Kwandwe Ecca Lodge – Eastern Cape

Set in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, Ecca Lodge offers breath taking views onto an escarpment of steep shale cliffs Featuring six suites, of which three are dedicated to families. The double suites can accommodate 2 adults each and the family suites accommodate 2 adults and 2 children (under 16yrs on day beds in the lounge).

The family suites also include a private vehicle and ranger. Private vehicle is available at an additional cost for guests staying in a double suite.

The lodge is intimate, relaxed and trendy with décor inspired by the vibrant colours and textures of our nearby villages.

The suites of Ecca Lodge are airy and open with flowing interiors that extend outwards to the wilderness. Wraparound decks, complete with private plunge pools and outdoor showers, offer sweeping views and complete relaxation. All ages are welcome. 

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge Couple Suite(s)

Set in thick vegetation overlooking a dense valley, Ecca Lodge offers breathtaking views onto an escarpment of steep shale cliffs.

Six spacious and private suites are located a short distance away from the main lodge area, each in its own position away from the other suites. Each suite features a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower, separate w.c, twin hand basin and a private deck with plunge pool.

Interior design reflects the vibrant colours and textures of Africa. Main guest areas feature a spacious sitting room with fireplace, dining room and bar area as well as a deep veranda with expansive wooden viewing deck overlooking rolling spekboom valleys.

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge Family Suite(s)

Family Suites accommodate 2 adults and 2 children and includes a private vehicle and ranger. Each suite features a bedroom with en-suite bathroom,a lounge with two day beds which are turned into beds for the kids, indoor and outdoor shower, separate w.c, twin hand basin and a private deck with plunge pool.

Interior design reflects the vibrant colours and textures of Africa. Main guest areas feature a spacious sitting room with fireplace, dining room and bar area as well as a deep veranda with expansive wooden viewing deck overlooking rolling spekboom valleys.

Game Drives: Twice Daily (Included)

Explore the natural splendour of Kwandwe on early morning and late afternoon / evening game drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. An armed ranger and tracker team share their extensive knowledge of the bush with you as you track the Big Five, as well as a variety of other wildlife.

Morning drives begin as dawn breaks over the Great Fish River, providing the opportunity to see predators winding up their nocturnal hunts and settling in for the day. Many animals take advantage of the cool morning hours to graze before the heat of the day. In the late afternoon wildlife can often be spotted coming down to the river to drink. Night drives produces some unusual sightings, including aardvark, aardwolf, bat-eared fox and porcupine.

Big Game Walking Safari (Included)

Experience the thrill of tracking big game (white rhino, black rhino, elephant and buffalo) on foot, accompanied by an armed specialist ranger and tracker team. The walk lasts 3 to 4 hours and ends with a picnic lunch on the banks of the Great Fish River or at a scenic spot in the bush. Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.

Fishing Safari (Included)

Kwandwe offers a variety of fishing options, either in still water or in the Great Fish River. Try your hand at catching Large Mouth Bass on artificial lures or fly rod in the reserve’s largest dam. Coarse (bait) fishing can also be tried in either the Great Fish River or one of the other large dams to target Yellowfish, Carp, Sharptooth Catfish and more. A fun activity for children as well as for adults.

Interpretive Bush Walks (Included)

In between game drives, take a closer look at the subtle, unseen wonders of the bush on a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge. Dense euphorbia thickets are best explored on foot, revealing a secret world of lichen, mosses and ferns. Various birds of prey and other species nest in the taller trees or in the spiny canopy. An armed ranger guides guests through ‘up close and personal’ sightings of various antelope species, giraffe, warthog or zebra. Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Children’s Activities (Included)

We have a variety of children’s activities at our properties:

– Children receive a welcome gift on arrival which includes an Eco-nect Guide comprising animal checklists, themed games and activities, and a pledge to ‘live green’ (‘Junior’ for under 6’s and ‘Senior’ for ages 6 and up), crayons/ pencils, and an age appropriate gift from our gift shop.

– Families can participate in fun and adventurous activities on the reserve, including kite building, scavenger hunts across the reserve with thought-provoking clues to seek hidden items which will help you in your next task… or treasure hunts during a game drive which teach basic navigation using a sun-compass and how to use major landscape features in order to find the treasure!

– Giving back: families have the opportunity to plant Spekboom, a type of thicket vegetation that is native to the Eastern Cape and prolific on the reserve, and one of the top five carbon-storing vegetations on the planet. In this way they are encouraged to offset their carbon footprints.

– Activities are tailored according to individual and family interests and skillsets. For young guests this includes assisting with gardening projects at the local Mgcamabele Community; participating in arts and craft activities; and toddlers are invited to join in playtime at the pre-school.

– Children are also welcome to participate in Kwandwe’s ‘Knit a Bit’ program. The knitted squares are joined to make blankets and given to the Ubunye Foundation that distributes them the communities surrounding Kwandwe.

– Other activities for children include ‘crumpet creatures’ (using a variety of coloured crumpet mixtures in squeezy bottles, the ranger and kids will create animal shaped crumpets); sand art, making moulds from Plaster of Paris, beading, Minnow’s fishing trip with a ranger, baking and pizza making with specially designed ‘Chefs in Training’ aprons and toques, DVDs and popcorn, eco educational board games (learning about recycling and the how to care for our planet in a fun way) and African bedtime stories.