Rothwell Rose

Ecca Lodge has a wonderfully relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with expansive wrap-around wooden decks, vibrant colours and stylish African artwork creating a setting quite unlike any other. There are just 6 suites, each decorated very differently, with super-king sized beds, vast bathrooms with freestanding baths, separate lounge areas, and vast wrap-around decks with private pools and outdoor showers. 3 of the suites are family suites and can accommodate 2 children on single beds in the lounge area. This suites are sold at a ‘per suite’ rate which includes the cost of a private safari vehicle and guide.

For children there are a wide range of specialist kids activities, such as the Minno’s fishing trip, ranger practice and pizza making, mean that no matter what your ages there is something to do for everybody, and the whole family will be kept entertained from dawn until dusk.

Set overlooking a valley in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Ecca Lodge offers 6 expansive suites, ideally located for enjoying the beautiful bushveld views with a backdrop of a steep cliff escarpment. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve lies approximately 65km from the coast and 45km inland from Grahamstown. This is a pristine safari destination in 22,000 hectares of private wilderness, making it the largest private Big Five game viewing area in South Africa. The reserve can be reached by daily scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth or Plettenberg Bay to the Kwandwe airstrip, or by road. The drive from Port Elizabeth takes around 1hr45m and transfers can be arranged for those not self-driving.

As a family friendly safari option we don’t think there are many places that can beat Kwandwe Ecca Lodge. The suites are perfect for families and the guides are incredibly well trained and passionate in what they do, more than capable of inspiring any youngsters and providing the whole family with memories they will never forget. However if you’re travelling as a couple or on your honeymoon Ecca Lodge can also be wonderful, meals are eaten separately, you’d have a vast beautiful suite all to yourselves, and with the family suites having private vehicles you can rest assured that you wouldn’t be having to share your game drives with any young children.

There are 6 suite at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge. 3 suites are doubles for couples, and 3 are family suites that come with a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker included in the price. These are perfectly suited for families of 4 with 2 children under 16.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a malaria free destination.

Children of all ages are accepted at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge.

A gym in a bag is provided in the suite In-room spa treatments are also available.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is closed each year from 17th May to 11th June.

The reserve can be reached by daily scheduled flights from Port Elizabeth or Plettenberg Bay to the Kwandwe airstrip, or by road. The drive from Port Elizabeth takes around 1hr45m and transfers can be arranged for those not self-driving.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is fully inclusive. Rates include: accommodation, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip, all meals, soft drinks, South African premium and sparkling wines, local and premium brand spirits, beers and game drives refreshments, safari ctivities, fishing safaris, night drives, laundry, child-minding, emergency medical evacuation insurance and VAT. A private vehicle is also included in the rate for the Family Suites. Rates exclude: community and conservation levy per person per night, champagne, cigars, in-room massage treatments, gratuities.

Day and night game drives

Walking safaris (aged 12+)

Local community visits

Bush breakfasts and dinners

Fishing on the Galpin Dam

Specialist photographic safaris

Boat safari and floating pontoon

Rhino monitoring and darting experience