Kwandwe Melton Manor
The 54,000 acre Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is in the heart of South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape and has five 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
The four large en-suite bedrooms at Kwandwe Melton Manor are arranged around a central courtyard and swimming pool. The style here is of retro chic, a modern take on a contemporary frontier farmhouse, and each bedroom has a private verandah and air conditioning. A library, sitting room, dining room and interactive kitchen complete the facilities. There are two sets of interleading suites (master bedroom with interleading door to children’s bedroom) ideal for families. The swimming pool is unfenced although a net is available on request. There is not a shallow end or slope but there is a large step for kids to play on. Melton Manor can be taken on an exclusive use basis by up to eight people, or rooms can be booked individually. A child’s cot is available on request.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times and a children’s menu is available with fun mealtime 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 advance notice. Child-minders are available with prior arrangement at no additional cost. All child-minders are first-aid trained.
Wildlife & Activities
Kwandwe is home to some intriguing habitats and good wildlife, 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 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 …
• Lounge offers TV with a library of DVDs and games.
• The villa is fenced and consequently there are safe outdoor play areas including open bushveld area for children to run around. Cricket sets and ball games are available
• A Private vehicle and guide offers tailor-made flexibility for safari activities and Melton’s dedicated guide is great with children.
• Kwandwe runs a ‘families Eco-Nect’ programme whereby there are age appropriate games and activities such as kite building, scavenger hunts (incorporated into game drives), making fire with sticks, art activities, treasure hunts and conservation programmes.
