Kwandwe

Operated by the hugely successful &Beyond group (previously CC Africa), Kwandwe is my top choice of the Eastern Cape reserves. Covering 20,000 hectares (49,400 acres), the reserve has two lodges, Great Fish River Lodge and Ecca, as well as Uplands, a gracious 1905 farmhouse that can accommodate six, and Melton Manor, a single-unit house full of quirky, homely luxuries accommodating eight. A Relais & Châteaux member, it has the added benefit of 30km (19 miles) of Great Fish River frontage -- a big contrast to the slightly arid Eastern Cape environment. Located on the banks of the river, Great Fish River Lodge looks as though it had been furnished for Karen Blixen: Persian rugs, antiques, hand-stitched damask linen, cut-glass decanters, African spears, and old-style hunting prints -- all very Out of Africa. The nine suites have fabulous views (even from the Victorian tub), thatched viewing decks, and private plunge pools. Ecca Lodge, with its contemporary corrugated iron and stone gabion architecture set on rolling slopes, is unusual and surprising. I love how it blurs the lines between indoors and outside, and the modern suites are enormous and airy, but it won't work for everyone. Kwandwe is 2 hours' drive from the P.E. airport.

Facilities:
Dining area; bar; lounge; boma; bush walks; game drives; room service; free Wi-Fi

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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