Ecca Lodge

At Kwandwe's Ecca Lodge, guests can enjoy outdoor dining experiences that immerse them in the African wilderness. The lodge offers bush breakfasts, dinners, and sundowners, allowing guests to dine amidst the reserve's natural beauty. Additionally, picnics can be arranged in scenic locations within the reserve, enhancing the safari experience.

Master the art of barbequing while on safari at Kwandwe! Learn to prepare and cook authentic South African 'braais' using local ingredients. A beloved social tradition, the 'braai' involves grilling meat over an open fire, offering a true taste of South African outdoor cooking. Additional costs apply.

Experience the natural beauty of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Led by an armed ranger and tracker, you'll track the Big Five and a variety of other wildlife. Morning drives reveal predators concluding their nocturnal hunts, while cooler hours offer prime grazing opportunities. In the late afternoon, animals gather at the river to drink. As night falls, rare sightings may include aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox, and porcupine.

Designed to match your experience level, a photographic guide offers expert advice on camera settings, composition, and photography techniques. Alternatively, relax and immerse yourself in the safari while your specialist guide captures stunning images for you. Additional costs may apply.

Enjoy unlimited time searching for rare bird species with a specialist guide who knows where, when, and how to find them. With intimate knowledge of Kwandwe’s 315 recorded bird species, your guide will help enhance your understanding of South Africa’s diverse birdlife. Additional costs may apply.

Kwandwe offers unforgettable sunrise and sunset stops, where guides transform into world-class chefs, preparing snacks and drinks for guests to enjoy. There's nothing quite like a breakfast on the go or tapas at sunset, making each moment truly special.

Between game drives, explore the hidden wonders of the bush on a leisurely walk near your lodge. Wander through dense euphorbia thickets, home to lichens, mosses, and nesting birds of prey. Led by an armed ranger, encounter antelope, giraffe, warthog, and zebra up close.

Embark on the thrill of tracking big game—white rhino, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo—on foot, guided by an armed specialist ranger and tracker. This 3 to 4-hour walk concludes with a scenic picnic along the Great Fish River or in the bush.

Kwandwe’s cooler months provide the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness on foot. Step out from your lodge or villa and explore Kwandwe’s vast landscape, journeying to a private fly-camp for the night. Accompanied by a private guide, move through the dynamic terrain and become part of the land’s story. Enjoy cooking a meal over open flames by the fire, share stories, and listen to the sounds of Africa, all under a star-filled sky for an authentic bush camp experience. Additional costs may apply.

Kwandwe offers diverse fishing experiences in still waters or the Great Fish River. Try catching Large Mouth Bass with artificial lures or a fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam or enjoy coarse fishing in the river or other dams for Yellowfish, Carp, and Sharptooth Catfish.

Join a specialist ranger and tracker for a 3-4-hour rhino tracking experience. Learn about rhino behavior, the threat of poaching, and Kwandwe’s conservation efforts. The journey concludes with refreshments at a scenic bush location. Additional costs may apply.

Backstage at Kwandwe offers a unique opportunity to join the conservation team and get a behind-the-scenes look at managing a privately owned reserve, where every aspect of flora and fauna is carefully monitored and protected.

We offer a variety of fun activities for children at our properties. Upon arrival, children receive a welcome gift that includes an Eco-nect Guide with animal checklists, themed games, a 'live green' pledge, crayons/pencils, and an age-appropriate gift from our gift shop. Families can participate in adventurous activities such as kite building, scavenger hunts across the reserve with clues that lead to hidden items, and treasure hunts during game drives. These activities teach basic navigation using a sun-compass and help children learn how to use landscape features to find the treasure.

A range of wellness treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Inspired by Africa’s rich heritage, our treatments and rituals are designed to celebrate the deep connection between Mother Earth and life, reflecting the harmony in which Africa’s original inhabitants lived with nature.

The Ubunye Foundation, established in 2002, is our social development arm, dedicated to investing in nine rural communities, including two within the Kwandwe reserve. Guests have the unique opportunity to support the Foundation by donating items, participating in activities, or making financial contributions.