Africa by Lusso

At a glance

22,000 hectares of pristine, malaria-free game viewing
Renowned for the quality of its guiding
One of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa
With both intimate, tranquil lodges and exclusive-use villas, there’s an option to suit families, couples, groups of friends and solo travellers
Activities include game drives, walking safaris and fishing, as well as specialist activities like rhino monitoring, conservation work and photographic safaris

Overview

Kwandwe has really raised the bar for game viewing in the Eastern Cape. The private reserve comprises 22,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, stretched out on either side of the meandering Great Fish River. Thousands of animals call Kwandwe home, including all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) and 315 recorded bird species. A number of accommodation options are available, each with its own distinctive charm and character. Great Fish River lodge is perched on the banks of its namesake river, offering fabulous views in every direction. Its nine spacious suites come with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that fold back to let the landscape in and feature private bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, a built-in bar, private veranda and plunge pool. Meals are served in the candlelit dining room or out in the boma, and facilities include expansive decks for game viewing, plus a library and shop.

Ecca Lodge is set in thick vegetation in the heart of the reserve, overlooking a dense valley and an escarpment of steep cliffs. It offers three double suites and three family suites, all of which feature wraparound decks, outdoor showers and private plunge pools. Family suites also come with a private vehicle and ranger.

Uplands Homestead is the most remote of the exclusive-use villas, offering three en-suite bedrooms, an outdoor pool and a private guide and vehicle.

Melton Manor is a chic and contemporary family villa offering comfortable accommodation across four en-suite bedrooms, all accessed from the villa's central courtyard. A private vehicle and ranger accompany the house, so safari activities are completely flexible.

Finally there's Fort House, an exclusive-use villa with four en-suite bedrooms, free-flowing living and entertainment areas, a wine cellar, pool and a spa treatment room. The house offers views of a private waterhole and expansive flatlands and once again comes with its own vehicle and guide.

No matter where you stay, twice-daily game drives, fishing and walking safaris are included in the rates, with other specialist activities available at a cost, including rhino monitoring, conservation work, photographic safaris and specialist walking and birding safaris.

When to visit

Best

Good

Varied

January

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

126mm

Average Rainfall

January is the peak of the summer season in South Africa. Days are hot and interspersed with spectacular thunderstorms that usually occur in the afternoon. The Eastern Cape is mostly dry with some light rains. Wildlife viewing may be a bit more challenging due to the thicker vegetation, however this is breeding season so expect to see many young animals. Bird watching is very good with many summer migrants.
February

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

107mm

Average Rainfall

As with January, February is the peak of the summer season and tends to be one of the hottest months. Days are hot with rainfall falling in short sharp downpours in the afternoon; the moody skies make for some excellent photography. Due to the rainfall and lush vegetation, many animals give birth, and bird watching is excellent with many summer migrants.
March

28ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

91mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures are still hot during the day. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, meaning layers are recommended when on safari. Bird watching is still very good.
April

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

14ºC

Minimum Tempurature

51mm

Average Rainfall

Temperatures start to cool down as South Africa starts to move into autumn. Days are still warm, dry and clear throughout the country making it a good time to visit. Evenings and early mornings are cooler, and layers are recommended on game drives. Vegetation starts to reduce making game viewing much easier. Bird watching is still good, however many summer migrants are starting to migrate to warmer climes.
May

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

10ºC

Minimum Tempurature

14mm

Average Rainfall

May heralds the end of the summer season in South Africa, with the onset of cooler weather. However, it's still a wonderful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and clear skies. Evenings and early mornings are significantly cooler than previous months, so plenty layers are recommended when on safari, however daytime temperatures are pleasantly mild. Wildlife viewing is good as the vegetation starts to thin out.
June

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

7ºC

Minimum Tempurature

4mm

Average Rainfall

June sees the first proper month of winter in South Africa. The dry season is well underway, landscapes turn to shades of brown and yellow, and the foliage thins out making wildlife viewing much easier. Days are clear and sunny, but evenings and mornings are cold.
July

23ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

10mm

Average Rainfall

July is an excellent time for a safari with less foliage and wildlife gathering around remaining waterholes. Days are sunny and mild, however early mornings and evenings are cold, meaning layers are recommended.
August

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

9ºC

Minimum Tempurature

10mm

Average Rainfall

Early mornings and evenings are cold and layers are recommended, though days are sunny and mild.
September

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

11ºC

Minimum Tempurature

26mm

Average Rainfall

September, like August, is still dry. Even though the days are getting warmer, the mornings and evenings are still chilly, so layers are recommended. Vegetation is still sparse and would have been grazed down during the winter months so visibility for spotting game is excellent.
October

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

14ºC

Minimum Tempurature

76mm

Average Rainfall

October heralds the end of the dry season in many parts of South Africa, with temperatures on the increase. The landscape starts to change with a return to thicker vegetation and greenery, though game viewing and visibility are still good.
November

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

115mm

Average Rainfall

With the rise in temperature there is increased rainfall, which tends to come in spectacular thunderstorms that occur in the late afternoon. With the rains the vegetation thickens, making it more difficult to spot wildlife, and as water becomes more prevalent animals disperse. This is the time of plenty, and many animals will give birth around this time. Many migrant bird species have arrived from Europe for the breeding season.
December

28ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

130mm

Average Rainfall

December is summer in South Africa, with warm temperatures and increased rainfall. Days are warm during the day and cooler at night, and afternoon thunderstorms are to be expected. Game viewing is more challenging as the thicker vegetation reduces visibility. There is also more surface water, so wildlife moves away from the waterholes. However, the lush greenery and a host of migratory birds in their breeding plumage compensate for this.

Location

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, 160 kilometres from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). It's a two-hour road transfer from the airport.

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