Ecca Lodge

Dining at Ecca Lodge is an exploration of taste and innovation, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are crafted into simple yet extraordinary dishes. Indulge in South African-inspired cuisine, ranging from richly savory to wonderfully delicate, all complemented by an exceptional selection of wines. Whether you choose to dine in the chic indoor space or on the spacious deck, each meal offers a unique experience. From a relaxed post-safari breakfast to a light poolside lunch or an elegant multi-course dinner, every bite captures the spirit of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve.

Gourmet Stops on the Go at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve offer a unique twist to your safari experience. During morning and afternoon game drives, guides become world-class chefs, preparing gourmet snacks and drinks at carefully selected scenic spots. Whether it’s a delicious breakfast on the go or tapas at sunset, these stops provide a relaxed and memorable way to enjoy the beauty of the reserve.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join Kwandwe’s conservation team on a private, hands-on experience tracking and monitoring rhinos in their natural habitat. Spend 3 - 4 hours tracking rhino with a specialist ranger and tracker team and use bush skills, telemetry, drones, and AI to help identify these critically endangered animals while learning about the innovative efforts to protect them. This interactive drive offers a rare insight into rhino conservation, where your participation directly contributes to their survival. The experience ends with refreshments at a scenic spot in the bush. Available year-round, subject to availability. Additional costs may apply.

Experience a unique four-night, five-day safari for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a private conservation reserve. Join Kwandwe’s conservation team in vital activities like rhino monitoring, learning about the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit, and contributing to the Spekboom reforestation project. Guests can also assist in darting a rhino for procedures like ear-notching and DNA sampling, crucial for the species’ survival. Available from May to September, this experience is subject to the reserve’s priorities, with prior booking required and an additional cost.

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.

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.

Children can explore the reserve with scavenger hunts (within lodge/villa grounds), fishing trips, and treasure hunts. At the lodge, activities include facepainting, beading, cookie decorating, eco-board games, sand art, and African bedtime stories. Guides also do 'spoor casting' with kids - a favorite for all! Specially curated kids' menu features delicious and nutritious options designed for young diners.

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.