Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Take 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) of farmland. Restore it and restock it with African wildlife. Overlap it with six of South Africa’s seven biomes. Situate it in an area that is malaria free and within a two-hour drive of a major airport, miles of sun drenched coastline, and tourist attractions that will please even finicky adults and kids. Add the intrigue of frontier land and wars between Dutch farmers, English settles and Xhosa nation. The result? A small gem. Kwandwe or place of the blue crane in Xhosa is ideal for families in search of a wildlife safari that offers more than excellent birding and exceptional wildlife viewing.
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Getting there
Situated in the Great Fish River region of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, Kwandwe is a 2-hour drive on excellent roads from Port Elizabeth and its well-served domestic airport. Both major carriers and low-cost airlines offer service between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. A shuttle service from Port Elizabeth is available and reservations can be made through reserve lodges. Most major car rental companies operate from the Port Elizabeth airport.
When to travel
Game viewing is best during the late winter and early spring (July-September), The average daytime temperature is 24°C (75°F) between November and April and 20°C (68°F) from May to October. The average nighttime temperature is significantly cooler in both summer and winter. While rain showers are most likely from October to March, precipitation is possible year round.
Travel health & child safety
The Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape Province. In South Africa, malaria is a risk in some coastal areas as well as the provinces bordering Mozambique.
Things to keep in mind
Traveling in the winter? Plan to dress in layers; winter nights can get cold. A hat, jacket and gloves will keep children and adults warm on early morning and late afternoon game drives.
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