What method of transportation is recommended to reach Kwandwe Private Game Reserve?
Kwandwe Game Lodge and Uplands Homestead are easily accessible by private charters into the strip on Kwandwe, from where a representative will collect you and transfer you to the lodge. Kwandwe is perfect for self-drive clients. Port Elizabeth is a one-and-a-half hour drive from Kwandwe and has a national airport. Flying time from Port Elizabeth is 30-40 minutes. Driving from Port Elizabeth or East London will take approximately one-and-a-three-quarter hours.

What is the distance from Kwandwe to major centres?
Kwandwe is 20 minutes from Grahamstown and one-and-a-three-quarter hours from Port Elizabeth & East London.

What is the recommended length of stay?
A recommended minimum period is approximately three days. The maximum length is totally up to you.

What is the accommodation type?
Kwandwe Game Lodge: Suites
Uplands Homestead: Restored farm homestead with three luxurious bedrooms


Are there any other features/facilities at the lodge?
Yes. Heatherton Towers is an interpretation centre with conference facilities for 24 delegates. It is situated about 30 minutes drive from the lodge near the curio shop and Kwandwe's reception area. A chapel for approximately 20 guests is also available. Ministers and magistrates are available if sufficient notice is given. A wedding package catering to the specific needs of the families can be organised. Many venues are also available for indoors as well as outdoor ceremonies.

What are the activities?
Morning, afternoon/evening and night game drives in open game viewing vehicles, guided river walking and hiking, bush sundowners and picnics on the reserve, fishing, rhino tracking, sleep outs, visits to hides, Battle Field and Historical Tours to Grahamstown and surroundings can be arranged. Other activities include Pioneer Cultural evenings and story telling, as well as bush breakfasts/dinners - weather permitting. Wild Coast viewing flights can also be arranged.

What are the approximate starting times of the game drives?
Depending on the seasons:

Spring and summer - morning game drive: 6:00 AM
afternoon/evening game drive : 4:30 PM

Autumn and winter - morning game drive: 7:30 AM
- afternoon/evening game drive: 3:30 PM

What is the length of the game drives?
Approximately three to four hours

What is the maximum number of people allowed on the game drives?
Between six and eight guests.

What is the background of the CC Africa trackers, rangers and guides?
Our trackers, rangers and guides are renowned for their heartfelt enthusiasm for Africa. We employ over 200 full-time rangers, guides and trackers, some of whom lack formal education, but possess rich knowledge and skills that are not easily taught.

Is Kwandwe available all year round?
Yes.

Are there brochures available?
Yes.

Is there other literature available?
Two hard cover, illustrated books on CC Africa reserves are available. The Return is about Phinda Private Game Reserve and I Speak of Africa gives indepth coverage of Londolozi Private Game Reserve. The CC Africa Ecological Journal 2001 is a holistic diary of wildlife observations around our lodges and camps.

CC Africa’s free monthly wildlife e-zine, WildWatch runs articles with useful tips on bird-watching, photography, recent wildlife sightings, reviews of nature books, wildlife web links plus an interactive questions and answers section.

What style and type of meals are on offer?
Pan-African cuisine with an emphasis on Eastern Cape classics like Ostrich, Lamb and Venison specialties. Examples of favourite CCA recipies are:

Do you cater for specific diets such as halaal, kosher or vegetarian?
Yes, we cater for all specified diets. When making your booking with our Reservations department, kindly make them aware of the specific diet you require. They will communicate it immediately with the lodge at your African safari destination. Should specific items need to be flown in, there will be an additional charge, which will be quoted separately.

Are children welcome?
Kwandwe Game Lodge: Children over 12 are welcome
Uplands Homestead: all children are welcome

Where can children sleep?
Kwandwe Game Lodge: No triple rooms are possible
Uplands Homestead: Triples are offered. No more than one triple at Uplands at any one time.
Uplands can accommodate a maximum of four adults, two children and one infant (in cot).

What are the activities available for children?
Children five years and younger cannot participate in the regular game drives, unless the Uplands Homestead is reserved (all three rooms). Child-minders can be booked at an additional cost. Other activities for children include painting, fishing and children's Eco-Guides.

Who are the local people?
Xhosa.

How does CC Africa promote ecotourism?
The Africa Foundation is a non-profit organisation. It acts as a catalyst for the development of neighbouring rural communities. Projects include building classrooms, libraries and clinics and sponsoring bursaries. The Foundation empowers small business through providing capital and training. We offer employment opportunities and the local people are often our landlords, who benefit from our rent. CC Africa guests are welcome to visit current projects in neighbouring communities.

What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
As vaccination requirements change from time to time, we suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof) – we will advise you of these.

Anti-malarial precautions are NOT necessary at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. At all other CC Africa lodges and camps, anti-malaria medication is essential.

How is emergency medical cover and travel insurance arranged?
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is included in the rate at all CC Africa lodges. This guarantees all reasonable, practical assistance in obtaining primary or emergency medical services for an insured person who suffers illness or injury.

Please note that this is an evacuation insurance only and does not replace the normal travel insurance which you must purchase.

Can a two to three week circuit with different lodges/camps and activities (including transfers) be arranged?
Yes.

How do I pay?
If your booking is made through a travel agent, they are able to arrange payment details that are most comfortable for you such as fully pre-paid or only accommodation pre-paid.

Are credit cards accepted? If so, which ones?
Yes. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Expressare welcome.

What are the rates?
See Rates Section.

Are there special rates?
Yes. Special rate packages are negotiable.

Are there preferential rates?
Yes. Our preferential rates come in the form of the Bateleur Club. The Club is a membership programme designed specifically for South African residents. Kindly enquire with our Reservations consultant about the Bateleur Club when making your booking.

What are the best times to travel?
All year round.

When is the rainy season?
September.

What are the characteristic species of the area?
Lion, African Elephant, Black and White Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Hippo, Cheetah, Brown Hyena, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Eland, Gemsbuck, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Nyala, Giraffe, Zebra, Springbuck, Impala, Blue Wildebeest, Mountain Reedbuck.


How many species of birds can be found in this area?
Over 200 species of birds can be found in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Kwandwe has a wide variety habitats, ranging from coastal to mountainous to grassland. Crowned Eagle, Black Eagle, Martial Eagle, Blue Cranes, small raptors, Fish Eagle in abundance and a variety of water birds can be seen.