and larger swimming pool. The pool has steps that kids can play on, however there is no slope or shallow end. Three of the six suites are family suites that can accommodate two adults and two children (under 16 years) on daybeds in the sitting room. Cots are available for children under two years. The wraparound wooden decks have private plunge pools (with safety nets available on request) and other facilities include air-conditioning, in-room bar and indoor and outdoor showers. Included with a family suite is a private vehicle, ranger and tracker.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and a children’s menu is available with favourites such as fish cakes with veggies and homemade chips, vegetable soup and freshly baked bread, DIY pizzas with fun toppings and fresh fruit salad. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice. Child-minders are available with prior arrangement at no additional cost.
Wildlife & Activities
Kwandwe is home to some intriguing habitats and good game, including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo, elephant and cheetah. Predators are often sighted and there’s a good chance (in the African winter months) of seeing the elusive aardvark. During a stay here guests can enjoy day and night game drives, guided bush walks, picnics, bush sundowners and fishing on the river, or can simply choose to do nothing and absorb this vast, private wilderness.
Specifically for children…
• The particularly child friendly guides are allocated to families.
• Kwandwe runs a ‘families Eco-Nect’ programme whereby children receive an age appropriate gift on arrival including animal checklists, themed games and activities. This is divided into junior (under 6) and senior (6+) categories.
• Kite building, scavenger hunts (incorporated into game drives), making fire with sticks, art activities, treasure hunts and conservation programmes.
• Cooking and baking classes safari activities.
• A playroom area with games and interactive activities is close to the main pool/lodge area.
